Microchip Technology Expands 32 Kbit SPI Serial EEPROM Family With High-Speed, 10 MHz Devices

Devices Offer Faster Speed, More Package Options than Previous Generation

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

Microchip Technology Inc. (Nasdaq:MCHP), a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, today announced it has expanded its 32 Kbit SPI serial EEPROM family with the 25AA320A and 25LC320A (25XX320A) devices. Capable of speeds up to 10 MHz, the new devices are available in very low-profile MSOP and TSSOP packages, as well as most standard packages. They enable customers to easily upgrade 32 Kbit designs to 10 MHz, while enjoying Microchip's high endurance, quality, on-time delivery and short lead times.

The 25XX320A SPI serial EEPROMs provide fast byte- and page-level erase and write operations, as well as rapid data-access times. They are built on Microchip's proprietary PMOS Electrically Erasable Cell (PEEC) architecture, which enables high-density devices to be placed in small packages, while maintaining high endurance (1 million erase/write cycles), industry-leading retention time (200 years) and the ability to operate at high speeds even in harsh environments. Examples of such environments include the high temperatures found in automotive applications.

"The 25XX320A devices are a natural extension of our portfolio as customers continue to create higher-speed SPI designs in smaller packages," said Randy Drwinga, vice president of Microchip's Memory Products Division. "The new devices fit easily into existing sockets and provide an instant upgrade path, as well as an excellent second source for customers wanting more speed at the 32 Kbit memory density level."

Development Support

The same development tools that support all of Microchip's memory products can be used with the 25LC320A and 25AA320A devices. These include the SEEVAL(R) 32 Serial EEPROM Designer's Kit (Part # DV243002), which enables quick and easy development of robust, reliable serial EEPROM-based applications. The kit is available today at www.microchipdirect.com for just $99.99 and includes:

    --  Microchip's Total Endurance(TM) software model

    --  SEEVAL 32 developer board and user-interface software

    --  Serial cable and power supply

    --  Serial EEPROM sample pack

    --  SEEVAL 32 Quick Start Guide

Total Endurance software is a powerful and easy-to-use tool for modeling and designing serial EEPROM applications. The software takes the guesswork out of determining the life of a serial EEPROM device in an embedded design. Design trade-off analysis that formerly consumed days or weeks can now be accomplished in minutes, with a level of accuracy that delivers a truly robust design.

Pricing and Availability

The 25XX320A serial EEPROMs are offered in 8-pin PDIP, SOIC, MSOP packages, as well as standard and non-standard (rotated) TSSOP package pinouts. This enables customers to easily upgrade from past versions, or drop the new devices into existing sockets designed for other 32 Kbit SPI devices on the market, without board changes.

Pricing begins at $.43 each in 10,000-unit quantities, for all voltages, temperature ranges and package options. Samples are available today at http://sample.microchip.com/, and volume-production orders can be placed today at www.microchipdirect.com.

For additional information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip's Web site at www.microchip.com/25XX320A.

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. SEEVAL is a registered trademark of Microchip Technology Inc. in the U.S.A. Total Endurance is a trademark of Microchip Technology Inc. in the U.S.A. and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.

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Source: Microchip Technology Inc.

Released January 22, 2007