(EMAILWIRE.COM, April 02, 2008 ) Hong Kong - Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, has announced the MCP1790 and MCP1791 (MCP179X) high-voltage linear regulators (LDOs). With a continuous 70 milliampere output, the ability to operate at a continuous input voltage of up to 30V and load-dump protection up to 43.5V, the new LDOs are ideal for automotive and industrial applications. They also feature low quiescent current, shutdown current and ceramic capacitor stability, which enable smaller, ultra-efficient designs at lower costs.

The MCP179X LDOs were designed for use in applications requiring continuous operation at high input voltages, such as 12V automotive and 24V industrial applications. The built-in load-dump protection feature shields the system from the voltage transients often found in these types of applications, particularly those in the automotive market. All of this, combined with ceramic output capacitor stability and a low quiescent current of just 70 microamperes, enables more compact, power-efficient and reliable designs.

"We are pleased to now provide LDOs to the automotive and industrial markets," said Bryan Liddiard, vice president of marketing with Microchip's Analog and Interface Products Division. "We expect these devices to diversify our customer base as we continue to provide the complete product solutions our customers have come to expect."

Mikhail Voroniouk, product marketing engineer with Microchip's Analog and Interface Products Division, continued, "The MCP179X LDOs are expected to help Microchip further expand into the ever-growing automotive and industrial markets through their high input-voltage capability and automotive grade voltage-transient protection."

Example automotive applications for the MCP179X LDOs include those where a device is powered directly from the car's battery, such as instrumentation lighting, power windows and locks, electronic accessory power adapters and stereo systems. The LDOs are also well suited for high-voltage industrial applications such as security systems, fire alarms, thermostat controls and sensors, among others.

Packaging, Pricing & Availability
Users can choose between the simple, 3-pin MCP1790 LDO or the full-featured 5-pin MCP1791 LDO, which offers shutdown and power-good functionality. Both LDOs are available in thermally capable SOT-223 and DDPAK packages and can be used over a wide input/output voltage range at full currents, enabling them to support a broad range of application setups.

The MCP1790 is available in a 3-pin SOT-223 or DDPAK package. The MCP1791 is available in a 5-pin SOT-223 or DDPAK package. Samples of both LDOs are available today at http://sample.microchip.com. Volume quantities can be ordered at www.microchipdirect.com, today.

For further information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip's Web site at www.microchip.com/MCP179X.

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 www.microchip.com. The Support area provides a fast way to get questions answered; the Sample area offers free 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 www.microchip.com.

Issued on behalf of Microchip
by EBA Communications

For more information, please contact:
Daphne Yuen (Microchip): (852) 2943 5115
(email:daphne.yuen@microchip.com)
Howard Jones/Andy Wong (EBA): (852) 2537 8022
(email: howard.jones@ebacomms.com
/andy.wong@ebacomms.com)

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