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For Immediate Release
Editorial Contact:
Eric Sells
Microchip Technology Inc.
(480) 786-7478
Reader/Literature Inquiries:
(480) 786-7668
Web: www.microchip.com
MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY ADDS
DIGITAL POTENTIOMETERS TO ANALOG PORTFOLIO
CHANDLER, Ariz., Nov. 20, 2000 [NASDAQ: MCHP] — Expanding its suite of stand-alone
analog components for digital designers, Microchip Technology Inc. today introduced the
MCP4XXXX family of six single- and dual-channel digital potentiometers with an SPI
interface. These products combine high performance, a competitive price and sophisticated
development tool support, making the MCP4XXXX family an ideal solution for embedded control
designs.
Both single- and dual-channel versions are available with resistor values of 10k ohms, 50k
ohms and 100k ohms; the wiper position for each potentiometer is changed using a standard SPI™
serial interface. A software shutdown command in the dual-channel devices provides the means
for reducing current consumption while not in use by allowing the user to open circuit each
resistor individually. The dual channel devices also feature a shut-down pin that performs the
same function.
The MCP4XXXX features high accuracy at 8-bit resolution (256 wiper steps); single
supply operation of 2.7-5.5 volts; low static current of 1uA maximum; and an industrial
temperature range of –40C to +85C. The devices offer INL and DNL of +/-1 LSB maximum.
In a typical application, the system MCU will send an initialization value at power on;
alternatively the potentiometers will reset to mid-scale on power up. The digital potentiometers
can be used in both the voltage divider and rheostat modes. The dual-channel devices can be
connected in series to simplify communication and control.
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The digital solution provides the ability to control system parameters under CPU command
if desired. Systems requiring complex calibration or tuning during and after manufacturing can
now be automatically calibrated, eliminating the need for manual calibration. Permanent settings
can be saved in microcontroller EEPROM during power off. This in-system programmable
capability generates cost savings during the manufacturing process and enables remote recalibration in the field. In addition, the use of digital potentiometers allows automated wave
solder-reflow techniques to be used in the manufacturing process.
Applications for the MCP4XXXX family include audio equipment (volume and tone
controls), servo-motor control, battery charging and control, communications (line impedance
matching), power supplies, instrumentation (gain, offset adjust), LCD contrast control, and
programmable filters. The devices can be used in many existing Microchip customer designs
utilizing analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), op amps and microcontrollers.
The digital potentiometers join Microchip’s growing family of stand-alone analog products
for digital designers. During the past year, Microchip has introduced families of 12-bit ADCs, 10bit ADCs, operational amplifiers, and system supervisors. Microchip offers the MXDEV 1
Analog Evaluation System to make it easier for designers to evaluate and develop with the
company’s full line of standalone analog products, including the digital potentiometers. The
MXDEV System consists of a driver board, which performs data acquisition and connects to a PC
for subsequent analysis and display, and an evaluation daughter board, which plugs into the driver
board and contains the device to be evaluated. Available today, pricing for the MXDEV 1 Analog
Evaluation System is $169 each for the driver board and $89 each for the daughter board.
Pricing in 1,000-unit quantities is $1.15 each for the MCP41XXX (single channel) and
$1.69 for the MCP42XXX. Packaging options include 8- and 14-pin PDIP, SOIC and TSSOP
versions. Samples and volume quantities are planned for December 2000. For more information,
contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor.
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Microchip Technology Inc. manufactures the widely popular PICmicro RISC
microcontrollers which serve 8- and 16-bit embedded control applications. Specializing in fieldprogrammable and mixed-signal solutions, the Company also offers complementary
microperipheral products including stand-alone analog, interface and microID RFID devices;
serial EEPROMs; and the patented KEELOQ security devices. This synergistic product portfolio
targets thousands of applications and a growing demand for high-performance designs in the
automotive, communications, computing, consumer and industrial control markets. The
Company’s quality systems are ISO 9001 (1994 version) and QS9000 (1998 version) certified.
Microchip is headquartered near Phoenix in Chandler, Arizona, with semiconductor fabrication
facilities in Arizona and Washington; and assembly and test operations near Bangkok, Thailand.
Microchip employs approximately 3,100 people worldwide and has sales offices throughout Asia,
Europe, Japan and the Americas. More information on the company can be found at
www.microchip.com
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Note: The Microchip name and logo, PIC, PICmicro, and KEELOQ are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Inc. in the USA and other
countries. MXDEV is a trademark of Microchip Technology Inc. in the USA and other countries. SPI is a trademark of Motorola. All other
trademarks are the property of their respective owners.