Microchip Technology Files Patent Infringement Suit Against Luminary Micro, Inc.

CHANDLER, Ariz., April 12, 2006 — Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP) of Chandler, Ariz., a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, today filed suit for patent infringement against Luminary Micro Inc. of Austin, TX. The suit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona, alleges that Luminary Micro’s 28-pin Stellaris^TM series of 32-bit microcontrollers infringes three Microchip patents and seeks permanent injunctive relief against the sale or use of the infringing Stellaris products, as well as damages.

“Microchip has and continues to invest significantly in the development of intellectual property that is used as a driving factor in our industry-leading PIC^® microcontrollers and analog products,” said Steve Sanghi, Microchip’s president and CEO. “These intellectual properties and the technology breakthroughs associated with them have enabled Microchip to achieve its position of leadership in 8- and 16-bit microcontrollers and analog products, and are protected by a strong patent portfolio. We are resolved to enforce our patents against infringers, to protect our investments in research and development and the interests of our employees and shareholders.”

Microchip has alleged that Luminary Micro Inc. infringes U.S. Patent Nos. 5,847,450; 6,483,183 and 6,696,316. “The U.S. Patent Office is currently reexamining those patents, and we fully expect the Patent Office to confirm the reach of our patents,” Sanghi said.

About Microchip Technology

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 www.microchip.com.