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Microchip’s Low-Voltage, Programmable Photoelectric
Smoke-Detector IC Receives UL Certification
Low-Voltage, Low-Current Device Enables 10-Year Operating Life With Single Lithium Battery
CHANDLER, Ariz., April 12, 2011 [NASDAQ: MCHP] — Microchip Technology Inc., a
leading provider of microcontroller, analog and Flash-IP solutions, today announced that its
RE46C190 3V programmable photoelectric Smoke-Detector IC received UL component
certification for use in single- and multiple-station smoke alarms, per specification UL 217. This ULcertified component simplifies the certification of smoke-detector products by the UL. A complete
list of Microchip’s UL-certified devices is available on the UL website. The RE46C190 device,
introduced earlier this year, is the world’s first smoke-detector IC to offer low-voltage operation with
programmable calibration and operating modes, which enables the desired modes to be selected
and calibrated during manufacturing.
High-res photo available through editorial contact or Flickr (feel free to publish):
http://www.microchip.com/get/Q106
High-res block diagram available through editorial contact or Flickr (feel free to publish):
http://www.microchip.com/get/8F71
The RE46C190’s low operating voltage and low operating current of 8 microamperes typical
allows a 10-year operating life for a smoke detector with a lithium battery. Two alkaline batteries
may also be used to power the device. Programmable calibration and selection of smoke-detector
operating modes provides designers with an easy way to control smoke-detector operation, and
enables the use of a single IC to design multiple smoke detectors for different markets and
regulatory requirements. The IC also reduces external component counts, since electronic
programmability allows the integration of several formerly external components into the device.
“Microchip is proud to offer yet another UL-certified smoke-detector IC,” said Bryan J.
Liddiard, vice president of marketing with Microchip’s Analog and Interface Products Division. “This
device simplifies the design and manufacture of difficult low-voltage smoke detector systems, and
the customization of the smoke detector system for particular applications. Those features,
combined with UL certification, make the RE46C190 an attractive solution for our customers.”
Development Support
Microchip announced the RE46C190 Demo Board today (part # ADM00344, $199), which
enables customers to evaluate the RE46C190 smoke-detector IC in their applications. The board
includes a smoke-chamber emulator and RE46C190 application circuit. The chamber emulator
can be replaced with customers’ smoke chambers or the equivalent components. The demo board
is expected to be available today, at microchipDIRECT.
Packaging, Pricing and Availability
The RE46C190 3V programmable photoelectric Smoke-Detector IC is available in a 16-pin
SOIC 150 mil. package for $0.94 each, in 10,000-unit quantities. Samples are available, at
http://www.microchip.com/get/PNT4. Volume-production quantities can be ordered at
http://www.microchip.com/get/6FSH. For additional information, contact any Microchip sales
representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip’s Web site at
http://www.microchip.com/get/BGEE. To purchase products mentioned in this press release, go to
microchipDIRECT or contact one of Microchip’s authorized distribution partners.
About Microchip Technology
Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP) is a leading provider of microcontroller,
analog and Flash-IP solutions, providing low-risk product development, lower total system cost and
faster time to market for thousands of diverse customer applications worldwide. Headquartered in
Chandler, Arizona, Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery
and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip website at
http://www.microchip.com/get/LKME.
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Note: The Microchip name and logo are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Inc. in the USA and other
countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.
High-res Photo and Circuit Diagram Available Through Flickr or Editorial Contact (feel free
to publish):
Photo:
http://www.microchip.com/get/Q106
Diagram:
http://www.microchip.com/get/8F71
Tags / Keywords: smoke detector IC, smoke detector, Microchip, MCHP, UL-Certified
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Editorial Contact:
Jessica Brown
(480) 792-4386
[email protected]
Reader Inquiries:
1-888-624-7435
http://www.microchip.com/get/LKME