Press Release for immediate publication: Microchip expands stand-alone real-time clock/calendar device family New, battery-backed RTCC

devices include faster, 10 MHz SPI interface, watchdog timer, event detects and more memory Bangalore, November 16th 2011 [NASDAQ: MCHP] Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller, analog and Flash-IP solutions, today announced a n ew family of stand-alone Real-Time Clock/Calendar (RTCC) devices. The MCP795WXX /BXX RTCC devices have a 10 MHz SPI interface, non-volatile memory and an effect ive combination of features at a price lower than most competitors' devices, inc luding those with fewer features. The new devices reduce component counts and co sts for applications in the smart-energy (e.g., thermostats, power meters and co mmercial refrigeration); home-appliance (e.g., coffee makers, stoves and microwa ve ovens); automotive (e.g., dashboard controls, car radios and GPS); consumer-e lectronic (e.g., office equipment and video systems); and communications markets (e.g., radios, cordless phones, and network systems), among others. The MCP795WXX/BXX RTCC devices feature millisecond alarms and a 10 MHz SPI inter face that supports very fast data access, resulting in longer MCU sleep and powe r-down modes, and less power draw from the battery. Other low-power features in clude two event-detect inputs that draw minimal current in the RTCC device, but wake the MCU when events such as a switch press or system tampering have occurre d. Additionally, the devices include three types of non-volatile memory EEPROM, SRAM and a Unique ID which can be ordered blank or with a pre-programmed MAC address, as a standard product to further reduce component counts and lower costs associate d with serialised programming. Along with the automatic battery switchover for backup power, a power-fail time stamp logs the time and duration of any power fa ilure and, for accurate timekeeping over a broad temperature range, the devices feature a wide digital-trimming range that compensates for crystal frequency dri ft over temperature. In designs where a second low-frequency crystal is used, a boot-clock option provides a 32 kHz clock at power-up, reducing the need for a second crystal. "With our new SPI RTCC devices, we offer customers a high-quality timekeeping so lution that also meets many of their other system requirements," said Randy Drwi nga, vice president of Microchip's Memory Products Division. "We made this poss ible by leveraging Microchip's core competencies and integrating an effective co mbination of features into a single device at a lower cost, which can be passed on to our customers." Development Support The MCP795XX SPI RTCC PICtail plus daughter board (part # AC164147) will be availab le for purchase in February 2012, at microchipDIRECT (http://www.microchip.com/g et/FU5C). The board will work with Microchip's Explorer 16 Development Board (pa rt # DM240001) and PIC18 Explorer Board (part # DM183032) to enable designers to demonstrate the MCP795WXX/BXX RTCC devices in their applications. Packaging and availability The MCP795WXX RTCC devices are available today in 14-pin SOIC and TSSOP packages . The MCP795BXX devices will be available in mid-December in the same package o ptions. Both devices are available in 10,000-unit quantities. Samples can be or dered today, at http://www.microchip.com/get/9RSL. Volume-production quantities of the devices can be purchased today, at microchipDIRECT (http://www.microchip .com/get/FU5C). For further information, contact any Microchip sales representa tive or authorised worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip's Web site at http: //www.microchip.com/get/321S. To purchase products mentioned in this press relea

se, go to microchipDIRECT or contact one of Microchip's authorised distribution partners. About Microchip Technology Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP) is a leading provider of microcontroll er, analog and Flash-IP solutions, providing low-risk product development, lower total system cost and faster time to market for thousands of diverse customer a pplications worldwide. Headquartered in Chandler, Ariz., Microchip offers outst anding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more i nformation, visit the Microchip Web site (http://www.microchip.com/get/WB7C). ________________________________________________________________________________ ________ For editorial queries only, please contact: Daphne Yuen (Microchip): (852) 2943 5115 (email: daphne.yuen@microchip.com) Shruthi (PRHUB):080-22998141, 22483008 (email:shruthi@prhub.com) Shayan (PRHUB): 080-22998141, 22483008(email: shayan@prhub.com)