Atmel Integrates AVR 8-bit Microcontroller and LIN System Basis Chip into Single Small Package

Heilbronn, Germany (ots/PRNewswire) -

- Highest Integration Level

Atmel(R) Corporation (Nasdaq: ATML), a global leader in the
development and fabrication of advanced semiconductor solutions,
announced today the availability of the ATA6602 and ATA6603 multichip
modules, extending Atmel's current broad IC family for LIN
applications. These new devices are designed for automotive actuator
applications typically found in comfort electronics (e.g., window
lifter, mirror or seat adjuster) as well as in powertrain
applications. Due to their very small size, the ATA6602 and ATA6603
are also ideal for sensor node applications such as control panels,
air quality, rain/sun sensors and many more.

Using a multichip-module approach, these two ICs combine a
microcontroller (8-bit AVR(R)) and a LIN system basis chip (LIN SBC)
in a single package (SiP, system-in-package) without internal
connections. As a result, the ATA6602/ATA6603 ICs offer the highest
integration level including microcontroller, voltage regulator, LIN
transceiver and watchdog in one package covering the complete basic
functionality of a LIN node. These products achieve minimum space
requirements, shorter time-to-market due to the simpler system
design, and lower sourcing, logistics, and assembly cost.

The ATA6602 integrates the automotive-qualified ATmega88 AVR Flash
MCU with 8 KB of Flash memory, whereas the ATA6603 incorporates the
automotive-qualified ATmega168 with a Flash memory of 16 KB.

The LIN SBCs within the new ATA6602 and ATA6603 modules
incorporate the LIN transceiver, an advanced voltage regulator, and a
watchdog timer. They are manufactured using Atmel's own high-voltage
BCDMOS process for operation in harsh environments. Thanks to its
silent mode, the LIN SBC provides very low power consumption (40
microamps with activated voltage regulator). In addition, the LIN SBC
provides high immunity against ESD and EMC, various protection
functions, and a unique, broad input/output voltage range (-40 to
60V) for the LIN bus pin which is ideal for use in truck
applications.

Since the ATA6602 and ATA6603 incorporate AVR microcontrollers
with all pins bonded out, Atmel's standard AVR tools can be used
during the development phase. This includes, for example, the AVR
Studio(R) which is the new professional integrated development
environment (IDE) for writing and debugging AVR applications. AVR
Studio includes an assembler, as well as a simulator, and supports
the integration of the freeware GCC compiler. It can be downloaded
for free at http://www.atmel.com/avr . For on-chip debugging, the AVR
JTAGICE mkII can be used. It is a powerful development and debug tool
supporting the debugWIRE Interface, which enables the designers to
debug the ATA6602 and ATA6603 on-chip, using only a single wire for
the debug interface. A LIN protocol handler is also available. In
addition, a LIN software library for GCC and IAR C compiler are
available for free.

Pricing and Availability

Samples of the new ATA6602/ATA6603 in QFN48 (7 x 7 mm) packages
are available now. Pricing starts at US$1.87 (ATA6602) for 10k pieces
and US$1.99 (ATA6603) for 10k pieces.

Footnote
BCDMOS = Mixed-signal technology with Bipolar, CMOS and DMOS components
EEPROM = Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory
EMC = Electro Magnetic Compatibility
ESD = Electro Static Discharge
GCC = GNU C Compiler
LIN = Local Interconnect Network
RC = Resistor Capacitor (circuit)
RISC = Reduced Instruction Set Computer
SBC = System Basis Chip

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), AVR Studio(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

Product information on Atmel's multichip modules ATA6602 and
ATA6603 may be retrieved at:

http://www.atmel.com/dyn/products/product_card.asp?part_id=4053 (ATA6602)
http://www.atmel.com/dyn/products/product_card.asp?part_id=4054 (ATA6603)
Press Contacts
Dr. Susanne van Clewe, Marcom Manager Communications and Automotive
Products
Phone: +49 7131 67-2081, Email: susanne.van-clewe@hno.atmel.com
Helen Perlegos, Public Relations - USA and Asia Pacific
Phone: +1 408 487-2963, Email: hperlegos@atmel.com
Veronique Sablereau, Corporate Communications Manager - Europe
Phone: +33 1 30 60 70 68, Fax: +49 7131 67-2423,
Email: veronique.sablereau@atmel.com

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

ots Originaltext: Atmel Corporation
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Contact:
Dr. Susanne van Clewe, Marcom Manager Communications and Automotive
Products, +49-7131 67-2081, or susanne.van-clewe@hno.atmel.com, or
Helen Perlegos, Public Relations - USA and Asia Pacific,
+1-408-487-2963, or hperlegos@atmel.com, or Veronique Sablereau,
Corporate Communications Manager - Europe, +33-1-30-60-70-68, or fax,
+49-7131-67-2423, or veronique.sablereau@atmel.com, all of Atmel
Corporation