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NANTES, France--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 27, 2001--Atmel® Corporation (Nasdaq:ATML) announced today the expansion of its FLASH microcontrollers offering by adding two new 80C51 microcontrollers, featuring up to 32-Kbyte FLASH memory with a highly flexible In-system Programming (ISP) capability.

The T89C51RB2 with 16-Kbyte Flash and the T89C51RC2 with 32-Kbyte Flash are based on the well known 80C51 architecture and support all the features of the Atmel TS8xC51Rx2 with 256 bytes of internal RAM plus 1024 bytes of XRAM. The on-chip FLASH memory with boot loader can be programmed by byte or by block, either in parallel or in serial mode.

Both devices offer easy-to-implement In-system Programming capability either through UART or SPI serial communication interfaces, using standard 3 or 5 Volts supply.

The program can be loaded or updated without removing the device from the board, providing a significant flexibility to system designers.

With ISP even flash program memory can be reconfigured while the application is running, allowing remote diagnosis, upgrade and enhancements in the field.

The T89C51RB2 and the T89C51RC2 feature a Programmable Counter Array (PCA), a hardware watchdog timer, power control modes, and also take advantage of the high-speed core (X2 mode) which can double internal frequency for CPU and peripherals (upon selection).

According to Manish Vadher, Marketing Director for Standard Microcontrollers at Atmel Wireless and Microcontrollers Division, ``These new products offer designers a unique opportunity to accelerate system integration. They have a medium size FLASH memory, easy to implement In-system Programming through multi-serial interfaces and large RAM capacity fully adapted for C-language programming. These features are suitable for a wide range of applications such as alarms, TFT LCD monitors, set top box, Internet appliances and smart card readers.''

Plug-in compatible ROM T83C51RB2 and T83C51RC2 versions are also available to cut down manufacturing costs.

``Beyond cost, we understand that lead-time is also a critical factor when it comes to purchasing. Compared to traditional ROM suppliers' commitment, our mask ROM service offers reduced lead-times to enable production at high volumes,'' continues Manish Vadher.

Available in industrial temperature range, the devices are packaged in 40-pin DIL, 44-pin PLCC or 44-pin VQFP. They operate at 40 MHz at 5 Volts and 20 MHz at 3 Volts. Volume production and samples are available now. The Flash version T89C51RB2 costs $3.30 each for 1Kpcs and the ROM version T83C51RB2 costs $1.60 each for quantities above 30Kpcs.

About Atmel

Founded in 1984, Atmel Corporation is headquartered in San Jose, California with manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe. Atmel designs, manufactures and markets worldwide, advanced logic, mixed-signal, nonvolatile memory and RF semiconductors. Atmel is also a leading provider of system-level integration semiconductor solutions using CMOS, BiCMOS, bipolar SiGe, and high-voltage BCDMOS process technologies.

Atmel product and financial information can be retrieved from its Fax-on-Demand service. In North America call 1-(800) 292-8635. Internationally from a fax phone, dial 1-(408) 441-0732. Requests may be sent via e-mail to literature@atmel.com or by visiting Atmel's website at www.atmel.com.

Note to Editors: Atmel, the Atmel logo and combinations thereof and others contained herein, are trademarks of Atmel Corporation.

Terms and product names in this document may be the trademarks of others.

Information

Atmel Wireless & Microcontrollers Division product information may be retrieved at www.atmel-wm.com.

     Atmel Corporation
     Etienne Beneteau, +33 2 40 18 18 61
     Product Marketing Microcontrollers
     etienne.beneteau@atmel-wm.com
      or
     Veronique Sablereau, +33 1 30 60 70 68
     Marketing Communications Manager
     veronique.sablereau@atmel-wm.com
      or
     Reader's Contact
     Veronique Sablereau
     Atmel Wireless & Microcontrollers
     3, Avenue du Centre - BP 309
     78054 St Quentin-en-Yvelines, France