Exhibit 23.1


               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on
Form S-8 pertaining to the Microchip Technology Incorporated 1997 Nonstatutory
Stock Option Plan and the 2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan 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 and schedule of Microchip
Technology Incorporated included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended March 31, 2002, filed with the Securities Exchange Commission.


                                        /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Phoenix, Arizona
September 12, 2002