Atmel was a semiconductor company known for designing and manufacturing microcontrollers and other integrated circuits. Founded in 1984, it became a key player in the embedded systems market, providing solutions for various applications, including automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics. In 2016, Atmel was acquired by Microchip Technology, further expanding Microchip's product offerings and market reach. The acquisition allowed for the integration of Atmel's innovative technologies, such as AVR and ARM microcontrollers, into Microchip's extensive portfolio, enhancing their capabilities in the growing Internet of Things (IoT) sector.