Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

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, 333-73506, 333-96791, 333-99655, 333-101696, 333-103764 and 333-109486) pertaining to the various stock issuance programs of Microchip Technology Incorporated of our report dated April 19, 2004, 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, 2004.

	/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Phoenix, Arizona
June 1, 2004