Editing Atmel

{{Short description|American semiconductor manufacturer}}
{{Infobox company
| name             = Atmel Corporation
| type             = [[Subsidiary]]
| traded_as        = {{NASDAQ was|ATML}}
| logo             = [[File:Atmel logo2.svg|Atmel logo]]
| foundation       = {{start date and age|1984}}
| defunct          = {{end date|2016}}
| fate             = Acquired by [[Microchip Technology]]
| location         = [[San Jose, California]], U.S.
| industry         = [[Semiconductor|Semiconductors]]
| products         = [[Microcontroller]]s<br />[[Flash memory]]<br />[[Touchscreen]] controllers<br />[[Touch switch|Touch sensors]]<br />Wireless/RF transceivers
| revenue          = {{decrease}}{{US$|link=yes}}1.17B (''FY 2015'')<ref name="10k2015">{{cite web|title=ATMEL CORP 2015 Annual Report Form (10-K)|url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/872448/000087244816000043/atml-201510k.htm|publisher=United States Securities and Exchange Commission|access-date=18 March 2018|ref=10k2015}}</ref>
| operating_income = {{profit}}{{US$|link=yes}}136M (''FY 2015'')<ref name ="10k2015"/>
| net_income       = {{profit}}{{US$|link=yes}}26M (''FY 2015'')<ref name ="10k2015"/>
| assets           = {{decrease}}{{US$|link=yes}}1.26B (''FY 2015'')<ref name="10k2015"/>
| equity           = {{nobr|{{decrease}}{{US$|link=yes}}876M (''FY 2015'')<ref name ="10k2015"/>}}
| num_employees    = 4700
| parent           = 
| homepage         = {{nobr|{{URL|http://www.microchip.com/}}}}
}}

'''Atmel Corporation''' was a creator and manufacturer of [[Semiconductor|semiconductors]] before being subsumed by [[Microchip Technology]] in 2016. Atmel was founded in 1984. The company focused on [[Embedded system|embedded systems]] built around [[microcontrollers]]. Its products included microcontrollers ([[8-bit]] [[Atmel AVR|AVR]], [[32-bit]] AVR, 32-bit [[ARM architecture family|ARM]]-based, automotive grade, and 8-bit [[Intel 8051]] derivatives) [[radio-frequency]] (RF) devices including [[Wi-Fi]], [[EEPROM]], and [[flash memory]] devices, symmetric and asymmetric security chips, [[Touch switch|touch sensors]] and controllers, and application-specific products. Atmel supplies its devices as standard products, [[application-specific integrated circuit]]s (ASICs), or application-specific standard product (ASSPs) depending on the requirements of its customers.

Atmel serves applications including [[consumer]], [[communication|communications]], [[computer networking]], industrial, [[medical]], [[automotive]], [[aerospace]] and [[military]]. It specializes in microcontroller and touch systems, especially for embedded systems.

Atmel's corporate headquarters is in [[San Jose, California]], in the [[North San Jose Innovation District]]. Other locations include [[Trondheim, Norway]]; [[Colorado Springs, Colorado]]; [[Chennai, India]]; [[Shanghai, China]]; [[Taipei, Taiwan]]; [[Rousset, Bouches-du-Rhône|Rousset, France]]; [[Nantes, France]]; [[Patras, Greece]]; [[Heilbronn, Germany]]; [[Munich, Germany]]; [[Whiteley|Whiteley, United Kingdom]]; [[Cairo, Egypt]]. Atmel makes much of its product line at vendor fabrication facilities. It owns a facility in [[Colorado Springs, Colorado]] that manufactures its XSense line of flexible touch sensors.

In 2016, [[Microchip Technology|Microchip]] agreed to buy Atmel for {{US$|3.6|2016}} billion in a deal brokered by [[JPMorgan Chase]] and [[Qatalyst Partners|Qatalyst]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|title = Microchip Technology to Buy Atmel for Nearly $3.6 Billion|url = https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/20/business/dealbook/microchip-technology-to-buy-atmel-for-nearly-3-6-billion.html|newspaper = The New York Times|date = 2016-01-19|access-date = 2016-01-21|issn = 0362-4331|first = Leslie|last = Picker}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title = Microchip Technology buys chip maker Atmel in $3.56 billion deal|url = http://www.marketwatch.com/story/microchip-technology-buys-chip-maker-atmel-in-356-billion-deal-2016-01-19|website = MarketWatch|access-date = 2016-01-21|first = Claudia|last = Assis| date=19 January 2016 }}</ref>

==History==
[[Image:Atmel logo.svg|thumb|right|150px|Logo from 1984 to 2012]]

===Founding and 1980s growth===
Atmel Corporation was founded in 1984, by [[George Perlegos]].<ref name="SVHA">{{Cite web |title= Atmel |publisher= The Silicon Valley Historical Association |year= 2008 |url= http://www.siliconvalleyhistorical.org/#!atmel-company-history/c3t8 |access-date= September 27, 2013 }}</ref> Atmel was an acronym for "advanced technology for memory and logic". Perlegos had worked in the memory group of [[Intel]] in the 1970s and had co-founded [[Seeq Technology]] to manufacture [[EPROM]] memory. Using only US$30,000 in capital, Atmel was initially operated as a [[Fabless manufacturing|fabless]] company, using [[Sanyo]] and [[General Instrument]] to make the chip wafers.<ref name="Funding-Universe">[http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/atmel-corporation-history/ fundinguniverse.com], "Atmel Corporation History"</ref>
The first Atmel memory products used less power than competitors. Customers included [[Motorola]], [[Nokia]], and [[Ericsson]]. In 1987, Intel sued Atmel for patent infringement.<ref name="About-Atmel">[http://components.about.com/od/Companies/p/Atmel-Corporation.htm about.com] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511131848/http://components.about.com/od/Companies/p/Atmel-Corporation.htm |date=2013-05-11 }}, "Atmel Corporation"</ref> Rather than fight the patent claim, Atmel redesigned its products to use different intellectual property. These had better performance and even lower power consumption. In addition, Atmel then entered the [[flash memory]] business that Intel had focused on. Atmel used US$60 million in venture capital for the 1989 purchase of a fabrication facility from [[Honeywell]] in Colorado Springs.<ref name="About-Atmel" /> Atmel then invested another US$30 million in manufacturing technology.

===1990s expansion===
{{Multiple image|caption_align = center|header_align = center
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 | direction         = vertical
 | header            = The first Atmel AVR prototype demo board
 | width             = <!-- image width in pixels (an integer, omit "px" suffix); overrides "width[n]"s below -->
 | image1            = AVR-prototype-demo.jpg
 | alt1              = Atmel AVR prototype front side
 | caption1          = Front side
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 | alt2              = Atmel AVR prototype back side
 | caption2          = Back side
}}
In 1991, Atmel expanded the Colorado facility after acquiring Concurrent Logic, a [[field-programmable gate array]] (FPGA) manufacturer. The company made its [[initial public offering]] (IPO) in 1991 which yielded more than US$65 million. 1994 saw Atmel enter the microprocessor market. The first Atmel flash memory microcontroller was based on the [[Intel MCS-51|Intel 8051]].<ref name="Flash-micro">[http://www.atmel.com/Images/doc2464.pdf atmel.com], "Atmel’s Self-Programming Flash Microcontrollers", Whitepaper.</ref>
The controller executed an instruction for every clock cycle, as opposed to the 12 cycles that legacy 8051 parts required.<ref name="atmel8051">[http://www.atmel.com/Images/doc4084.pdf atmel.com], "8051 Single Cycle Core Microcontrollers", Flyer.</ref>
In 1994, Atmel purchased the EEPROM assets of Seeq Technology ([[LSI Corporation]] acquired the rest of Seeq in 1999). In 1995,  Atmel was among the first companies to license the [[ARM architecture]], creating its AT91 family of devices, followed by the SAM family, and more recently a full selection of Cortex-based solutions, including ones based on the ultra-low-power [[ARM Cortex-M4]].<ref>
{{cite web
|title= Atmel Releases Updated Studio 6 IDE with Support for ARM Microcontrollers
|url=http://www.futurlec.com/News/Atmel/Studio6.shtml
|work=Futurlec
|access-date=October 3, 2013
}}
</ref> Atmel now has dozens of families of ARM-based devices. In 1995, Atmel acquired the pan-European chipmaker European Silicon Structures (ES2) and thus gained a fabrication facility in [[Rousset, Bouches-du-Rhône|Rousset]], France. Atmel built a new fab alongside the existing ES2 fab. This business unit was named Atmel-ES2. Atmel acquired Digital Research in Electronic Acoustics and Music (DREAM) in 1996.  Atmel formed a design team in [[Trondheim, Norway]] to develop the [[Atmel AVR]] line of [[RISC]] microcontrollers. This team combined technology of former students at the [[Norwegian University of Science and Technology]] with Atmel's expertise in flash memory. These 8-bit [[Modified Harvard architecture|Harvard architecture]] chips were first developed in 1996. The AVR chip is the basis of most [[Arduino]] [[Open-source model|open-source]] development boards. In 1998, Atmel purchased part of TEMIC from [[Vishay Intertechnology]], which provided them with a fab in Germany as well as part of MHS from Vishay that gave them a fab in [[Nantes]], France.<ref name="shack" >{{Cite web |title= Atmel Buys MHS, Again – The Twisted History of Atmel, Temic and MHS |date= February 5, 2011 |work= The CPU Shack museum |url= http://www.cpushack.com/2011/02/05/atmel-buys-mhs-again-the-twisted-history-of-atmel-temic-and-mhs/ |access-date= September 27, 2013 }}</ref>

In September 2000, Atmel acquired a fabrication plant in [[North Tyneside]], England, from [[Siemens]], via a £28 million grant from the UK government and paying Siemens around US$35 million.<ref>{{Cite news |title= Siemens finally gets shot of UK fab: Atmel and UK Govt come up with the readies |author= Andrew Thomas |work= The Register |date= September 18, 2000 |url= https://www.theregister.co.uk/2000/09/18/siemens_finally_gets_shot/ |access-date= September 27, 2013 }}</ref>

===Streamlining===
Atmel streamlined operations with a strategy called "fab-lite". This started in 2005 when Atmel sold the MHS fab in Nantes France to Xbybus. In February 2006, Steven Laub became a director and in August president and chief executive officer.<ref name="10k" /> Under Laub Atmel divested more manufacturing plants and business lines.<ref name="EBN">EBN (Electronic Buyer News).
[http://www.ebnonline.com/author.asp?section_id=2981&doc_id=261515 "Grading the Chain: Atmel CEO Steven Laub"]</ref> Atmel announced the sale of its North Tyneside facility (Fab9) on October 8, 2007. The manufacturing equipment was sold to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd. ([[TSMC]]) and the property and associated land to [[Cobalt Park|Highbridge Business Park Limited]]. In 2008, Atmel sold their fab in Germany to Tejas semiconductor. In 2010, Atmel received approval from the French government to sell its fab to Germany-based LFoundry GmbH, while retaining their design center there.<ref>{{Cite news |title= Sale of Atmel's French fab approved |author= Mark LaPedus |work= EE Times |date= March 1, 2010 |url= http://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?doc_id=1173170 |access-date= September 27, 2013 }}</ref> Atmel completed the sale of their Secure Microcontroller Solutions smart card business to INSIDE Secure. In February 2011, Atmel sold its Digital Research in Electronics, Acoustics and Music (DREAM) business, which sold products for karaoke and other entertainment machines, for US$2.3 million. Atmel's [[DataFlash]] serial interface flash memory products were sold to [[Adesto Technologies]] in October 2012.<ref>{{Cite news |title= Adesto buys Atmel serial flash families |author= Peter Clarke |work= EE Times |date= October 1, 2012 |url= http://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?doc_id=1262600 |access-date= September 27, 2013 }}</ref>

===Acquisitions===
[[File:Atmel-corporate-headquarters San-Jose 2013.jpg|thumb|right|Atmel corporate headquarters in San Jose California]]
As Atmel divested several fabs and ancillary business lines, Laub also oversaw acquisitions. One strategy was to participate in the touch screen market, both in the semiconductor chips and the sensors themselves.  In 2008, Atmel bought [[The Queen's Award for Enterprise: International Trade (Export) (2007)|Queens Award-winning]] Quantum Research Group Ltd. (now known as Atmel Technologies Ireland Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary), a supplier of capacitive sensing technology.<ref name="Quantum">Bloomberg. [https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aZmshaMivzH8 "Atmel Completes Acquisition of Quantum Research Group"]</ref> Work done at Quantum, led to the 2012 release of Atmel's XSense product line, a flexible touch screen based on copper mesh electrodes.<ref name="XSense">engadget. [https://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/atmel-xsense-touch-sensor-hands-on/ "Atmel's XSense technology will make curved touchscreens possible (hands-on)"]
</ref>

Atmel moved into [[Internet of things]] technology. They completed the acquisition of Advanced Digital Design S.A, a Spanish company that develops [[power line communication]]. Ozmo Devices, which developed products for [[Wi-Fi Direct]], was acquired by Atmel in December 2012. Ozmo was founded in 2004 as H-Stream Wireless by Kateljin Vleugels and Roel Peeters, and was based in [[Palo Alto, California|Palo Alto]], California.<ref>{{Cite news |title= Atmel Wi-Fi buy aimed at Internet of Things |author= Peter Clarke |work= EE Times |date= December 21, 2012 |url= http://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?doc_id=1280259 |access-date= September 27, 2013 }}</ref>

In 2012, Atmel had approximately US$1.4 billion in annual revenue, with over 60% of their revenue from microcontrollers, and net income of US$30 million.<ref name="10k">{{Cite web |title= Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 |work= Form 10-K |publisher= US Securities and Exchange Commission |date= February 26, 2013 |url= https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/872448/000087244813000005/atml-201210k.htm |access-date= September 27, 2013 }}</ref>

Atmel purchased the [[smart meter]]ing product lines of [[IDT Corporation]] in March 2013.<ref>{{Cite news |title= Atmel buys IDT's smart metering business |author= Anne Francoise Pele  |work= EE Times |date= March 8, 2013 |url= http://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?doc_id=1280565 |access-date= September 27, 2013 }}</ref>

Atmel purchased Newport Media in July 2014. This will provide Atmel further capability in wireless Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.<ref>{{Cite news |title= Atmel to Acquire Newport Media |work= Atmel press release |date= July 7, 2014 |url= http://ir.atmel.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=857896 |access-date= July 24, 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140719092348/http://ir.atmel.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=857896 |archive-date= 2014-07-19 |url-status= dead }}</ref>

===Acquisition by Microchip Technology===
In October 2008, Atmel received an unsolicited offer from [[Microchip Technology]] and [[ON Semiconductor]], estimated at US$2.3 billion.<ref name="CNET">{{Cite news|url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-1001_3-10056589-92.html|title=Microchip, ON propose $2.3 billion deal for Atmel|author=Margaret Kane|date=October 2, 2008|work=CNet news|access-date=September 27, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.atmel.com/corporate/documents/SLL_Customer_Letter.pdf|title=Letter to Customers and Business Partners|author=Steven Laub|date=October 2, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081010124558/http://www.atmel.com/corporate/documents/SLL_Customer_Letter.pdf|archive-date=October 10, 2008|access-date=September 27, 2013}}</ref> The offer was eventually rejected and the companies gave up on their [[hostile takeover]] attempt.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.marketwatch.com/story/atmel-rejects-microchip-on-semiconductor-bid|title=Atmel rejects Microchip, ON Semiconductor bid|author=Benjamin Pimentel|date=October 29, 2008|work=Market Watch|access-date=September 27, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.eetindia.co.in/ART_8800570103_1800001_NT_824e6181.HTM|title=Microchip aims to 'elbow out' MCU rivals|date=April 17, 2009|work=EE Times India|access-date=April 28, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090424114919/http://www.eetindia.co.in/ART_8800570103_1800001_NT_824e6181.HTM|archive-date=April 24, 2009}}</ref>

However, in 2016, [[Microchip Technology|Microchip]] agreed to buy Atmel for $3.6 billion.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> [[JPMorgan Chase]] and [[Qatalyst Partners]] served as financial advisers to Microchip and Atmel, respectively. The company had previously heard offers from [[Cypress Semiconductor]] and [[Dialog Semiconductor]] in 2015,<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-atmel-m-a-dialog-idUSKCN0RK0J420150920 Dialog Semiconductor to buy U.S. peer Atmel for $4.6 billion; Reuters; September 20, 2015.]</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title = Microchip Signs Deal to Buy Atmel|url = https://www.wsj.com/articles/microchip-signs-deal-to-buy-atmel-1453242821|newspaper = Wall Street Journal|access-date = 2016-01-21|issn = 0099-9660|first = Josh|last = Beckerman}}</ref> and the deal with Microchip was expected to be finalized at the end of Q2 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Microchip Reports Preliminary Q3 Results, Acquires Atmel|url = http://www.zacks.com/stock/news/204383/microchip-reports-preliminary-q3-results-acquires-atmel|website = Zacks Investment Research|access-date = 2016-01-21|first = Zacks Investment|last = Research}}</ref>

Atmel finally merged with [[Microchip Technology]] in July 2016 after prolonged negotiations for US$3.56 billion.<ref>[https://www.electronicsweekly.com/news/products/micros/microchip-to-boost-8bit-avr-range-following-acquisition-2016-07/ Microchip to boost 8bit AVR range following acquisition]</ref><ref>[http://hackaday.com/2016/10/18/whats-the-deal-with-atmel-and-microchip/ WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH ATMEL AND MICROCHIP?]</ref>

===The end of Atmel Way===
Apple Computer purchased the old cul-de-sac where Atmel's HQ office sat.  Paperwork was filed with the city of San Jose to change the name from "Atmel Way" to "Orchard Place".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Daniel Eran Dilger |title=AC3: Apple's insatiable appetite for office space devours Wolfe Campus, hungry for more |url=https://appleinsider.com/articles/19/04/26/ac3-apples-insatiable-appetite-for-office-space-devours-wolfe-campus-hungry-for-more |access-date=26 April 2019 |work=AI |date=26 April 2019 |language=en |quote=located next to the San Jose airport, was stealthily assembled from a series of purchases much like the original site of Apple Park. It includes the former headquarters of chip maker Atmel Corp (pictured below). The entity that owned the land, Ellis Partners, filed paperwork to rename its Amtel Way cul-de-sac to the more Apple-friendly "Orchard Place."}}</ref>

==Products==

===Microcontrollers===
[[Image:ATMEL-AT90S2333.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Atmel AT90S2333 microcontroller]]
[[Image:Atmel atmega32 mikrokontrolleri.jpg|thumb|right|upright |Atmel ATMEGA32 microcontroller]]
A large part of Atmel's revenue is from microcontrollers. These include the [[Atmel AVR|AVR]] 8- and 32-bit microcontrollers, [[ARM architecture]] microprocessors, and ARM-based flash microcontrollers. In addition Atmel still makes microcontrollers that use the [[Intel MCS-51|8051]] architecture, albeit improved to do single-cycle instructions. Supporting the microcontrollers is the Atmel Studio 7 [[integrated development environment]] which Atmel offers for free. They also provide an Atmel Software Framework.<ref>
{{cite web
|title= Atmel AVR Software Framework lets you stand on the shoulders of software giants
|url=http://www.electronicproducts.com/Software/Development_Tools_and_Software/Atmel_AVR_Software_Framework_lets_you_stand_on_the_shoulders_of_software_giants.aspx
|work= Electronic Products
|publisher= Hearst |author= Haakon Skar (Atmel) |date= November 1, 2011
|access-date= October 3, 2013
}}
</ref>

===Wireless / RF===
To provide for the [[Internet of Things]] (IoT), Atmel offers dual-band 2.4&nbsp;GHz/5&nbsp;GHz a/b/g Wi-Fi chips from its Ozmo acquisition.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=2024-05-15 |date=2014-03-01 |title=Atmel Announces SmartConnect WiFi Modules |publisher=hackaday.coom |url=https://hackaday.com/2014/03/01/atmel-announces-smartconnect-wifi-modules/}}</ref> Also, Atmel offers 2.4&nbsp;GHz b/g/n Wi-Fi chips WILC1000/WILC3000 and WINC1500 from its Newport Media, Inc acquisition. WINC1500 provide a full 802.11 b/g/n network controller with full ip stack  TCP/IP, UDP with upper layer protocols as DHCP, DNS, HTTP, SNTP, TLS etc. Also, Atmel makes wireless transceivers using regional 700/800/900&nbsp;MHz, as well as global 2.4&nbsp;GHz frequency bands, Some chips are standalone transceivers while others are integrated with a microcontroller. They also sell the Zigbit module that comes with FCC certifications. Atmel also makes remote control RF products using the license-free [[ISM band]] (industrial scientific medical) frequencies (5.8&nbsp;GHz, 2.4&nbsp;GHz, 868 to 928&nbsp;MHz, 433&nbsp;MHz, and 315&nbsp;MHz).<ref>{{cite web|access-date=2024-05-15 |date=2012-11-13 |title=Atmel Delivers Industry's Lowest Power Wireless MCU for 2.4GHz ISM Band Applications |publisher=electronicspecifier.com |url=https://www.electronicspecifier.com/industries/wireless/atmegarfr2-avr-atmel-delivers-industrys-lowest-power-wireless-mcu-for-24ghz-ism-band-applications}}</ref> The wireless segment also provides [[RFID]] chips for tracking, access and identification. Finally, Atmel offers a line of IR controllers that can support infrared as well as RF wireless.{{Citation needed|date=July 2014}}

===Touchscreen===
[[File:Atmel-XSense touchsensor-film.jpg|thumb|Atmel XSense is a flexible touchscreen film that uses a copper mesh instead of indium tin oxide (ITO).]]
Atmel makes both touchscreen controller ICs and its XSense flexible touchscreen.<ref name="XSense" /> The company makes sensor hubs that manage accelerometers, gyroscopes, [[inertial measurement unit]]s and magnetometers.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=2024-05-16 |date=2013-10-30 |title=Atmel Sensor Hub Solution Drives Lower Power for the KMX61G Micro-Amp Magnetic Gyro |publisher=magneticsmag.com |url=https://magneticsmag.com/atmel-sensor-hub-solution-drives-lower-power-for-the-kmx61g-micro-amp-magnetic-gyro/}}</ref> These sensors give consumer products and embedded systems [[context awareness]]. The sensor hub offloads the main application processor and allows product functionality without the need to power the main processor. Atmel also makes simple touch controller chips for buttons, sliders, and wheels used on industrial and consumer products.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=2024-05-16 |date= |title=Atmel Releases New 6-channel Touch Controller with Integral LED Driver |publisher=futurlec.com |url=https://www.futurlec.com/News/Atmel/Touch_Controller.shtml}}</ref> To support the application of its touch controller chips, Atmel provides a free QTouch library of software routines.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=2024-05-16 |date=2010-09-08 |title=Atmel QTouch Studio 4.3 Software Tool Eases Touch Designs |publisher=prnewswire.com |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/atmel-qtouch-studio-43-software-tool-eases-touch-designs-102424664.html}}</ref>

===Memory===
Atmel's original business was in memory, and it still sells several memory products. It offers serial<ref>{{cite web|access-date=2024-05-16 |date=2015-08-05 |title=Product Roundup – Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory |publisher=arrow.com |url=https://www.arrow.com/en/research-and-events/articles/product-roundup--electrically-erasable-programmable-read--only-memory}}</ref> and parallel EEPROM, as well as one-time programmable (OTP) EPROM. In addition, it offers secure memory with its CryptoMemory product line of EEPROMS in capacities from 1 to 256&nbsp;kbits.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=2024-05-16 |date=2007-10-18 |title=Atmel CryptoMemory prevents cloning and counterfeiting |publisher=eetimes.com |url=https://www.eetimes.com/atmel-cryptomemory-prevents-cloning-and-counterfeiting/}}</ref>

===Security===
In addition to the secure memory mentioned above, they have the CryptoAuthentication product lines that provide hardware authentication capability with both symmetric and [[asymmetric-key algorithm]] authentication. These ICs are used in many applications, including secure access, communications, control, and to prevent cloned products like batteries or ink cartridges not approved by the product manufacturer. Atmel's CryptoRF products add hardware encrypted security to RFID applications. Finally Atmel offers a trusted platform module that gives strong hardware-based public key ([[RSA algorithm]]) security for both personal computers and embedded processors on a single chip.{{Citation needed|date=July 2014}}

===Analog===
Atmel makes [[Light-emitting diode|LED]] driver chips.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=2024-05-16 |date=2011-06-29 |title=Atmel Launches Power-Efficient Multi-String LED Drivers |publisher=led-professional.com |url=https://www.led-professional.com/products/led-driver-ics-modules/atmel-launches-power-efficient-multi-string-led-drivers}}</ref> It also has a line of digital-output temperature sensors. The company also makes power management and analog companions (PMAAC) that combine a group of discrete ICs often used in handheld or battery-powered products. Integrated functions include audio [[codecs]] (compressor-decompressor), [[lithium-ion]] battery chargers, and stereo [[digital-to-analog converter]]s.{{Citation needed|date=July 2014}}

===Custom===
These products include custom integrated circuits designed to meet specialized single-customer requirements. Products include [[FPGA]]s, products with military and aerospace applications, and application-specific standard products (ASSP) for space applications, power management, and secure cryptographic memory products.{{Citation needed|date=July 2014}}

===Automotive===
Atmel modified or specialized many of its products for the automotive market. These products often have a wider temperature range or are specially qualified for automotive applications. These products include car access, touch control, radio, CAN, VAN, and LIN Bus networking, battery management, high-temperature drivers, and serial EEPROMs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/DeviceDoc/Atmel-4073-AVR-Microcontrollers-for-Automotive_Brochure.pdf|title=Atmel AVR Microcontrollers for Automotive|website=Microchip|access-date=8 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/DeviceDoc/4622l_autosolutionsbrochure_e_us_103013_web.pdf|title=Atmel Automotive Solutions|website=Microchip|access-date=8 April 2020}}</ref>

===Smart energy===
Atmel also has chips specialized for the smart energy and smart metering markets. These chips combine microprocessors with tamper-proof hardware security and power line communication modems. The parts also integrate [[analog front-end]]s for accurate metrology.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/devicedoc/00002181c.pdf|title=Smart Energy Solution Guide|website=Microchip|access-date=8 April 2020}}</ref>

==See also==
[[Image:Mck glamor 320.jpg|thumb|right|The [[Make Controller Kit]] with an Atmel AT91SAM7X256 ([[ARM architecture|ARM]]) microcontroller]]

* [[Atmel AVR]], a family of 8-bit microcontrollers
* [[Atmel ARM-based processors]], a family of ARM-based microcontrollers
* [[AVR32]], family of 32-bit microcontrollers
* [[AT91CAP]], 32-bit ARM + gate array
* [[DataFlash]], serial interface flash memory
* [[Arduino]], [[open hardware]] single-board prototyping platform using an AVR microcontroller
* [[ATmega88]], 8-bit microcontroller
* [[ATmega|Atmel At94k]] see also [[Atmel AVR instruction set#Instruction set inheritance|AVR instruction set]]
* [[Atmel AT89 series]], 8-bit microcontrollers, compatible with [[Intel MCS-51|Intel 8051]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Atmel}}
* [http://www.microchip.com/ Microchip Technology corporate site]

{{Electronics industry in the United States}}
{{Programmable Logic}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Electronics companies established in 1984]]
[[Category:Defunct semiconductor companies of the United States]]
[[Category:Manufacturing companies based in San Jose, California]]
[[Category:Companies formerly listed on the Nasdaq]]
[[Category:2016 mergers and acquisitions]]
[[Category:Defunct computer companies of the United States]]
[[Category:Defunct computer hardware companies]]