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Atmel Introduces megaAVR Microcontroller Family With Self-Programming Memory
SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 10, 2001--Atmel®
Corporation (Nasdaq:ATML) announced today a new family of five AVR
microcontrollers with a revolutionary Self-Programming Flash memory.
This product family is designed to support applications requiring
remote programming or field upgrade capability. The CPU has read while
write capability and is able to program or reprogram the Flash memory
block, via the SPI, UART or two wire interface while application code
is executing in the boot block sector. The Self-Programming feature
can be implemented over the full temperature and voltage range.
The Flash memory of the megaAVR® is divided into a boot block
and application code section, which is made up of sectors containing
128 bytes. The small sector size significantly reduces the programming
time needed for code patches, updates and changes that do not require
a complete memory update. Lock bits can be set to protect code in the
boot block or application section from unauthorized read or accidental
reprogramming.
``The megaAVR is a breakthrough product that will change the way
Flash-based microcontrollers will be used,'' said Jim Panfil, director
of Microcontroller Products. ``The service cost for applications that
require field updates like vending machines, telephone routers and
mobile communicators will be significantly reduced because the Flash
memory can be changed remotely. This new capability can be implemented
with a single megaAVR microcontroller. No additional circuits are
needed to reprogram the memory, which reduces board space and cost,''
he added.
The first five members of the megaAVR family are highly integrated
devices and have from 8K to 128K Bytes of Flash program Memory,
EEPROM, a programmable UART, hardware multiplier, programmable
brownout detector and 10 bit A/D converter. They are housed in the
industry standard 32, 44 or 64 pin TQFP or 28 and 40 pin PDIP
packages. The Mega 8, 16, 32 and 128 are sampling now, and the Mega 64
is scheduled for the first quarter 2002.
In quantities of 10k the Mega 8 is priced at $2.20. Development
tools and low cost In-circuit-emulation support for the entire MegaAVR
family is available now.
``The megaAVR will be used as part of a lean design system known as
ControlWorks(TM), which allows Invensys to develop a product that has
significantly different looks. The megaAVR and ControlWorks design
approach will reduce application development time and reduce lead-time
for new control products,'' said Tim Matt, Invensys Controls vice
president for Advanced Technology Development. ``It is no longer
necessary for our customers to worry about the software development
and testing time. With flash-based memory there is no masked micro to
build into the schedule. There is no wasted inventory when a change is
made to the software. Because of this partnership with Atmel, we are
able to offer our customers a complete applications development
solution,'' he added.
About Atmel
Founded in 1984, Atmel Corporation is headquartered in San Jose
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 800/292-8635.
Internationally from a fax phone, dial 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: The Atmel logo and combinations thereof and
megaAVR are registered trademarks others contained herein, are
trademarks of Atmel Corporation. ControlWorks is a trademark of
Invensys. Other terms and product names in this document may be the
trademarks of others.
Contact:
Atmel Corporation, San Jose
Jim Panfil, 408/487-2535
(Director Microcontroller Products)
jpanfil@atmel.com
Clive Over, 408/451-2855
(Director of Advertising and Public Relations)
cliveover@atmel.com
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