Date: 26/11/2009

Semiconductor device portfolio from Microchip specified for operation up to 150° C ambient

Microchip has announced that its semiconductor device portfolio specified for operation up to 150° C ambient including 8-bit and 16-bit PIC microcontrollers (MCUs) and dsPIC Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs), serial EEPROM devices, and analog products.

These semiconductor devices qualified and tested in accordance with AEC-Q100 Grade 0 requirements and optimum for under-the-hood automotive, industrial applications such as down-hole oil drilling and lighting, and for medical applications such as devices that are sterilized in autoclaves.

To mount silicon directly onto high-temperature assemblies the Brushless DC (BLDC) motors can be used in place of mechanical, belt-driven actuators for water pumps, engine cooling fans, turbocharger waste gates, and throttle-control applications. This improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions by enabling on-demand technology. Sensors can now be placed directly into automotive gearboxes, engine-coolant systems and oil reservoirs. MCUs featuring CAN and LIN connectivity enable small footprints and efficient bus connections. The elimination of heat shields and extra wiring saves cost and complexity for industrial and automotive applications.

The key features of the high-temperature portfolio are,

20 new 16-bit devices with MCU performance, including
dsPIC33FJ motor-control and general-purpose devices with integrated digital signal processing, CAN connectivity and 12-bit Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs)
PIC24HJ general-purpose MCUs with CAN connectivity and 12-bit ADCs
High-performance PIC18F4680 8-bit MCU family with CAN connectivity and small footprint, including the PIC18F2585, PIC18F2680 and PIC18F4585 MCUs
Additional 8-bit PIC MCUs include the PIC16F616 and PIC18F1320 families and the miniature, 8-pin PIC12F615 MCU
25LC080C through 25LC256 SPI serial EEPROM device families, and the 24LC01B I2C serial EEPROM
MCP9700 low-power linear active thermistor

"With increasing market requirements for ICs specified for operation at temperatures greater than 125° C, Microchip's portfolio of devices that are qualified to AEC-Q100 Grade 0 requirements address these market demands," said Dan Termer, vice president of Microchip's Vertical Markets Group. "With the largest and broadest portfolio of ICs for high-temperature applications, Microchip's high-temperature products enable better connectivity, more intelligent motor control, improved system efficiency and lower system cost when compared to mechanical, or previously-available electronic solutions. Additionally, our products are based upon robust, proven Flash technology, and designed-in quality. We will continue to expand the portfolio of ICs to support market requirements."

For more details visit www.microchip.com