Microchip Technology Supports LIN Protocol Specification

8 February 2000

Microchip Technology Supports LIN Protocol Specification; New LIN Protocol To Enhance Communication Among Automotive Subsystems

    CHANDLER, Ariz.--Feb. 7, 2000--Expanding its product offering for automotive applications, Microchip Technology Inc.Monday announced its support for the new LIN (Local Interconnect Network) Protocol Specification.
    Microchip plans to design and develop products based on this important standard for its automotive OEM customers.
    The LIN Protocol Specification was created as a low cost, short-distance, low speed network. Designed to transmit changes in switch settings and respond to switch changes, it was intended to communicate events that happen in "human" time (hundreds of milliseconds).
    The LIN Protocol Specification is intended for automotive subsystems such as door nodes, wipers, sun roof, climate control, steering wheel and air controls.
    The LIN PRotocol Specification was developed by a consortium of European automotive manufacturers and other companies, including Audi AG, BMW AG, DaimlerChrysler AG, Motorola Inc., Volcano Communications Technologies AB, Volkswagen AG, and VolvoCar Corp. For more information on the LIN Protocol Specification, contact any consortium member company.
    "Automotive manufactures are integrating more and more electronic subsystems to help meet worldwide consumer demand for new features, higher performance and an enhanced driving experience," said Willie Fitzgerald, marketing manager for Microchip's Automotive Products Group.
    "The LIN Protocol Specification enhances the communications capability among these subsystems while lowering system cost and improving reliability. Microchip is well positioned to support the LIN Protocol Specification with its prowess in high quantity low cost manufacturing and automotive design expertise."
    For more information on the LIN Protocol Specification, Microchip offers Application Note 729 "LIN Protocol Specification Implementation with PICmicro(R) Microcontrollers" which describes the bus protocol and its implementation in automotive electronics subsystems. This application note is available on Microchip's website at www.microchip.com.
    For more information, contact any Microchip sales representative.
    Microchip formed the Automotive Products Group in 1998 to engage with key automotive accounts, provide necessary application expertise and customer service. The company achieved QS-9000 certification of its quality systems in 1999.
    Microchip features an "Automotive Design Center" on its website, which provides application notes, reference designs, technical briefs, data sheets and related material to assist designers of automotive subsystem applications.
    Microchip Technology Inc. manufactures the PICmicro(R) family of RISC-based microcontrollers -- with OTP, Flash, and ROM memory technologies; serial EEPROMs; KEELOQ(R) code hopping devices; related microperipheral products including RFID, analog and system supervisor ICs; and other specialized semiconductor products.
    These products target thousands of embedded control applications in the consumer, automotive, office automation, communications and industrial markets. Microchip's quality systems are ISO 9001 (1994 version) and QS-9000 (1998 version) certified.
    Headquartered near Phoenix in Chandler, Microchip employs approximately 2,000 people worldwide and has sales offices throughout Asia, Europe, Japan and the Americas.
    Note: The Microchip name and logo, PIC, PICmicro, MPLAB and KEELOQ are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Inc. in the USA and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.