NANTES, France /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Atmel Corp. announced "the industry first" 8-bit RISC Flash microcontroller to be qualified for operation up to 150°C (Automotive Electronic Council Q100 Grade 0).
Already available in -40°C to 125°C operating temperature range, the ATmega88 AVR microcontroller is now capable of withstanding automotive temperature extremes, allowing designers to distribute intelligence and control functions directly into gearboxes, engine sensors and actuators, transfer cases, turbochargers, and finally simplifying the wiring network.
Compared with the existing 8-bit ROM competition, Atmel's robust non-volatile memory technology offers an unmatched capability to designers. The EEPROM is ideal for storing data, and the self-programmable Flash allows for the code updating within an application even after system deployment. Using Atmel's Flash technology eliminates the expensive and time-consuming steps inherent in mask ROM-based microcontrollers.
The ATmega88 device integrates a high number of features, significantly reducing complete system chip count. This includes an embedded 8-KB Flash program memory and 512-byte EEPROM, a variable gain amplifier, a 10-bit A/D converter, a fast analog comparator, and an on-chip calibrated 8-MHz RC oscillator, avoiding the need for an external crystal. Other on-chip features, such as a power-on-reset, a brown-out detector, and a watchdog with dedicated oscillator also contribute to the overall system reliability.
The ATmega88 150°-compliant samples are available now in 32-pin QFN package. Production will start in 1Q 2007.
The AVR full suite of low-cost development tools supports the automotive AVR microcontrollers for a fast, simple, and successful development process.
By the end of 2006, the 8-pin ATtiny45 with 4-KB Flash memory will be sampled in -40°C to 150°C temperature range.
About Atmel
Atmel is a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of microcontrollers, advanced logic, mixed-signal, nonvolatile memory, and radio frequency components. Leveraging one of the industry's broadest intellectual property technology portfolios, Atmel can provide the electronics industry with complete system solutions. Atmel ICs can be found in consumer, industrial, security, communications, computing, and automotive markets.
The Atmel logo and combinations thereof, Everywhere You Are, AVR, and others, are registered trademarks or trademarks of Atmel Corp. or its subsidiaries. Other terms and product names may be trademarks of others.
Information on Atmel's ATmega88 150°C-qualified product can be retrieved at the company's Web site.
For further information on automotive AVR solutions, go to the company's Web site.