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

HEILBRONN, Germany, February 13 /PRNewswire/ --

-- Highest Integration Level

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/produc... (ATA6602)
    http://www.atmel.com/dyn/products/produc... (ATA6603)
    Press Contacts
    Dr. Susanne van Clewe, Marcom Manager Communications and Automotive
    Products
    Phone: +49 7131 67-2081, Email: susanne.van-clewe@hno.atmel.com
    Helen Perlegos, Public Relations - USA and Asia Pacific
    Phone: +1 408 487-2963, Email: hperlegos@atmel.com
    Veronique Sablereau, Corporate Communications Manager - Europe
    Phone: +33 1 30 60 70 68, Fax: +49 7131 67-2423,
    Email: veronique.sablereau@atmel.com

Web site: http://www.atmel.com

Dr. Susanne van Clewe, Marcom Manager Communications and Automotive Products, +49-7131 67-2081, or susanne.van-clewe@hno.atmel.com, or Helen Perlegos, Public Relations - USA and Asia Pacific, +1-408-487-2963, or hperlegos@atmel.com, or Veronique Sablereau, Corporate Communications Manager - Europe, +33-1-30-60-70-68, or fax, +49-7131-67-2423, or veronique.sablereau@atmel.com, all of Atmel Corporation