Atmel announces 'world's smallest' flash mcu package

The specialist in microcontroller and touch solutions has launched today announced production the world's smallest flash AVR microcontroller package. The Atmel ATtiny4, ATtiny5, ATtiny9 and ATtiny10 AVR mcu come in an 8pad UDFN package, with a dimension of 2 x 2 x 0.6mm, and weighing under 8mg. This, says Atmel, reduces the package size as much as 55% percent compared to the market's smallest package offering available today. Targeting applications in the consumer electronics, lighting, and industrial control markets, the devices are designed to be suited for lightweight and small form factor consumer applications. Typical products would include cell phones, toys, tooth brushes and other personal care and portable electronic products. According to Atmel. the range makes it possible to integrate a powerful AVR mcu in some of the smallest designs, such as the inside of electrical leads and miniature connectors and printer heads. "This new package offering will strengthen Atmel's leadership in the microcontroller market," said Ingar Fredriksen, AVR Product Marketing Director. "In addition to being 55% smaller than any other 6 / 8pin flash microcontroller in the market, the ATtiny4, ATtiny5, ATtiny9 and ATtiny10 devices deliver six times higher processing speed than the closest competitor." The range is based on Atmel's picoPower technology which enables any AVR microcontroller to operate at 650nA, with a RTC running, and less than 100nA in power down.