(19)

(11)

EP 1 053 596 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 22.11.2000 Bulletin 2000/47 (21) Application number: 99963026.2 (22) Date of filing: 06.12.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: H03K 3/011, H03K 3/0231, H03K 3/66 (86) International application number: PCT/US9928/910 (87) International publication number: WO 0036/745 (22.06.2000 Gazette 2000/25)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE (30) Priority: 04.12.1998 US 205578 (71) Applicant: Microchip Technology Incorporated Chandler, AZ 85224-6199 (US)	(72) Inventors: NOLAN, James, B. Chandler, AZ 85248 (US) ELLISON, Ryan, Scott Phoenix, AZ 85202 (US) PYSKA, Michael, S. Phoenix, AZ 85048 (US) (74) Representative: Patry, Didier Marcel Pierre  Baker Botts, L.L.P.45 Ludgate Hill London EC4M 7JU London EC4M 7JU (GB)