CHANDLER, Ariz.—Microchip Technology Inc. (Nasdaq: MCHP) announced that it has sold its 25 billionth microcontroller unit to Gentex Corp. (Nasdaq: GNTX), a Zeeland-based manufacturer of electronics for the auto industry.
Supplying nearly every major automaker with connected-car technologies and advanced electronic features, Gentex integrates the PIC MCU from Microchip Technology into its HomeLink car-to-home automation system, which consists of in-vehicle buttons that can be programmed to operate garage doors, security gates and other home automation devices.
Microchip’s MCU brings low-power operation, compact architecture and enhanced flexibility to its intuitive design. Together with Microchip development tools, Gentex has accelerated the innovation of automotive design, delivering safe and secure solutions for the market.
“We value our relationship with Microchip and are honored by this recognition,” said Neil Boehm, CTO and vice president of engineering at Gentex. “We use Microchip’s embedded control solutions in many of our products, including our smart rearview mirrors, which typically come integrated with glare sensors, video displays, forward-facing cameras and other advanced electronic features. It’s fitting that the 25 billionth Microchip MCU was integrated into a HomeLink module, as there are nearly 80 million HomeLink units in use on the roads today.”
Microchip’s 25 billionth MCU shipment comes at the heels of rapid market growth. Company officials say Microchip is the only semiconductor supplier innovating across 8-, 16- and 32-bit microcontrollers, digital signal controllers, and microprocessors, supplying more than 125,000 companies worldwide.
“It is with great pride that we deliver our 25 billionth MCU to our longstanding customer, Gentex,” said Steve Sanghi, CEO at Microchip. “This purchase reflects our shared commitment to drive tomorrow’s technology innovations, helping enable ease of design and flexible functionalities for its HomeLink interface. We thank Gentex, and all our outstanding customers, for their ongoing support in today’s highly competitive marketplace.”
Microchip presented Gentex with its milestone award on May 15 in Zeeland. In the photo above, Joe Thomsen (right), vice president of Microchip’s MCU16 business unit, presents Microchip’s milestone award to Steve Downing, president and CEO of Gentex.
For additional information, visit www.microchip.com. More about Gentex at www.gentex.com.