BusinessWire
November 07, 2005 06:30 AM US Pacific Timezone

Microchip Announces 1 Mbit I2C(TM) Serial EEPROM Devices; New EEPROMs Provide Highest Memory Density Available for I2C Bus

CHANDLER, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 7, 2005---- Microchip Technology Inc. (Nasdaq: MCHP), a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, today announced the 24XX1025 I2C(TM) serial EEPROM family of devices with 1 Mbit of memory -- the highest memory density available for I2C serial EEPROM devices. Based upon Microchip's advanced PMOS Electrically Erasable Cell (PEEC) process technology, the 24XX1025 serial EEPROMs give designers working with I2C buses the freedom to add more memory to their system without major hardware or layout modifications.

The 24XX1025 I2C serial EEPROM devices provide an easy upgrade path from lower-density I2C devices. The family's page size, pinout, and signal and command structure are a natural extension of, or identical to, Microchip's 512 Kbit serial EEPROMs, already in production. The 24XX1025 EEPROMs feature page and byte write, write protection of the entire array, 1.8 V - 5.5 V operation, and cascadeability. In addition, they allow up to 1 million erase/write cycles. With up to 1 MHz of bus speed and 200 years of data retention, these devices have industry-leading endurance, retention, and quality advantages.

"Microchip continues its lead in supplying cutting-edge serial EEPROM performance with these 1 Mbit I2C devices," said Barry Blixt, marketing manager with Microchip's ROM Microcontroller and Memory Division. "We understand that our customers are developing applications that require more and more memory. These new products allow our customers to easily break the 512 Kbit barrier, while still using the popular I2C bus."

To help designers get started with the 24XX1025 serial EEPROMs, Microchip offers the SEEVAL(R) 32 Serial EEPROM Designer's Kit, available today at www.buy.microchip.com for just $99.99. The SEEVAL 32 development kit enables quick and easy development of robust, reliable serial EEPROM-based applications, while significantly reducing the time required for system integration and hardware/software debug. The kit includes:

-- Microchip's Total Endurance(TM) software model

-- SEEVAL 32 developer board and user interface software

-- Serial cable and power supply

-- Serial EEPROM sample pack

-- SEEVAL 32 Quick Start Guide

The Total Endurance software is a powerful and easy-to-use tool for modeling and designing serial EEPROM applications. The software takes the guesswork out of determining the life of a serial EEPROM device in an embedded design. Design trade-off analysis that formerly consumed days or weeks can now be accomplished in minutes, with a level of accuracy that delivers a truly robust design.

The 24LC1025, 24FC1025, and 24AA1025 I2C serial EEPROMs are available in 8-pin PDIP and SOIC (207 mil) packages. Sampling and volume production for the 24AA1025, 24FC1025, and 24LC1025 are available today. For additional information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip's Web site at www.microchip.com/24XX1025.

About Microchip Technology

Microchip Technology Inc. is a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, providing low-risk product development, lower total system cost and faster time to market for thousands of diverse customer applications worldwide. Headquartered in Chandler, Ariz., Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip Web site at www.microchip.com.

Note: The Microchip name and logo are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Inc. in the United States and other countries. SEEVAL is a registered trademark of Microchip Technology Inc. in the United States. Total Endurance is a trademark of Microchip Technology Inc. in the United States and other countries. I2C is a trademark of Philips. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.