Atmel Introduces AVR 8-bit Flash MCUs Qualified for Automotive Applications

Nantes, France (ots/PRNewswire) -

Atmel(R) Corporation (Nasdaq: ATML), a global leader in the
development and fabrication of advanced semiconductor solutions,
announced today four new AEC Q100-qualified AVR(R) Flash
microcontrollers dedicated to the automotive segment. Taking
advantage of the success of its AVR 8-bit microcontrollers in
commercial and industrial market segments, and its expertise in the
automotive field, Atmel is migrating its AVR devices to bring
performance and cost effective automotive solutions for sensor and
actuator control and in-vehicle networking with CAN and LIN.

To serve the various automotive constraints, the ATmega48,
ATmega88, ATmega168 and the AT90CAN128 have been developed and
manufactured according to the international standard ISO-TS-16949.
They are available in three different automotive temperature ranges
(-40 degrees C to +85 degrees C, +105 degrees C and +125 degrees C),
and are perfectly suited for power train, body, chassis, safety and
security applications.

High Performance and Low Power Consumption

By executing powerful instructions in a single clock cycle, the
AVR microcontrollers achieve throughput approaching one MIP per MHz
allowing the system designer to optimize power consumption versus
processing speed, while still complying with EMI requirements.

With a 16 MIPS AVR RISC-engine even at low operating voltage
(2.7-5.5V) and an efficient on-chip hardware multiplier, the AVR
devices execute computing tasks that usually would require a more
expensive microcontroller.

High Code Density and System Integration

Thanks to its rich instruction set with 32-general-purpose working
registers and 130 easy-to-learn instructions, the AVR architecture
provides a high-level of code density and code compatibility across
the entire family. Unlike other 8-bit architectures, there is no need
to learn a new instruction set or convert code when migrating to a
device with a different program density, peripheral options or
package type.

Flash Memory Technology and Flexible In-System Self-Programmable
Capabilities

Automotive design will benefit from Atmel's innovative
self-programming Flash capabilities allowing for the update of code
or data within an application even after system deployment. Using
Flash technology eliminates the expensive and time-consuming steps
inherent in mask ROM-based microcontrollers.

The ATmega48/88/168 support a 4-, 8-, 16-Kbyte Flash memory,
respectively. The AT90CAN128 integrates, in a single chip, a
V2.0A/V2.0B CAN controller and a 128-Kbyte Flash program memory.

"Our first automotive AVR MCUs are currently used in window lift
and powered seat applications and as sensor interfaces. By the end of
2006, the 8-pin ATtiny25/45/85, ranging from 2- to 8-Kbyte Flash
memory and the CAN 32-/64-Kbyte Flash AT90CAN32/64 will be the next
products to be fully automotive qualified," said Philippe Malecha,
Automotive Business Development Director for Atmel. "The automotive
AVR portfolio will expand rapidly; ranging from 2- to 128-Kbyte Flash
program memory, in low- and high-pin count packages, Atmel automotive
AVR devices will cover the needs of specific automotive applications
such as DC motor control."

The ATmega48/88/168 are available in 32-pin TQFP and QFN packages,
while the AT90CAN128 is available in 64-pin TQFP and QFN packages.

The 10k unit price in (-40 degrees C to +125 degrees C) is US$1.21
for ATmega48, US$1.69 for ATmega88, US$2.06 for ATmega168 and US$8.00
for AT90CAN128.

The AVR full suite of low-cost development tools also supports the
automotive AVR microcontrollers for a fast, simple and successful
development process.

Footnote
AEC: Automotive Electronic Council
CAN: Controller Area Networ
LIN: Local Interconnect Network
EMI: Electro Magnetic Interference

About Atmel

Atmel is a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of
microcontrollers, advanced logic, mixed-signal, nonvolatile memory
and radio frequency (RF) components. Leveraging one of the industry's
broadest intellectual property (IP) technology portfolios, Atmel is
able to provide the electronics industry with complete system
solutions. Focused on consumer, industrial, security, communications,
computing and automotive markets, Atmel ICs can be found Everywhere
You Are(R).

NOTE: Atmel(R), logo and combinations thereof, Everywhere You
Are(R), AVR(R) and others, are registered trademarks or trademarks of
Atmel Corporation or its subsidiaries. Other terms and product names
may be trademarks of others.

Information:

For further information on AVR automotive solutions, go to
http://www.atmel.com/products/avr/auto/

Press Contacts:
Philippe Faure, Marketing Communications Manager - Microcontrollers
Phone: +33-2-40-18-18-87, Email: philippe.faure@nto.atmel.com
Helen Perlegos, Public Relations - USA and Asia Pacific Rim
Phone: (+1)-408-487-2963, Email: hperlegos@atmel.com
Veronique Sablereau, Corporate Communications Manager - Europe
Phone: +33-1-30-60-70-68, Fax: +49-71-31-67-24-23, Email:
veronique.sablereau@atmel.com

Web site: http://www.atmel.com

ots Originaltext: Atmel Corporation
Im Internet recherchierbar: http://www.presseportal.de

Contact:
Philippe Faure, Marketing Communications Manager - Microcontrollers,
+33-2-40-18-18-87, or philippe.faure@nto.atmel.com, or Helen
Perlegos, Public Relations - USA and Asia Pacific Rim,
(+1)-408-487-2963, or hperlegos@atmel.com, or Veronique Sablereau,
Corporate Communications Manager - Europe, +33-1-30-60-70-68, or fax,
+49-71-31-67-24-23, or veronique.sablereau@atmel.com, all of Atmel
Corporation