Atmel Simplifies Design-in Process with Introduction of New Easy-to-Use Transparent RF ASK Receiver for Wireless Data Control Applications

HEILBRONN, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 26, 2002--Atmel® Corporation (Nasdaq:ATML - news) announced today the availability of a new RF data control receiver which is easy to use and thus simplifies design-ins. The receiver is transparent, which means that incoming data is directly forwarded to the output, the conventional first-time data validation and comparison is done by an external microcontroller as usual for consumer and industrial systems. The T5744 is an ASK (Amplitude Shift Keying) receiver and fits for almost all kinds of modulations schemes including Manchester, Biphase and most PWM protocols. The new device targets industrial and consumer applications such as data transmission and remote keyless entry systems (garage door opener or car opener, telemetering etc.), wireless entertainment devices like keyboards and mice as well as TV, VCR, DVD and audio remote controls.

The T5744 operates in the frequency range of 300 MHz to 450 MHz and is designed for the demands of low-cost RF data communication systems with data rates of maximum 10 kHz. The device offers high sensitivity, especially at these low data rates. An on-board RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) output distinguishes the signal strength of the received signals. To create a complete RF data communication system, the receiver IC seamlessly operates together with Atmel's RF PLL transmitters U274xB and T575x. As programming is not necessary, the circuit is easy to use in any application and design-ins can be realized quickly. The single-ended RF input allows unproblematic adaptation to a l/4 antenna or to a printed antenna on the board. Only a few external circuits and almost no RF components on the PC board are required. The replacement of currently used RF receivers by the T5744 is very simple, only two pins, the data pin and the standby pin, have to be connected to a microcontroller. To reduce the current consumption of 7 milliampere to 190 microampere, the device can be switched via the standby pin into sleep mode where only the crystal oscillator is still running to enable a fast start-up.

Samples of the new receiver IC T5744 in SO20 and SSO20 packages are available now, high-volume production is running. Pricing starts at US$1.39 (10k).

About Atmel

Founded in 1984, Atmel Corporation is headquartered in San Jose, Calif., 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, SiGe, and high-voltage BCDMOS process technologies.

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's RF data control receiver T5744 information may be retrieved at: http://www.atmel.com/atmel/acrobat/doc3b67d02469e97.pdf.

More information on the RF data control PLL transmitters U274xB and T575x may be retrieved at http://www.atmel.com/atmel/products/prod497.htm.

Requests may be sent via e-mail to literature@atmel.com or by visiting Atmel's website at www.atmel.com.

     Atmel Corporation
     Clive Over, 408/451-2855
     Director of Press Relations -- USA and Asia
     cliveover@atmel.com
     Roland Schropp, +49-7131-67-2910
     Marketing Manager RF Remote Control for
      Industrial Applications
     roland.schropp@hno.atmel.com
     Dr. Susanne van Clewe, +49-7131-67-2081
     Marcom Manager Communications and Automotive Products
     susanne.van-clewe@hno.atmel.com
     Veronique Sablereau, +33-1-30-60-70-68
     Corporate Communications Manager -- Europe
     veronique.sablereau@atmel.com