November 14, 2008          

Announcing First Host Microcontroller that Supports StackableUSB™ Standard

Montrose, CA... Highlighting how a single USB Client device can function on three completely different Host architectures, the standards organization governing StackableUSB announces the release of the PIC24 and PIC32 Host microcontrollers, the third distinctive architecture to support Host-side StackableUSB. Micro/sys, a single board computer manufacturer and member of the standards organization, combines StackableUSB with the PIC24 and PIC32, Microchip’s microcontrollers providing embedded Host capability. Underscoring the versatility of the StackableUSB standard, Chairperson Susan Wooley points out how the same microSD card reader or NAND Flash controller can add a 16G removable media device or 8G solid state hard drive to a microcontroller module, MIPS, ARM, or Pentium-based single board computer.

"Microchip is excited to participate in the rapidly expanding market for StackableUSB products,” said Terry West, Microchip’s 32-bit microcontroller marketing manager. “The Microchip 32-bit PIC32 microcontroller brings high-performance, full-featured embedded processing capabilities with an 80 MHz MIPS32® M4K® core, while the 16-bit PIC24 microcontroller brings low power and an unsurpassed level of integration. Both incorporate an integrated USB OTG interface, which allows the board to act as an Embedded Host, Device or even in a Dual-Role mode for a wide variety of system topologies."

Now OEMs can choose from three CPU Host architectures to run the growing number of StackableUSB I/O devices. These I/O devices include memory expansion, GPS, ZigBee, accelerometers, and general-purpose microcontrollers, all built on the ¼-Size 104™ Form Factor (1.85" x 1.78"). Additionally, for more complex I/O, there are modules on the full-size 104 Form Factor that have 148 and 196 digital I/O points, optically isolated and user-programmable, providing more sophisticated I/O expansion.

With the capacity to support multiple CPU architectures, the StackableUSB I/O channel is an excellent choice for I/O vendors who typically want to design and release I/O boards that offer the maximum number of sockets. The ability to use StackableUSB with Pentium/X86, ARM, MIPS, or microcontroller Host devices provides I/O vendors with the perfect solution, as well as the opportunity to leverage their existing products and software support.

For more information regarding price and delivery of the PIC32 and PIC24 Host microcontrollers, contact the Micro/sys Technical Sales Dept., 3730 Park Place, Montrose, CA 91020, phone (818) 244-4600, FAX (818)244-4246, email: info@embeddedsys.com, URL: http://www.embeddedsys.com.

About StackableUSB:
StackableUSB ruggedizes USB in a compact form factor enabling the USB technology to move into harsh environments such as industrial control systems, mobile, hand-held, military, medical, and remote communications applications. Visit http://www.StackableUSB.org for more information on StackableUSB and its ability to increase throughput as technology advances.

About Microchip:
Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP) 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, Arizona, Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip website at http://www.microchip.com.

About Micro/sys:
Micro/sys has been manufacturing OEM industrial microcomputer products since 1976, including board-level products and integrated computers. Micro/sys embedded computers are specified by OEMs in semiconductor processing, medical, mail handling, pharmaceutical, industrial marking, process control, and many other industries. For more information, visit the Micro/sys website, http://www.embeddedsys.com.