Atmel reduces total system cost by integrating LCD controller into AVR XMEGA family

SAN JOSE, USA: Atmel Corp, a leader in microcontroller and touch solutions, is adding an LCD controller to devices in the popular AVR XMEGA microcontroller (MCU) family.

The integration of an LCD controller offers designers reduced design complexity and lower overall system cost, while providing ultra-low power consumption for applications including smart meters, home automation, power tools and other applications that require a user interface.

The integrated LCD controller in the AVR XMEGA family reduces the overall design complexity by integrating all the features required to run a segment in an LCD display. The devices also include an innovative SWAP mode that enables internal re-routing of the LCD signals and makes PCB design easier and less complex for developers.

These AVR XMEGA microcontrollers utilize Atmel picoPower technology, resulting in ultra-low power consumption. The new devices use less than a third of the current compared to existing megaAVR LCD controllers, requiring only 3µA to run the LCD display in sleep mode. The integrated LCD controller supports up to 4x40 and 4x25 segments on the 100-pin and 64-pin AVR XMEGA microcontrollers, respectively. For designs that do not require all the LCD segments, up to 16 segment pins can be used as general-purpose I/O pins.

"Integration and lower system cost are key differentiators for MCU designers in a variety of applications," said Ingar Fredriksen, senior director of AVR products, Atmel. "The new features in the latest AVR XMEGA devices address these needs by including an LCD controller and USB to offer designers a higher level of integration and reduced complexity, resulting in overall lower system cost. Several of the new devices also include two 12-bit analog-to-digital converters that can be synchronized, making the devices ideal for electricity metering and other high-precision applications."

The new AVR XMEGA family with integrated LCD and USB capabilities include all the same features of the existing AVR XMEGA family including high-precision 12-bit analog, real-time performance, and Atmel-patented ultra-low picoPower technology. The AVR XMEGA devices are also designed to enable a simple and intuitive migration between devices with identical peripheral modules and a linear address map.