DETROIT, October 20 /PRNewswire/ --

Convergence Show -- Atmel(R) Corporation (Nasdaq: ATML) announced today the availability of the new AVR(R)-microcontroller-based RF transmitter family ATA577x for Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) applications. The new devices are System-In-Package (SiP) or Multi Chip Module (MCM) solutions incorporating Atmel's well-known AVR microcontroller ATtiny44V and the RF transmitter T5750/53/54. This new family covers all worldwide frequencies (ATA5773: 315 MHz, ATA5774: 433 MHz, and ATA5771: 868 to 928 MHz). The tiny QFN24 packages, measuring only 5 mm x 5 mm, allow the creation of extremely small key fob designs at competitive costs.

The ATA577x family members are ideal for high-volume, uni-directional RF RKE car keys with a separate immobilizer transponder. This product family especially fits RKE applications focusing on the latest RF and microcontroller technologies while retaining legacy transponder protocol compatibility. Additionally, thanks to the stacked SiP technology, these applications will benefit by material cost savings of about 10% and a board area saving of about 20%, compared to conventional two-chip solutions.

The new transmitter devices are produced using existing Atmel components in high-volume production. This ensures the products' high reliability. Customers can reuse their existing T5754/53/50 or AVR designs, cutting down time-to-market.

Atmel's RF transmitter family will be updated in Q1/2009 with 2 additional car access devices. The first device is targeted at the upcoming RKE combi keys; the second will serve the new Passive Entry Go (PEG) keys.

Availability and Pricing

Samples of the ATA577x RF transmitter ICs are available now in small-outline QFN24 packages. Pricing starts at US $1.10 for 500k-piece quantities. To simplify and accelerate product design, demo boards (ATA577x-DK), RF design kit software, and Atmel's well-known AVR Studio(R) for new software development are available.

Footnote MCM = Multi-Chip Module PEG = Passive Entry Go RKE = Remote Keyless Entry SiP = System in Package

About Atmel

Atmel is a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of microcontrollers, advanced logic, mixed-signal, nonvolatile memory and radio frequency (RF) components. Leveraging one of the industry's broadest intellectual property (IP) technology portfolios, Atmel is able to provide the electronics industry with complete system solutions focused on consumer, industrial, security, communications, computing and automotive markets.

(C) 2008 Atmel Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Atmel(R), Atmel logo and combinations thereof, AVR(R), AVR Studio(R) and others are registered trademarks, or trademarks of Atmel Corporation or its subsidiaries. Other terms and product names may be trademarks of others.

Information

Product information on Atmel's new RF transmitter IC family ATA577x may be retrieved at:

http://www.atmel.com/dyn/products/product_card.asp?part_id=4413 (ATA5771) http://www.atmel.com/dyn/products/product_card.asp?part_id=4414 (ATA5773) http://www.atmel.com/dyn/products/product_card.asp?part_id=4415 (ATA5774) Press Contacts Dr. Susanne van Clewe, Marcom Manager Communications and Automotive Products Tel: +49-7131-67-2081, Email: susanne.van-clewe@atmel.com Helen Perlegos, Public Relations Tel: +1-408-487-2963, Email: hperlegos@atmel.com

Web site: http://www.atmel.com

Dr. Susanne van Clewe, Marcom Manager Communications and Automotive Products, +49-7131-67-2081, susanne.van-clewe@atmel.com, or Helen Perlegos, Public Relations, +1-408-487-2963, hperlegos@atmel.com, both of Atmel Corporation