Microchip Technology Inc. : Microchip’s USB to SPI Protocol Converter Provides the Simplest, Smallest and Most Cost-Effective Way to Add USB to Exis

CHANDLER, Ariz., Jan. 16, 2012 [NASDAQ:  MCHP] - Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller, analogFlash-IP solutions, today announced the HID-class -the simplest, smallest-footprintmost cost-effective option for adding USB-Certified connectivity to SPI-based systems.  Microchip also provides of supporting software drivers, DLLsa PC configuration tool, in addition to an evaluation board, to make it fastsimple for designers without USB expertise to add USB connectivity.  The converter comes in small, 20-pin SSOP5x5 mm QFN packages, for space-constrained applications.  Additionally, the MCP2210 has nine flexible, general-purpose I/O that can be configured via a PC as standard digital I/O pins or in alternate configurations, providing additional system I/O that simplify designssupport a wide range of applications.

According to eTForecasts, current annual PC shipments are greater than 300Mare projected to grow to more than 500M within the next four years.  While most PCs have standardized on as the primary protocol for connecting to other devices, many of those devices still utilize the SPI protocol.  In combination with the above features, softwaretools, the MCP2210 converter utilizes the USB HID class, which is supported by the Windows®, LinuxMac OS® operating systems,is a 100% plug-and-play solution, making it even simpler to add USB to existing designs for data collection, transferanalysis, along with many other USB functions.

"USB connectivity continues to be one of our customers' most requested items," said Bryan J. Liddiard, marketing vice president of Microchip's families with integrated USB functionality continue to expand.  This MCP2210 USB to SPI protocol convertersupporting tools give customers a simple, small-footprintcost-effective option to add USB connectivity to SPI-based systems."

Pricing & Availability

The is available in a 20-pin SSOP package for $1.40 each,a 20-pin 5x5 mm QFN package for $1.52 each, in 5,000-unit quantities.  orders are available today.  For additional information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip's Web site at .  To purchase products mentioned in this press release, go to or contact one of Microchip's authorized distribution partners.