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CHANDLER, Ariz., March 6, 2006 [NASDAQ:  MCHP] — Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, today announced new Flash Microchip PIC microcontrollers with certified Full-Speed USB 2.0 connectivity and 48 megahertz (MHz) operation.

The USB 2.0 interface is capable of 12 megabits-per-second (Mbps) data-transfer rates. Targeted USB applications include industrial, medical and many other embedded applications.

The new PIC18F4450 and PIC18F2450 Full-Speed USB microcontrollers address the need of embedded USB in a non-PC environment by integrating USB on chip as a standard serial interface, as opposed to competing approaches that that adds a serial-to-USB patch on top of a legacy design.

PIC18F4450 Block Diagram

"Microchip's USB PIC microcontrollers can perform as the sole controller in embedded applications," said Mitch Obolsky, vice president of Microchip's Advanced Microcontroller and Architectures Division.  "The new cost-effective USB family members announced today provide a Full-Speed compatible migration while maintaining a powerful 12 MIPS RISC core, self-programmable Flash memory and the power-saving features of our nanoWatt Technology."

Features
The two new USB PIC microcontrollers feature 16 Kbytes of self-programmable Enhanced Flash memory, which allows field upgrades for end applications via the USB port.  Microchip's advanced PMOS Electrically Erasable Cell (PEEC) Flash technology provides high endurance of up to 100,000 erase/write cycles and long data retention of more than 40 years.  In addition, their Full-Speed USB 2.0 interface includes an onboard transceiver for direct data transfers to external peripherals with minimum CPU overhead.  Other key features include:

• 16 Kbytes of self-programmable Enhanced Flash memory
• 768 bytes of RAM, 256 bytes of which can be a dedicated USB buffer
• AUSART for RS232 and  RS485 serial interfaces
• 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter with high accuracy (+/- 1 LSB) and up to 13 input channels
• Capture/Compare/PWM module with 16-bit capture and resolution
• Three Timers (2 x 16-bit, 1 x 8-bit)
• Programmable Brownout Reset and Low Voltage Detect circuits
• Enhanced In-Circuit Debugging capabilities with up to three hardware breakpoints

Applications
Example embedded applications that benefit from these Full-Speed USB PIC microcontrollers include:

• Industrial
  manufacturing tools, data loggers, scanners, smart displays, micro fuel cells, gambling-machine peripherals, RFID readers, robot-controller interfaces, industrial timers, gas-flow analyzers, cable-test fixtures
• Medical
  voice-activated applications, advanced wheel chairs, research equipment automation
• Automotive
  vehicle-network bus diagnostic tools, vehicle trace recorders [black boxes], ultrasonic sensors
• Battery-powered
  handheld tools, sensors, security applications, remote controls, home automation
• Consumer
  business-card scanners, white-board digitizers, voice recorders, uninterruptable power-supply systems, MP3 players, fire alarms, security-system programmers

Microchip PIC Programmer & Development Support
Microchip has extensive libraries for common USB application classes, including Human Interface Device (HID), Communication Device Class (CDC) and custom drivers.  Recognizing the need for migration from legacy applications, Microchip has published application note number AN956 "Migrating Applications to USB from RS-232 UART with Minimal Impact on PC Software".

The new USB PIC microcontrollers are also supported by Microchip's MPLAB® Integrated Development Environment (IDE), MPLAB C18 C Compiler, MPLAB ICD 2 In-Circuit Debugger and MPLAB PM3 Universal Device Programmer.  In addition, the PICDEM Full-Speed USB Demo Board and MPLAB ICE 2000 and MPLAB ICE 4000 In-Circuit Emulator processor modules are available now.

Availability
In the package options listed below, the two new USB PIC microcontrollers are available now for general sampling and volume production starting at $2.99 each for the PIC18F2450 and $3.59 each for the PIC18F4450, in 10,000 unit quantities.

• PIC18F2450:  28-pin SOIC, SDIP, QFN
• PIC18F4450:  40-pin DIP; 44-pin TQFP, QFN

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, Arizona, Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality.