New 8-Bit RISC Microcontrollers Feature World's First OTP Program Memory With Secure EEPROM Data Memory.

CHANDLER, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 22, 1998--Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ:MCHP) Monday introduced the PIC16CE62X family of 8-bit RISC microcontrollers featuring 512-2048 words of one-time programmable (OTP) program memory and 128 bytes of secure EEPROM data memory.

With 96-128 bytes of additional SRAM data memory, the three devices in the PIC16CE62X family operate up to 20 MHz with 5 MIPS of single-cycle instruction execution.

Secure Microcontroller Solution

EEPROM data memory in microcontrollers is typically used to store serial numbers, security codes, serialized seed numbers, diagnostic history and calibration values. In many of these devices, the EEPROM has an external access mode. Because the EEPROM data can be externally read from the microcontroller, the entire system is vulnerable to unwanted access.

While some microcontrollers have provided the capability of having the EEPROM "dumped" and even modified via an external access mode without the control of the microcontroller core, the data can still be compromised.

The microcontroller core of the PIC16CE62X however controls the EEPROM peripheral access directly. In order to access the EEPROM, the microcontroller's program memory would need to be reprogrammed. This of course is not possible in OTP-based devices, making the PIC16CE62X a secure solution.

"Many design engineers want the benefits of on-chip EEPROM for critical system parameter storage, but understand that this data can be vulnerable to unwanted access--even when no power is applied to the system," said Damon Chu, strategic marketing manager for Microchip. "The PIC16CE62X microcontroller solution provides a physical chip design in which the EEPROM power is controlled by the microcontroller."

Product Specifications

The three new microcontrollers feature 13 I/O pins, 35 single-cycle instructions (200 ns execution time), 8-bit timer/counter with 8-bit programmable prescaler. Maximum power consumption is 2.5 microamps allowing for maximum battery life in battery-operated systems. At 1,000,000 erase/write cycles, Microchip's EEPROM technology offers the highest endurance performance in the industry, along with data retention of greater than 40 years.

The PIC16CE62X family features a flexible analog comparator module with two analog comparators, programmable on-chip voltage reference module, programmable input multiplexing from device inputs and internal voltage reference and comparator outputs can be output signals.

Eight comparator modes can be selected via firmware during operation to match the required data acquisition requirements. The analog comparator module is unique for 8-bit microcontrollers, allowing the feedback of one comparator's output into the input of another.

With the high performance RISC architecture, the on-chip EEPROM data memory inexpensively enables critical system parameter storage for temperature settings, user convenience modes, passwords, phone numbers, serial numbers, identification or even security codes.

Typical applications for these devices include appliances, remote controls, security systems, cellular telephones, automotive creature comforts, battery chargers, telecommunications diagnostic equipment, PC peripherals and smart sensors.

Enhanced Manufacturing Efficiencies

"High volume manufacturing demands the fastest throughput possible. Compared with Flash memory, OTP program memory provides significantly greater throughput which lowers manufacturing costs when machine depreciation and labor costs are taken into account. By cutting the process flow in hours for high volume runs, OEMs may realize a savings of several dollars per board," said Chu.

Microchip's PICmicro(TM) EEPROM and OTP microcontrollers feature In-Circuit Serial Programming(TM) (ICSP(TM)) capability. ICSP allows the microcontroller to be programmed after being placed in a circuit board, offering tremendous flexibility, reduced development time and manufacturing cycles and improve time to market.

This popular technology also enables reduced cost of field upgrades, system calibration during manufacturing, the addition of unique identification codes to the system and calibration of system in the field. Requiring only 2 I/O pins for most devices, Microchip offers the most non-intrusive programming.

"The affordable, OTP program memory capabilities offered by the PIC16CE62X and the PICmicro architecture solve a range of critical business problems for our customers," said Chu.

"Engineering managers can react faster to code changes and reduce the time required to fix bugs or respond to special customer requests for changes. OTP also reduces the design verification cycle, which can be as long as 16 weeks with competitive ROM-based devices. OTP and on-board programming address procurement issues by reducing and limiting WIP liability and facilitating code revision," Chu explained.

"Microchip's worldwide distributors stock OTP devices, allowing customers to meet upside sales opportunities or accommodate engineering changes off the shelf."

Development Systems Support

The PIC16CE62X are supported by the PICMASTER(R) Universal Development System, the industry's most complete, fully integrated programming development and emulation system. Operating in the Microsoft Windows(R) environment, the comprehensive PICMASTER is available for $2,490 without the PRO MATE(R) II device programmer ($3,345 with PRO MATE II).

The development system features the MPLAB(TM) Integrated Development Environment, which gives users the flexibility to edit, compile, emulate and program parts all from a single user interface--at no additional cost. A CE-compliant version of PICMASTER is available for European applications.

A low-cost PICmicro MCU development option is PICSTART(R) Plus, a development software suite and a programmer supported by assembler and simulator software tools. Other support and development tools include a C compiler, programming development support, MPASM microcontroller assembler and MPLAB-SIM software simulator.

The PIC16CE62X family is available in a broad package offering, including windowed CERDIP, PDIP, SOIC and SSOP. Pricing in 1,000-unit quantities (commercial temperature version) is $1.61 each for the PIC16CE623-04/P, $1.91 each for the PIC16CE624-04/P, and $2.17 each for the PIC16CE625-04/P.

Samples are planned for June 1998 and volume production is expected in August 1998. Contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor for more information.

Microchip Technology Inc. manufactures the PICmicro(TM) family of 8-bit RISC-based microcontrollers--with OTP, Enhanced FLASH, EEPROM and ROM memory technologies; serial EEPROMs and related specialty memory products; and KEELOQ(R) code hopping devices. These products target thousands of embedded control applications in the consumer, automotive, office automation, communications and industrial markets. Microchip's quality systems are ISO 9001 certified.

Headquartered near Phoenix in Chandler, Microchip employs approximately 2,200 people worldwide and has sales offices throughout Asia, Europe, Japan and the Americas.

Note to Editors: The Microchip name and logo, PIC, PICMASTER, PICSTART, PRO MATE and KEELOQ are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Inc. in the United States and other countries. PICmicro and MPLAB are trademarks of Microchip Technology Inc. in the United States and other countries. I2C is a trademark of Philips. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

CONTACT: Microchip Technology Inc., Chandler

Eric Sells, 602/786-7478 (Editors)

Reader/Literature Inquiries: 602/786-7668

www.microchip.com