Integrated Circuit eliminates external voltage regulator.

Press Release Summary:



Model MCP201 single-chip LIN (Local Interconnect Network) bus-interface transceiver has on-board 5 V ±5% voltage regulator with max output current of 50 microamps. It supports baud rate up to 20 kb. Small 8-pin device provides thermal and short-circuit protection, as well as protection against loss of ground and load dumps up to 40 V. CPU, bus activity, and local wake-up features are also included. Applications include automotive sub-bus systems connected to LIN bus system.



Original Press Release:



New LIN Bus IC by Microchip Technology Eliminates the Need for An External Voltage Regulator IC



CHANDLER, Ariz., Oct. 14, 2002 [NASDAQ: MCHP - Continuing its leadership in LIN (Local Interconnect Network) bus solutions, Microchip Technology Inc. today introduced the MCP201 device, a single-chip LIN bus interface transceiver with an integrated voltage regulator. By combining the MCP201 with virtually any of the company's PICmicro® microcontrollers, designers can build a complete LIN bus solution. The integrated voltage regulator eliminates the need for an additional external regulator IC, saves board space and meets the LIN bus specification of V1.2. In addition, the industry standard pin assignment of the MCP201 makes it a drop-in replacement in applications where LIN transceivers are already designed in.

The small 8-pin MCP201 device features an on-board 5 volt +/-5 percent voltage regulator with a maximum output current of 50 microamps and has the capability to provide higher current output capability with an external series pass transistor. It supports a baud rate up to 20 kb and is available in an extended temperature range (-40C to +125C). The device provides thermal and short circuit protection as well as protection against loss of ground and load dumps up to 40 volts. CPU, bus activity, and local wake-up features are also included.

Created as a low-cost, short distance, low-speed network to connect various automotive subsystems, the LIN protocol enhances communication among these subsystems. The protocol lowers system cost and improves reliability since only three wires (communication + power + ground) are used to connect multiple nodes rather than running multiple individual wires to every node.

Target applications for the MCP201 include automotive sub-bus systems (sensors, actuators, switches) connected to a LIN bus system. Examples include interior and exterior mirrors, HVAC blower motors, sensors and air doors, seat controls (heat, motors, switches), door controls (door locks, window lift, RKE receiver, control panels), steering wheel (control panels, heating, ignition lock), sun roof motors, compass, garage door openers, visors, light control, engine cooling fan, glow plug control, and battery sensors.

The appliance and industrial markets are also pursuing LIN bus connectivity as a low-cost solution in feature rich equipment that have multiple connected nodes. Target applications include washing machines, refrigerators, stoves and ovens, manufacturing equipment and metal working machines.

Microchip's PICDEM(TM) LIN Development Kit enables designers to develop solutions easily and efficiently using the LIN bus protocol with PICmicro microcontroller-based systems. Sample programs provided with the kit demonstrate the LIN protocol in a simple distribution network using the sample microcontrollers. Designers also have the ability to demonstrate the integration of the LIN bus protocol into a product for proof of concept. A version of the PICDEM LIN Development Kit supporting the new MCP201 device is expected to be available in January.

Available in an 8-pin SOIC package, pricing in 10,000-unit quantities for the MCP201 is $1.25 each. Samples are available now and volume production is scheduled for late fourth quarter 2002. For more information on these new devices, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor or visit www.microchip.com.

Microchip Technology Inc. manufactures the popular PICmicro® field-programmable RISC microcontrollers, which serve 8- and 16-bit embedded control applications, and a broad spectrum of high performance linear and mixed-signal, power management and thermal management devices. The Company also offers complementary microperipheral products including interface devices; 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 in Chandler, Arizona with design facilities in Mountain View, California, Bangalore, India; and a European Design Center in Lausanne, Switzerland; semiconductor fabrication facilities in Tempe and Chandler, Arizona; Gresham, Oregon; and Puyallup, Washington; and assembly and test operations near Bangkok, Thailand. Microchip employs approximately 3,250 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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