Microchip Technology Expands Design Partner Program

More Than 700 Authorized Partners Worldwide Have Expertise in a Wide Range of Markets and Applications

CHANDLER, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP), a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, today announced its expanded Design Partner Program of more than 700 partners worldwide. Microchip Design Partners have expertise in a wide range of markets, such as the medical, appliance and automotive markets; and in applications such as motor control, lighting and power supplies, among others. They also receive priority technical support, free extended samples and discounted development tools from Microchip--enabling them to provide complete solutions quickly and inexpensively, at low risk to the OEM. To locate and contact a Microchip design partner, please visit www.microchip.com/partners.

"For a variety of reasons, many OEMs outsource their designs," said Steve Sanghi, Microchip's president and CEO. "Whether this is to take advantage of expertise they may not have in house or to keep costs low, the goal of Microchip's Design Partner Program is to enable OEMs to get to market faster, at lower cost and with lower risk."

To help customers further identify specific design partners to meet their needs, Microchip has created the Design Partner Specialist designation, such as its network of Medical Design Partner Specialists. These specialists have the resources and expertise necessary to help customers in the medical-electronics field achieve faster time to market and smoother regulatory approval, with lower design risk.

In addition to priority technical support, free extended samples and discounted development tools, Microchip Design Partners receive free, hands-on technical training at any of the Company's 35 Regional Training Centers around the world. Design firms interested in becoming Microchip design partners can send an e-mail to designpartners@microchip.com to request additional information, or contact any Microchip sales office via the Company's Web site, www.microchip.com.

    In the future, Microchip expects to offer links to market- and
application-specific authorized design partners from its network of
online design centers, such as links to Medical Design Partner
Specialists from its Medical Design Center at
www.microchip.com/medical. These online design centers provide a wide
range of technical tools and resources that designers can use in their
specific applications--all in one, easy-to-reach place. For more
information on the design centers, please visit
www.microchip.com/designcenters.

About Microchip Technology

Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP) is a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, providing low-risk product development, lower total system cost and faster time to market for thousands of diverse customer applications worldwide. Headquartered in Chandler, Ariz., Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip website at www.microchip.com.

Note: The Microchip name and logo are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.

Photo available through editorial contact.

Source: Microchip Technology Inc.

Released February 19, 2008