Expanding the ATtiny microcontroller (MCU) family are three six-pin picoPower AVR devices: the ATtiny4, ATtiny5, and ATtiny9. They are pin- and code- compatible and execute code at speeds up to 12 MIPS at 12 MHz, allegedly six times faster than comparable MCUs. The devices are also pin-compatible with similar devices from competitors. Samples are available now with volume pricing starting at $0.34 each/5,000. ATMEL CORP., San Jose, CA. (408) 441-0311.