Gain-Select Pin Replaces Negative-Input for Digital Control and 1% Gain Accuracy

CHANDLER, Ariz. -- Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP), a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, today announced it has expanded its portfolio of programmable amplifiers with a family of 900 MHz, selectable-gain amplifiers. The MCP6G01, MCP6G02, MCP6G03 and MCP6G04 (MCP6G0x) are the first amplifiers with a gain-select pin in place of a negative-input-pin, enabling digital gain control for better system accuracy and dynamic range. The new amplifiers can be used as drop-in replacements for op amps, as microcontroller-controlled amplifiers or as stand-alone gain blocks and eliminate the need for external resistors. This leads to reduced component count, design size and costs.

The MCP6G0x amplifiers feature a low-voltage operation range of 1.8V to 5.5V, low quiescent current of 110 microamperes and a high bandwidth of 350 kHz for 10 V/V, 250 kHz for 50 V/V and 900 kHz at 1 V/V. With less than one percent gain error, they have lower gain error than traditional op amp solutions that use expensive one-percent resistors. The devices enable designers to select gains of 1, 10 or 50 V/V simply by driving the gain-input pin to the high, low or high "Z" state with the microcontroller, or connecting it directly to Vcc, Vss or No-Connect for op amp drop-in replacement or stand-alone operation. Additionally, the amplifiers adjust internal compensation when higher gain is selected, providing greater bandwidth at a lower current.

"With the introduction of the MCP6G0x selectable-gain amplifier family, Microchip continues to fulfill its mission of making low-power analog for the digital age," said Bryan Liddiard, vice president of marketing with Microchip's Analog and Interface Products Division. "This family offers low-power performance as stand-alone devices or as MCU-controlled amplifiers, while still fitting the standard operational amplifier footprint. Additionally, they give designers the ability to digitally control gain for improved system accuracy and dynamic range."

The internal feedback resistors of the MCP6G0x amplifiers are laid out in consideration of thermal gradient issues to reduce gain error over temperature. The devices are capable of extended-temperature operation and are ideal for battery-powered, handheld devices such as those used for industrial, consumer and medical applications.

Packaging, Pricing & Availability

The MCP6G01, MCP6G02 and MCP6G03 are available in 8-pin MSOP or SOIC packages, and the MCP6G04 is available in 14-pin TSSOP and SOIC packages. The MCP6G01 (single) and MCP6G03 (single with chip select) are priced at $.34 each, the MCP6G02 (dual) at $.43 each, and the MCP6G04 (quad) at $.70 each -- in 10,000-unit quantities for all devices and package options. Samples are available today at http://sample.microchip.com. Volume production orders can be placed at www.microchipdirect.com (all packages are RoHS-compliant).

For additional information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip's Web site at www.microchip.com/MCP6G0x.

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. 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 Web site at www.microchip.com.

Note: The Microchip name and logo are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.

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