Atmel Unveils Stand-alone LIN2.0 Transceiver IC with Industry's Best EMC Performance

Heilbronn, Germany (ots/PRNewswire) -

Atmel(R) Corporation (Nasdaq: ATML), a global leader in the
development and fabrication of advanced semiconductor solutions,
announced today the availability of its ATA6662 stand-alone LIN bus
transceiver IC with the industry's best EMC performance (EMC test and
conformance test LIN2.0, Europe, and SAE J2602-2, US). Thanks to
Atmel's high-voltage BCD-on-SOI (SMARTIS(TM)) process, the new
ATA6662 sets the benchmark in EMI performance for reduced RF
interference. The device's excellent ESD protection (exceeding 6 kV)
is beneficial for designing robust electronic units for the harsh
automotive environment. This includes automotive comfort applications
such as door modules, power seat controls, intelligent sensors, and
other body electronic applications where low-speed data communication
is sufficient and low cost is important.

The ATA6662 complies with the LIN2.0 standard and can handle
supply voltages of up to 40V. The fully-integrated LIN transceiver
interfaces the LIN protocol handler (i.e., the local microcontroller)
and the LIN bus. Improved slope control at the LIN bus ensures secure
data communication of up to 20 kBaud using an RC oscillator for the
protocol handling. The ATA6662's sleep mode minimizes current
consumption to typically 10 microampere.

To eliminate EMI problems, the ATA6662 incorporates a controlled
slew rate. The receiver's input filter helps minimize RF interference
caused by signals on the bus line. Compared to standard BCDMOS bulk
technology, Atmel's SMARTIS process uses an SOI
(silicon-on-insulator) substrate. This results in an extremely low
leakage current, with a significant reduction in crosstalk between
analog and digital circuits on the same die, as well as latch-up-free
operation at high temperatures. Lower parasitic effects give added
value for EMC performance.

Furthermore, the ATA6662 provides several protection features such
as over-temperature shutdown, full protection against short circuits,
and high-voltage-bus-line protection up to 40V. The ATA6662 is fully
compatible with 3.3V and 5V devices and includes a dominant time-out
function on the TxD pin to prevent the bus line from being driven
permanently in a dominant state. A wake-up source recognition
indicates, on the TxD and RxD pins, which wake-up has occurred -- the
local via pin WAKE-UP or the remote wake-up via the LIN bus line.
Depending on the recognized wake-up source, the microcontroller
selects the appropriate routines. The device also meets strict
automotive qualification demands and can withstand transients
according to ISO/TR 7637/1.

Pricing and Availability

Samples of the new LIN transceiver IC ATA6662 in SO8 packages are
available now. Pricing starts at US$ 0.45 for 10k units.

Footnote
BCDMOS = Mixed-signal technology with Bipolar, CMOS and DMOS components
EMC = Electro Magnetic Capability
EMI = Electro-Magnetic Interferences
ESD = Electro Static Discharge
LIN = Local Interconnect Network
RC = Resistor Capacitor (circuit)
SOI = Silicon On Insulator technology

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).

(C) 2007 Atmel Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Atmel(R), logo
and combinations thereof, Everywhere You Are(R) and others are
registered trademarks, SMARTIS(TM) and others are trademarks of Atmel
Corporation or its subsidiaries. Other terms and product names may be
trademarks of others.

Information

Product information on Atmel's stand-alone LIN2.0 transceiver IC
may be retrieved at:
http://www.atmel.com/dyn/products/product_card.asp?part_id=4091

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
Im Internet recherchierbar: http://www.presseportal.de

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