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, 333-73506, 333-96791, 333-99655,
333-101696 and 333-103764) pertaining to the various stock issuance programs of
Microchip Technology Incorporated of our report dated April 23, 2003, 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, 2003.

                                        /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Phoenix, Arizona
June 4,  2003