Microchip Technology Introduces High-Speed 45-ns Comparators

Microchip Technology Introduces High-Speed 45-ns Comparators

Rail-to-Rail Input/Output, Low Operating Voltage Make MCP656X Comparators Ideal for Battery-Powered Applications

CHANDLER, Ariz., April 7, 2009 [NASDAQ: MCHP] — Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, today announced the MCP6561/2/4/6/7/9 (MCP656X) family of high-speed (45 nS) comparators. With rail-to-rail input and output, low operating voltage down to 1.8V, low quiescent current and package options with push-pull and open-drain outputs, the new devices provide a high level of performance for a wide variety of applications.

The cost-effective comparators are ideal for battery-powered applications requiring low power and high-speed operation. Their low quiescent current of 100 microamperes (µA) generates less heat, extends battery life and minimizes thermal-related challenges. With their low operation voltage (down to 1.8V), the comparators can be powered directly from the battery, allowing for full battery utilization. A rail-to-rail Input/Output structure provides greater dynamic range and better performance across the entire operating voltage range.

“The MCP656X family of high-speed comparators leverages Microchip’s leading position in low-power CMOS design,” said Bryan Liddiard, vice president of marketing with Microchip’s Analog and Interface Products Division. “The devices complement Microchip’s existing portfolio of low-power, low-speed comparators.”

Applications in the industrial (power supplies, motor control); consumer (RF readers, alarm systems and portable electronics) and automotive markets (zero-crossing detectors, high-speed sampling circuits) are appropriate for the MCP656X comparators.

Development Tool Support

Designers wanting to get started with the MCP656X comparators can use a number of Microchip Evaluation Boards, including the Voltage Supervisor SOT-23-5/6 Evaluation Board (Part # VSUPEV2). This board provides a blank PCB for easily evaluating the 5-pin SOT-23 packaged MCP656X comparator. For the 8-pin SOIC and MSOP packages, designers can utilize the 8-pin SOIC/MSOP/TSSOP/DIP Evaluation board (Part # SOIC8EV). Both boards are available today at microchipDIRECT (http://www.microchipdirect.com), for $10. For evaluating the comparators in the 14-pin SOIC and TSSOP packages, the 14-pin SOIC/TSSOP/DIP Evaluation Board (Part # SOIC14EV) is available today at microchipDIRECT, for $20.00. Additionally, the free online Mindi™ Simulator Tool is available at http://www.microchip.com/mindi. This tool enables the design and analysis of various analog circuits used in power-management and linear applications.

Device Packaging & Pricing

All six members of the MCP656X family are available today for sampling and volume production. The single channel MCP6561 and MCP6566 comparators are available in 5-pin SOT-23 and SC-70 packages, for $0.37 each in 10,000 unit quantities. The dual channel MCP6562 and MCP6567 comparators are available in 8-pin SOIC and MSOP packages, for $0.51 each in 10,000-unit quantities. The quad channel MCP6564 and MCP6569 comparators are available in 14-pin SOIC and TSSOP packages, for $1.03 each in 10,000-unit quantities. Samples can be ordered at http://sample.microchip.com, and volume-production quantities can be ordered at microchipDIRECT. For further information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip’s Web site at http://www.microchip.com/mcp656x.

Microchip Customer Support

Microchip is committed to supporting its customers by helping design engineers develop products faster and more efficiently. Customers can access four main service areas at http://www.microchip.com. The Support area provides a fast way to get questions answered; the Sample area offers evaluation samples of any Microchip device; microchipDIRECT provides 24-hour pricing, ordering, inventory and credit for convenient purchasing of all Microchip devices and development tools; finally, the Training area educates customers through webinars, sign-ups for local seminar and workshop courses, and information about the annual MASTERs events held throughout the world.

About Microchip Technology

Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP) is a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, providing low-risk product development, lower total system cost and faster time to market for thousands of diverse customer applications worldwide. Headquartered in Chandler, Ariz., Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip website at http://www.microchip.com.

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