Microchip Technology Introduces Non-Volatile Digital Potentiometers with SPI Interface

7- and 8-Bit Devices Are Specified over Extended Industrial Temperature Range

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

Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP), a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, today announced the MCP4141/2, MCP4241/2, MCP4161/2 and MCP4261/2 (MCP41XX/42XX) non-volatile digital potentiometers. The 7- and 8-bit devices have an SPI interface and are specified over the extended industrial temperature range of -40 to 125 degrees Celsius. They are available in several industry-standard packages, including the popular 3 mm x 3 mm DFN package.

Unlike mechanical potentiometers, the MCP41XX/42XX devices can be controlled digitally, through an SPI interface. This increases system accuracy, flexibility and manufacturing throughput, while decreasing manufacturing costs. Non-volatile memory enables the devices to retain their settings at power down, and their low static current consumption of just 5 microamperes, maximum, helps to extend battery life.

"We are pleased to expand our mixed-signal product portfolio with the MCP41XX/42XX digital potentiometers," said Bryan Liddiard, vice president of marketing with Microchip's Analog and Interface Products Division. "Designers can now benefit from using Microchip's low-power digital potentiometers over the popular SPI interface."

"The MCP41XX/42XX family enables designers to enjoy the numerous benefits associated with digital potentiometers in an affordable way," said John Austin, senior product marketing manager with Microchip's Analog and Interface Products Division. "With extended temperature range operation and availability in many industry-standard packages, the devices are expected to help designers meet and exceed demands for smaller, better and less-expensive designs."

The MCP41XX/42XX digital potentiometers are well suited for a wide variety of consumer and industrial applications, such as power-supply trim and calibration, set-point and process control, closed-loop servo control, PC peripherals, portable instrumentation, instrumentation offset adjust and signal conditioning.

    Packaging, Pricing & Availability

    MCP4141/2

    --  8-pin SOIC, MSOP, PDIP and 3 mm x 3 mm DFN packages

    --  $0.58 each in 10,000-unit quantities for all package options

    MCP4241

    --  10-pin 4 mm x 4 mm QFN package

    --  14-pin SOIC, PDIP, TSSOP packages

    --  $0.76 each in 10,000-unit quantities for all package options

    MCP4242

    --  8-pin 3 mm x 3 mm DFN package

    --  10-pin MSOP package

    --  $0.76 each in 10,000-unit quantities for all package options

    MCP4161/2

    --  8-pin 3 mm x 3 mm DFN, MSOP, PDIP and SOIC packages

    --  $0.69 each in 10,000-unit quantities for all package options

    MCP4261/2

    --  8-pin MSOP, PDIP, SOIC and 3 mm x 3 mm DFN packages

    --  $.87 each in 10,000-unit quantities for all package options

Samples and volume-production quantities can be ordered today at http://sample.microchip.com and www.microchipdirect.com, respectively.

For further information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip's Web site at www.microchip.com/digipots.

Microchip Customer Support

Microchip is committed to supporting its customers by helping design engineers develop products faster and more efficiently. Customers can access four main service areas at www.microchip.com. The Support area provides a fast way to get questions answered; the Sample area offers free evaluation samples of any Microchip device; microchipDIRECT provides 24-hour pricing, ordering, inventory and credit for convenient purchasing of all Microchip devices and development tools; finally, the Training area educates customers through webinars, sign-ups for local seminar and workshop courses, and information about the annual MASTERs events held throughout the world.

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 and Block Diagram available through editorial contact**

Source: Microchip Technology Inc.

Released October 16, 2007