Exhibit 23.1

               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
(Form S-8 Nos. 33-59686, 33-80072, 33-81690, 33-83196, 333-872, 333-40791,
333-67215, 333-93571, 333-51322, 333-53876 and 333-73506) pertaining to the
various stock issuance programs of Microchip Technology Incorporated of our
report dated April 24, 2002, except for Note 21 as to which the date is May 22,
2002, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Microchip
Technology Incorporated included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year
ended March 31, 2002.

                                        /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Phoenix, Arizona
May 31, 2002