Atmel Integrates AVR 8-bit Microcontroller and LIN System Basis Chip into Single Small Package

Atmel Integrates AVR 8-bit Microcontroller and LIN System Basis Chip into Single Small Package

February 13, 2007

Highest Integration Level


    HEILBRONN, Germany, Feb. 13 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ --
Atmel(R) Corporation (Nasdaq: ATML), a global leader in the
development and fabrication of advanced semiconductor
solutions, announced today the availability of the ATA6602
and ATA6603 multichip modules, extending Atmel's current
broad IC family for LIN applications. These new devices are
designed for automotive actuator applications typically
found in comfort electronics (e.g., window lifter, mirror
or seat adjuster) as well as in powertrain applications.
Due to their very small size, the ATA6602 and ATA6603 are
also ideal for sensor node applications such as control
panels, air quality, rain/sun sensors and many more. 

    Using a multichip-module approach, these two ICs
combine a microcontroller (8-bit AVR(R)) and a LIN system
basis chip (LIN SBC) in a single package (SiP,
system-in-package) without internal connections. As a
result, the ATA6602/ATA6603 ICs offer the highest
integration level including microcontroller, voltage
regulator, LIN transceiver and watchdog in one package
covering the complete basic functionality of a LIN node.
These products achieve minimum space requirements, shorter
time-to-market due to the simpler system design, and lower
sourcing, logistics, and assembly cost.

    The ATA6602 integrates the automotive-qualified
ATmega88 AVR Flash MCU with 8 KB of Flash memory, whereas
the ATA6603 incorporates the automotive-qualified ATmega168
with a Flash memory of 16 KB.

    The LIN SBCs within the new ATA6602 and ATA6603 modules
incorporate the LIN transceiver, an advanced voltage
regulator, and a watchdog timer. They are manufactured
using Atmel's own high-voltage BCDMOS process for operation
in harsh environments. Thanks to its silent mode, the LIN
SBC provides very low power consumption (40 microamps with
activated voltage regulator). In addition, the LIN SBC
provides high immunity against ESD and EMC, various
protection functions, and a unique, broad input/output
voltage range (-40 to 60V) for the LIN bus pin which is
ideal for use in truck applications.

    Since the ATA6602 and ATA6603 incorporate AVR
microcontrollers with all pins bonded out, Atmel's standard
AVR tools can be used during the development phase. This
includes, for example, the AVR Studio(R) which is the new
professional integrated development environment (IDE) for
writing and debugging AVR applications. AVR Studio includes
an assembler, as well as a simulator, and supports the
integration of the freeware GCC compiler. It can be
downloaded for free at http://www.atmel.com/avr . For
on-chip debugging, the AVR JTAGICE mkII can be used. It is
a powerful development and debug tool supporting the
debugWIRE Interface, which enables the designers to debug
the ATA6602 and ATA6603 on-chip, using only a single wire
for the debug interface. A LIN protocol handler is also
available. In addition, a LIN software library for GCC and
IAR C compiler are available for free.

    Pricing and Availability

    Samples of the new ATA6602/ATA6603 in QFN48 (7 x 7 mm)
packages are available now. Pricing starts at US$1.87
(ATA6602) for 10k pieces and US$1.99 (ATA6603) for 10k
pieces.

    Footnote

    BCDMOS = Mixed-signal technology with Bipolar, CMOS and
DMOS components
    EEPROM = Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only
Memory
    EMC = Electro Magnetic Compatibility
    ESD = Electro Static Discharge
    GCC = GNU C Compiler
    LIN = Local Interconnect Network
    RC = Resistor Capacitor (circuit)
    RISC = Reduced Instruction Set Computer
    SBC = System Basis Chip

    About Atmel

    Atmel is a worldwide leader in the design and
manufacture of microcontrollers, advanced logic,
mixed-signal, nonvolatile memory and radio frequency (RF)
components.  Leveraging one of the industry's broadest
intellectual property (IP) technology portfolios, Atmel is
able to provide the electronics industry with complete
system solutions.  Focused on consumer, industrial,
security, communications, computing and automotive markets,
Atmel ICs can be found Everywhere You Are(R).

    NOTE:  Atmel(R), logo and combinations thereof,
Everywhere You Are(R), AVR(R), AVR Studio(R) and others are
registered trademarks or trademarks of Atmel Corporation or
its subsidiaries. Other terms and product names may be
trademarks of others.

    Information

    Product information on Atmel's multichip modules
ATA6602 and ATA6603 may be retrieved at: 

   
http://www.atmel.com/dyn/products/product_card.asp?part_id=4053
(ATA6602)

   
http://www.atmel.com/dyn/products/product_card.asp?part_id=4054
(ATA6603)


    For more information, please contact:

     Dr. Susanne van Clewe, 
     Marcom Manager Communications and Automotive Products
     Tel:    [phone]
     Email:  [e-mail]

     Helen Perlegos, 
     Public Relations - USA and Asia Pacific 
     Tel:    [phone]
     Email:  [e-mail]

     Veronique Sablereau, 
     Corporate Communications Manager - Europe
     Tel:    [phone] 
     Fax:    [phone]
     Email:  [e-mail]


SOURCE  Atmel Corporation