Fujitsu enhances FM3 family of 32-bit ARM-based MCUs

SUNNYVALE, USA: Fujitsu Semiconductor America (FSA) launched the fourth wave of products in its FM3 family of 32-bit RISC microcontrollers based on the ARM Cortex-M3 processor core. Fujitsu is releasing 210 new products. Incremental sampling started January 31.

The new products expand all four product groups that comprise the FM3 family – the High-Performance, Basic, Low Power, and Ultra-Low-Leak groups. With the addition of the new products, the FM3 family now includes 370 products. Fujitsu plans to continue expanding the product line to reach more than 500 products by the end of fiscal year 2012.

By group, the new products include the following:

High-Performance Group (MB9B510R/410/310/110 Series) – Fujitsu is adding 64 new devices to its High-Performance Group, including the MB9B510R/410/310/110 series and the MB9BF516RPMC. Devices in the High-Performance Group offer higher processing speeds and multi-functional versatility. The devices feature a 144MHz CPU, a full array of peripheral and communications functions (including USB 2.0 and CAN), a real-time clock, and inverter control functions able to control up to three motors.

Products are available with 544KB or 160KB Flash memory and in 120-pin or 100-pin packages. This group is ideal for applications that require high-speed processing, including factory automation systems such as system controls, OA equipment, motor control, and inverter systems.

Basic Group (MB9A310K/110 Series) – The new MB9AF310K/110 series, the MB9AF312KMPC, and other products add 12 new devices to the Basic Group of the FM3 family. Devices in this group offer a balance between performance and cost, while still retaining the rich array of peripheral functions featured in the High Performance Group.

The MB9A310K/110 series comes with inverter control functionality for single motor control, making these devices an optimal choice for applications such as factory automation systems and home appliances, including air conditioners and refrigerators requiring power conservation. Other features include USB 2.0, a real-time clock, and 160KB and 96KB Flash memory alternatives. The devices are available in 48-pin packages.

Low-Power Group (MB9AB40N/A40/340/140 Series) – Among the new products are the first offerings in the Low-Power Group, which adds support for both HDMI-CEC and LCD control. The 108 devices include the MB9AFB44NPMC and the MB9AB40N/A40/340/140 Series. The low-voltage operation of this product group helps reduce power consumption during operation and extend battery life.

The devices, which are available in 288KB or 96KB Flash memory alternatives, come in 100-pin and 64-pin packages and include USB and a real-time clock. An LCD controller and HDMI-CEC make these MCUs optimal for a wide range of applications including home appliances with digital displays, AV applications that require AV equipment connections, battery-powered mobile products, and healthcare equipment that uses liquid crystal displays.

Ultra-Low-Leak Group (MB9AA30N/130 Series) – The 26 products in the Ultra-Low-Leak Group include the MB9AA30/130 series, and the MB9AFA32NPMC. This series inherits and refines the peripheral functions found in the High-Performance and Basic Groups, but offers dramatically lowered power requirements and reduced costs. This lineup of sensing models specializes in expanded intermittent operating capabilities. The MCUs are available in 100-pin and 64-pin packages and with 128KB or 64KB Flash memory configurations.

The devices feature an LCD controller and a real-time clock. A wide voltage range of 5.5V to 1.8V makes these products well-suited for battery-powered applications including sensor networks, home electronics, and digital entertainment equipment.

"With the new products rounding out the FM3 Family, Fujitsu offers a complete lineup of ARM-based MCUs suitable for every application," said Akio Nezu, senior manager of marketing, Fujitsu Semiconductor America. "Our industry-leading High-Performance Group is designed for processor-intensive system controllers and application-oriented interfaces. The Basic Group is optimized to provide the most cost-effective single-motor inverter controls. The Low-Power Group meets the demand for energy-efficient consumer products. The Ultra-Low-Leak Group conserves energy in standby-power-constrained applications and in non-CPU performance-intensive applications."