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  Supplemental
Retirement  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 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
December 5, 2002