Atmel Extends the 8-bit AVR Product Family; New Devices Serve Wireless, PC Peripheral and Security Markets

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 24, 2003--Atmel(R) Corporation (Nasdaq:ATML) Atmel announced today four new application specific extensions to the AVR Family. The AVR Microcontroller introduced by Atmel in 1997 is the industry's only new 8-bit Architecture launched in the last two decades. During the first six years of production, the AVR has become the design engineers' microcontoller of choice because of its unique in-system- programmable Flash program memory and price performance. Today the AVR represents more than a solution supporting the general-purpose marketplace as the product family now integrates unique peripheral functions that provide solutions for specialized markets. Examples of this integration now support wireless communication, security and PC peripheral segments.

The four new application specific extensions to the AVR Family include the AT86RF401 SmartRF processor, which combines the AVR with a high performance RF transmitter operating at 250 - 460MHz. It is targeted at cost sensitive wireless remote control markets such as auto keyless entry, garage door openers and home convenience controls.

The second application specific area is covered by the AT90SC Family Secure AVR, which integrates a random word generator, crypto coprocessor and on chip security to enable GSM SIM card, Internet transaction, pay TV and banking designs. These smart card applications require high performance to perform encryption functions in real time. There are six members of the USB AVR product offering. The AT43USB351M is the only configurable low / high speed USB controller supporting five end points. With integrated 12 channel 10-bit A/D capability, it supports video game controllers, data acquisition devices, and sensors and mass storage applications.

Finally, the Mega 169 is the first member of a family of devices with integrated LCD controller. Typical power consumption is less than 20uA at 32KHz operation. It targets battery-powered applications like residential thermostats, portable medical instruments and LCD cordless communication devices.

"Based on unprecedented market acceptance and customer demand Atmel created two new AVR design teams located in Nantes, France and Helsinki, Finland in addition to those in San Jose, CA, Rousset, France and Trondheim, Norway to work on further expanding this award winning product portfolio. These teams have specialized skills in analog, DSP and communication protocol design which will open new markets for the AVR," said Jim Panfil, Director of Microcontroller Products. "To ensure adequate production capacity, we commissioned a new 8-inch wafer Fab in Tyneside, UK. This facility is capable of processing ten thousand eight-inch wafers per week with geometries as small as 0.13u technology. We are making a significant investment in design capability, process technology, plant and equipment to accelerate the growth of the AVR portfolio," he added.

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, SiGe, and high-voltage BCDMOS process technologies.

Note to Editors: Atmel, the Atmel logo, AVR and combinations thereof are registered trademarks, and others contained herein are trademarks, of Atmel Corporation. Other terms and product names in this document may be the trademarks of others.

Information:

Information on Atmel's AVR microcontroller families can be retrieved at: http://www.atmel.com/AVR.

CONTACT: Atmel Corporation
             Jim Panfil, 408/487-2535
             (Director of Microcontrollers)
             jpanfil@atmel.com
             Clive Over, 408/451-2855
             (Director of Press Relations - USA and Asia)
             cliveover@atmel.com
             Veronique Sablereau, +33 1 30 60 70 68
             (corporate communications manager - Europe)
             veronique.sablereau@atmel.com