Atmel Unveils World's Smallest FootPrint Photo Detector IC for DVD and CD Applications

Heilbronn, Germany (ots/PRNewswire) -

Atmel(R) Corporation (Nasdaq: ATML) announced today the
availability of its new photo detector IC (PDIC) for use in the
optical pick-up units (OPUs) of DVD and CD drives. The new ATR0874 is
the industry's smallest PDIC device, measuring only 4 mm x 3.5 mm and
is a perfect fit for the slim drives found in most laptops. The new
ATR0874 is the first member of a new family of PDIC devices which
complements Atmel's current broad product range of Laser Diode
Drivers (LDD) and Automatic Power Controllers (APC).

The ATR0874 photo detector IC was developed using Atmel's in-house
BiCMOS process (with optical extension) and is manufactured in
Atmel's patented QFN open-housing technology. The QFN open-housing
has an open cavity thus permitting the laser direct access to the die
surface and therefore to the photo diodes. In addition, the housing
shares all the advantages of standard QFN housing including the
ability to be soldered at temperatures up to 260 degrees C which
reduces costs related to specialized soldering procedures. Competing
devices use clear molding, or glass lid packaging, which leads to
various problems such as scratches, voids, etc. These imperfections
may result in a higher bit error rate, reduced system performance and
a lower yield.

The new PDIC is designed for high-speed DVD applications such as
DVD-RAM and DVD+/-RW at a wavelength of 650 nm and CD-RW at a
wavelength of 780 nm. Due to the device's small footprint, it is
ideally suited for applications with highly-restricted space
specifications. The IC includes 10 channels with four different gain
steps and is optimized for fast settling times and low offset
voltages.

Availability and Pricing

Samples of the new PDIC ATR0874 in 4 mm x 3.5 mm QFN open-house
packages are available now with pricing starting at US $1.00 for 10k
pieces.

Footnote
APC = Automatic Power Controller
DVD = Digital Versatile Disc
HD = High Density
LDD = Laser Diode Drivers
PDIC = Photo Detector Integrated Circuit
QFN = Quad Flat No Leads
R/W = Read/Write

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) 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 PDIC ATR0874 may be retrieved at:
http://www.atmel.com/dyn/products/product_card.asp?part_id=4074.
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