Microchip Introduces Microcontrollers for Short Range Radio Applications

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CHANDLER, Ariz., April 21, 2003 [NASDAQ:  MCHP] Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, today introduced three microcontrollers with integrated transmitters, and two receivers to provide complete system solutions for short-range uni-directional RF communication.  Microchip now offers several products supporting frequency bands ranging from 260-930 MHz.

By combining the rfPIC12F675 microcontroller/transmitters with either the rfRXD0420 receiver or rfRXD0920 receiver, users can easily create a wireless uni-directional communication link for embedded control applications.  The receivers can also be combined with the company's existing rfPIC™ devices and KEELOQ® encoders to create remote sense and control applications.

Available in a 32-pin low-profile, quad-flat pack (LQFP), the rfRXD0420 and rfRXD0920 single conversion super-heterodyne UHF RF receivers support:

• frequency bands of 300-450 MHz and 850-930 MHz respectively
• a maximum data rate of 80 kbps
• standby supply current of 100nA
• 2.5V to 5.5V operating voltage
• The active supply currents:
  • for the rfRXD0420 is 6.5mA to 8.2mA depending on the low noise amplifier (LNA) setting
  • 7.5mA to 9.2mA for the rfRXD0920

The low operating and standby current extends battery life and the flexible receiver topology allows for bandwidth optimization to improve system performance.

The rfPIC12F675 devices are 20-pin PICmicro® microcontrollers that feature:

• integrated UHF RF transmitter
• 6dBm transmitter output power
• available in three frequency ranges:
  • 260-350MHz (rfPIC12F675K)
  • 390-450MHz (rfPIC12F675F)
  • 850-930MHz (rfPIC12F675H)
• 40 kbps maximum data rate
• 100nA standby current
• 2.0V to 5.5V operating voltage
• 14-bit instruction set
• 1.8 Kbytes of Flash program memory
• 64 bytes RAM
• 128 bytes EEPROM
• analog comparator
• four channel 10-bit A/D

Target applications include remote control (home appliance, fan control, light control, PC peripherals); command and control (air conditioning thermostats, water irrigation system); wireless sensors (temperature, smoke detectors, water level); home security (garage door openers, remote infrared sensors); and automotive (tire pressure sensors, remote control, remote keyless entry [RKE]).

Pricing
Pricing in 10,000 unit quantities is $2.55 each for the rfRXD0420 and rfRXD0920 and $2.03 for the rfPIC12F675. Samples are available today and volume production is scheduled for June 2003.

About Microchip Technology
Microchip Technology Inc. manufactures the popular PICmicro® field-programmable RISC microcontrollers, which serve 8- and 16-bit embedded control applications, and a broad spectrum of high performance linear and mixed-signal, power management and thermal management devices.  The Company also offers complementary microperipheral products including interface devices; microID® RFID devices; serial EEPROMs; and the patented KEELOQ® security devices.  This synergistic product portfolio targets thousands of applications and a growing demand for high-performance designs in the automotive, communications, computing, consumer and industrial control markets.  The Company's quality systems are ISO 9001 (1994 version) and QS9000 (1998 version) certified. Microchip is headquartered in Chandler, Arizona with design facilities in Mountain View, California, Bangalore, India; and a European Design Center in Lausanne, Switzerland; semiconductor fabrication facilities in Tempe and Chandler, Arizona; Gresham, Oregon; and Puyallup, Washington; and assembly and test operations near Bangkok, Thailand.  Microchip employs approximately 3,350 people worldwide and has sales offices throughout Asia, Europe, Japan and the Americas.