CHANDLER, Ariz., Sept., 5, 2012 [NASDAQ:  MCHP] — Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller, analog and Flash-IP solutions, today announced two new digital audio mixer boards based on  low pin count 32-bit PIC32 microcontrollers (MCUs).  The DM320014, a USB digital audio accessory board, utilizes standard USB 2.0 Mini-B connectivity.  The DM320413, a digital audio mixer board, offers Apple® portable device connectivity.  These two development boards, each powered by Microchip’s PIC32MX250F128 32-bit MCU, enable audio and voice device development for a broad range of applications.

Both boards are designed for easy integration of digital and analog audio into the target application.  Key features include interfaces for digital audio via USB Mini-B or the Apple iOS interface, line-in and microphone-in for convenient connectivity to analog audio sources, such as microphones or instrument pickups, and line-out and headphone out, for line-level output and headphone connectivity.  Each provides an excellent starting point for a portable music player dock design.  Additionally, these features allow the mixing of digital and analog audio, utilizing the power of the PIC32’s advanced processing capabilities.  The development boards are suitable for applications in the consumer and automotive markets, such as consumer audio docks (including those in stereo systems), noise-canceling headsets, clock radios or A/V entertainment system sounds bars, as well as in automobiles that offer portable music player docking capabilities. 

These two new boards demonstrate Microchip’s commitment to making digital audio development easy with the PIC32 MX1 and MX2 microcontrollers.  They feature 66 DMIPS of performance, up to 128 KB Flash, 32 KB of RAM, USB, I2S interfaces and an advanced clocking scheme that provides the signals needed for the external CODEC while eliminating the need for a CODEC with a built-in PLL.  In addition, this series of MCUs offers an 8-bit Parallel Master Port (perfect for interface to an LCD), Microchip’s mTouch™ capacitive touch technology support and numerous other general-purpose features.

To maximize the cost effectiveness of designs that need to decode MP3 files, Microchip is also releasing a Compact MP3 Decode Library.  This new code requires only 21 KB of RAM and can run on the PIC32MX250F128.  Utilizing these new boards and the available Compact MP3 Decode Library, designers can reduce development time and shorten their time to market.

“We have seen excellent traction for the PIC32 in audio applications,” said Sumit Mitra, vice president of Microchip’s MCU32 Division.  “With Microchip’s February announcement of the PIC32MX1 and MX2 series that features I2S CODEC interface, the demand has really taken off.  These two new digital audio boards make it easy for developers to take advantage of the PIC32’s audio features.”

Pricing & Availability
Both boards are available today, starting at $69.99.  The DM320413 is offered exclusively to Apple MFi licensees, via Apple’s authorized distributor.  The DM320014 is available for purchase at microchipDIRECT.  Microchip’s Compact MP3 Decode Library will be available by September 28 in non-modifiable binary (part # SW320012-1) form for $197, or $4,497 for modifiable source code (part #SW320012-2) on microchipDIRECT.  For additional information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip’s Web site at http://www.chipgem.com

Microchip Strengthens Parallel Flash Memory Portfolio
With High-Speed, Low-Power Devices

CHANDLER, Ariz., Sept. 4, 2012 [NASDAQ:  MCHP] — Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller, analog and Flash-IP solutions, today expanded its comprehensive Multi-Purpose Flash Plus (MPF+) portfolio with the debut of four new compact 256K x16 Parallel Flash CMOS devices:  the SST39VF401C, SST39F402C, SST39LF401C and the SST39LF402C.  Manufactured with high-performance CMOS SuperFlash® technology, these compelling low-power, 2.7-3.6V, x16 Parallel NOR Flash devices boast a split-gate design and thick-oxide tunneling injector for superior reliability and design simplicity.  All four devices help reduce engineering design cycles, and improve overall product performance and responsiveness, which enables a better end-user experience. 

Rich in advanced features, the SuperFlash technology featured within the SST39VF401C/402C and SST39LF401C/402C guarantees fixed program and erase times that do not deteriorate over time.  Ideal for consumer electronics, industrial devices, automotive, telecommunications equipment and embedded systems requiring low-cost and versatile updating of program or data memory, the devices deliver active current as low as 5 mA (typical) and standby current of 3 microamperes (typical) to extend battery life in accessories, sensors and battery-operated equipment.

“The addition of the SST39VF40XC and SST39LF40XC product families to Microchip’s portfolio underscores our commitment to the development of advanced memory technology and products,” said Randy Drwinga, vice president of Microchip’s SuperFlash Memory Division.  “We’re extending our high-performance memory leadership with easy-to-use, affordable solutions that encourage high-performance, innovative designs for a wide spectrum of applications.”

Pricing & Availability

The SST39VF40XC devices start at $0.69 each in 10,000-unit quantities.  The devices are available in 12 mm x 20 mm 48-lead TSOP, 6 mm x 8 mm, 0.8 mm pitch 48-ball TFBGA, and 4 mm x 6 mm 0.5 mm pitch 48-ball WFBGA packages. 

Samples and volume production are available today.  For additional information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip’s Web site at http://www.chipgem.com  To purchase products mentioned in this press release, go to microchipDIRECT or contact one of Microchip’s authorized distribution partners.