Atmel's 8-bit Flash AVR Microcontrollers are the Industry's First to Meet +150 Degrees Celsius in Automotive Qualification

Nantes, France (ots/PRNewswire) -

Atmel(R) Corporation (Nasdaq: ATML) announced today the industry
first 8-bit RISC Flash microcontroller to be qualified for operation
up to +150 degrees Celsius (AECQ100 Grade 0).

Already available in -40 to +125 degrees Celsius operating
temperature range, the ATmega88 AVR(R) microcontroller is now capable
of withstanding automotive temperature extremes, thus allowing
designers to distribute intelligence and control functions directly
into gearboxes, engine sensors and actuators, transfer cases,
turbochargers, and finally simplifying the wiring network.

Compared with the existing 8-bit ROM competition, Atmel's robust
non-volatile memory technology offers an unmatched capability to
designers. The EEPROM is ideal for storing data, and the
self-programmable Flash allows for the code updating within an
application even after system deployment. Using Atmel's Flash
technology eliminates the expensive and time-consuming steps inherent
in mask ROM-based microcontrollers.

The ATmega88 device integrates a high number of features, thus
significantly reducing complete system chip count. This includes an
embedded 8-Kbyte Flash program memory and 512-byte EEPROM, a variable
gain amplifier, a 10-bit analog-to-digital converter, a fast analog
comparator, and an on-chip calibrated 8 MHz RC oscillator, avoiding
the need for an external crystal. Other on-chip features such as a
Power-on-Reset, a Brown-out-Detector and a watchdog with dedicated
oscillator also contribute to the overall system reliability.

The ATmega88 150 degree-compliant samples are available now in
32-pin QFN package. Production will start in 1Q 2007.

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

By the end of 2006, the 8-pin ATtiny45 with 4-Kbyte Flash memory
will be sampled in -40 to +150 degrees Celsius temperature range.

Footnote
AEC: Automotive Electronic Council

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:

Atmel's ATmega88 +150 degrees C qualified product information may
be retrieved at
http://www.atmel.com/dyn/resources/prod_documents/doc7607.pdf

For further information on automotive AVR 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