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WirelessDevNet.com Press Release
Microchip Technology Simplifies Wireless Connectivity with Infrared Protocol Stack Controller
CHANDLER, Ariz.--April 17, 2003--
Technology provides low-cost, low-power method to add infrared wireless connectivity to high-volume embedded applications
Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP), a leader in providing microcontroller and analog semiconductors, announced today a device that provides embedded system designers a very low-cost method of adding Infrared Data Association(R) (IrDA(R))-Standard wireless connectivity to their systems. The MCP2140 is a fixed-speed 9600-Baud IrDA-Standard protocol stack controller designed for high-volume applications such as wireless LANs, modems, cell phone peripherals, wireless handheld data collection systems, door locks and fleet management systems among others.
When used with the recommended discrete transceiver implementation, this device enables a complete IrDA-Standard wireless link (protocol handling plus transceiver) to be added to an embedded system while typically consuming less than 100uA of additional current. In comparison, many industry-standard integrated transceivers alone have current consumption values greater than 1.0mA. The MCP2140 employs the same patented technology that embeds the complex IrDA-Standard protocol stack on other Microchip devices; however, the communications speed is lowered and the user-interface is simplified to target low-cost, high-volume embedded applications.
In addition, the MCP2140 has an automatic low-power function that reduces the power consumption when there is no activity on the link. In this low-power mode, the MCP2140 has a typical current consumption of less than 25uA. This low-current consumption enables the addition of IrDA-Standard links to battery applications without taxing overall system power budgets.
"The MCP2140 is the simplest, lowest-cost method for enabling system designers to add IrDA Standard communication capability to their embedded application," said Keith Pazul, marketing manager for Microchip's Analog and Interface Products Division. "Focusing on our customers' needs, Microchip offers a family of products that enable easy integration of infrared wireless connectivity in embedded devices where size, cost or low power system requirements have historically made it challenging."
The MCP2140 is an 18-pin PDIP or SOIC package and is priced at $1.50 each in quantities of 1,000. Samples are available via our Web site. Volume production quantities are expected to be available in May. For additional information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor or visit www.microchip.com.
About Microchip Technology
Microchip has integrated analog technology, peripherals and features to meet today's demanding design requirements. Our broad spectrum of analog products addresses thermal management, power management, mixed-signal, linear and interface solutions. Combined with "Intelligent Analog" microcontrollers, Microchip offers an extensive analog portfolio for thousands of high-performance design applications in the automotive, communications (wireless), consumer, computing and industrial control markets.
Microchip Technology Inc. manufactures the popular PICmicro(R) field-programmable RISC microcontrollers, which serve 8- and 16-bit embedded control applications, and a broad spectrum of high-performance linear and mixed-signal, power management and thermal management devices. The company also offers complementary microperipheral products including interface devices, microID(R) RFID devices, serial EEPROMs and the patented KEELOQ(R) security devices. This synergistic product portfolio targets thousands of applications and a growing demand for high-performance designs in the automotive, communications, computing, consumer and industrial control markets. The company's quality systems are ISO 9001 (1994 version) and QS9000 (1998 version) certified. Microchip is headquartered in Chandler with design facilities in Mountain View, Calif. and Bangalore, India; a European Design Center in Lausanne, Switzerland; semiconductor fabrication facilities in Tempe and Chandler, Ariz., Gresham, Ore. and Puyallup, Wash.; and assembly and test operations near Bangkok, Thailand. Microchip employs approximately 3,350 people worldwide and has sales offices throughout Asia, Europe, Japan and the Americas. More information on the company can be found at www.microchip.com
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