Date: 4th Mar 2010

Atmel unveils new set of microcontroller chips and technologies

Atmel has released to the market a bunch of items related embedded systems developments. They include,

1. Atmel has rolled out the ATtiny4313, an extension to Atmel's tinyAVR product family of low-power microcontrollers. The ATtiny4313 is a new device in the 20-pin tinyAVR family that is code- and pin-compatible with the existing ATtiny2313A.
This general purpose microcontroller targets applications in consumer electronics, industrial, computer and communications markets. Atmel's ATtiny4313 can work as the main controller inside of a handheld, battery-operated remote controller, or as the controller/interface on the receiver side. It can also work as a communications link in building safety systems, interfacing between various sensors and networks. In white goods, the chip can operate as a user interface controller or control the entire system. This is all possible with the versatile interface options, timer counters with PWM outputs and many GPIO pins.

"As a leader in the 8-bit Flash microcontroller market, this new product further demonstrates Atmel's lead position in the consumer, communications and industrial markets. The new 4K Flash version expands Atmel's products by offering customers an easy upgrade path in applications where more code space is required," said Jukka Eskelinen, product marketing director of tinyAVR products at Atmel Corporation.

"Providing ease-of-use capabilities and ease-of-upgrade for our ATtiny2313 customers, the new ATtiny4313 enables the use of the same printed circuit board with an option to add more software features and refinements for product differentiation. This can further add to the end product value with minimal additional cost. Featuring picoPower technology, the ATtiny4313 leads in low current consumption making the end product more environmentally friendly, without sacrificing performance or features," Eskelinen concluded.
For details visit http://www.atmel.com/tinyAVR.

2.The new Floating point unit (FPU) for 32-bit AVR UC3 microcontrollers made available by Atmel can handle digital signal processing (DSP) functions in applications like audio, video and systems control. To learn more about Atmel's new 32-bit AVR MCUs with floating point, click the following link: http://www.atmel.com/pressrelease/32bituc3floating.

3. Atmel's new turnkey security module to protect brand and IP (intellectual property) against counterfeiting and cloning. Based on Atmel's AT90SO secureAVR microcontrollers, the VaultIC200 is the newest member of the VaultIC product family - a family that offers secure microcontrollers with multiple interfaces and bundled security firmware. Atmel's VaultIC200 can protect against cloning of various applications including ink and toner cartridges, computer and gaming console accessories, white goods, batteries and battery chargers, mp3 players, Bluetooth earphones, smart energy meters and more.

"Solutions based on highly secure microcontrollers with cryptography and tamper resistant data storage are very efficient ways in protecting brands and IPs. However, they are usually complex to develop and implement," said Olivier Debelleix, marketing manager for system security at Atmel Corporation. "Atmel's VaultIC200 offers designers an easy-to-implement security solution that does not require any knowledge in developing cryptography-related firmware. This cost-effective solution can be integrated in any product that needs to be protected."

Atmel's VaultIC200 samples are available now in both SOIC8 and DFN8 standard industry packages. More information about Atmel's VaultIC product family can be found at: http://www.atmel.com/products/embedded_security.

4. Atmel has announced a new secure microcontroller exclusively for deeply embedded security functions including brand and IP (intellectual property) protection against counterfeiting and cloning. Atmel's AT90SO4 is the newest member of the AT90SO product family.