THIEF RIVER FALLS, USA: Electronic components distributor Digi-Key Corporation, recognized by design engineers as having the industry’s broadest selection of electronic components available for immediate shipment, announced that it is now stocking NXP’s new LPC1300 Cortex-M3 processor based microcontrollers.
Additionally, Digi-Key is the first distributor to stock these new microcontrollers, which are the industry’s lowest power Cortex-M3 and evidence of NXP’s commitment to innovation in energy efficiency.
These microcontrollers and associated tools are now available and can be ordered on Digi-Key’s global websites. Additionally, they will be featured in future print and online catalogs.
The new NXP LPC1300 series are designed for embedded 16- and 32-bit applications, with operation up to 72MHz. Delivering advanced energy management with power consumption of approximately 200 microamps per MHz, the LPC1300 also offers pin-compatibility with NXP’s ultra-low power Cortex-M0 based LPC1100.
Dave Doherty, Digi-Key vice president, semiconductor product, said: “As the industry’'s lowest power Cortex-M3 based microcontrollers, the low-cost, easy-to-use LPC1300 series is sure to be of significant interest and appeal to the design engineers who rely on Digi-Key to provide them with the latest and most innovative products for their designs.”
“With its low cost and low power 16-bit footprint, the LPC1300 offers design engineers a variety of new uses for 32-bit microcontrollers in their applications,” said Geoff Lees, vice president and general manager, microcontroller product line, NXP Semiconductors. “The availability of the LPC1300 at Digi-Key provides engineers with easy and immediate access to begin their innovative designs.”
Showing posts with label MCUs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MCUs. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
Cypress expands highly-integrated USB and MCU portfolio
SAN JOSE, USA: Cypress Semiconductor Corp. today announced the new enCoRe V Full-speed USB peripheral microcontrollers (MCUs) and enCoRe V LV (Low Voltage) wireless MCUs.
The new highly-integrated families offer up to 32 KB of Flash memory, three 16-bit timers and up to 36 general purpose I/Os (GPIOs) to accommodate enhanced multimedia features in human interface devices (HIDs).
Cypress also introduced the CY3660 enCoRe V / LV Development Kit, which shortens the design time of laser mice, gaming controllers and keyboards, wireless dongles, remote controls, mobile handset accessories and Point-of-Sales devices.
The in-system reprogrammable enCoRe V and enCoRe V LV MCUs provide design flexibility with a 10-bit ADC, Flash memory with EEPROM emulation, and small form-factor packages.
The enCoRe V devices also include eight USB endpoints. The enCoRe V LV family operates in the full range of 1.7V to 3.6V, with low power consumption for prolonged battery life in wireless applications, especially when paired with Cypress’s low-power WirelessUSB LP 2.4-GHz radio.
All enCoRe MCUs include Cypress’s patented crystal-less oscillator and integrated pull-up resistor to reduce component count and BOM cost.
“The enCoRe V and enCoRe V LV families address the growing trend in PC peripheral systems to include enhanced features that require more memory, more I/Os and full-speed USB,” said Carl Brasek, director of HID Solutions in the USB Business Unit at Cypress.
“Cypress has shipped over 1 billion USB controllers, and we’re committed to maintaining our leadership position by introducing innovative products with unparalleled support.”
The CY3660 enCoRe V / LV Development Kit includes an In-Circuit Emulator (ICE) that works in conjunction with actual silicon to provide an accurate and efficient development system. License-free PSoC Designer software included with the kit consists of a graphical user interface, assembler, C compiler, and a linker and debugger for a highly integrated code development environment.
Pre-configured code to implement standard-compliant Full-Speed USB and other peripherals simplifies design and shortens development time.
The CY3660 development kit includes:
* Two DVK Boards (enCoRe V and enCoRe V LV development boards).
* Two WirelessUSB LP radio modules.
* Two 12V power supplies and a USB Type A to Mini-B cable,
* PSoC MiniProg for programming the onboard on-chip-debugger chips.
* LCD module for data display and prototyping.
* PSoC Designer software development tool with complete set of user modules.
* Four firmware examples with complete source code.
The new highly-integrated families offer up to 32 KB of Flash memory, three 16-bit timers and up to 36 general purpose I/Os (GPIOs) to accommodate enhanced multimedia features in human interface devices (HIDs).
Cypress also introduced the CY3660 enCoRe V / LV Development Kit, which shortens the design time of laser mice, gaming controllers and keyboards, wireless dongles, remote controls, mobile handset accessories and Point-of-Sales devices.
The in-system reprogrammable enCoRe V and enCoRe V LV MCUs provide design flexibility with a 10-bit ADC, Flash memory with EEPROM emulation, and small form-factor packages.
The enCoRe V devices also include eight USB endpoints. The enCoRe V LV family operates in the full range of 1.7V to 3.6V, with low power consumption for prolonged battery life in wireless applications, especially when paired with Cypress’s low-power WirelessUSB LP 2.4-GHz radio.
All enCoRe MCUs include Cypress’s patented crystal-less oscillator and integrated pull-up resistor to reduce component count and BOM cost.
“The enCoRe V and enCoRe V LV families address the growing trend in PC peripheral systems to include enhanced features that require more memory, more I/Os and full-speed USB,” said Carl Brasek, director of HID Solutions in the USB Business Unit at Cypress.
“Cypress has shipped over 1 billion USB controllers, and we’re committed to maintaining our leadership position by introducing innovative products with unparalleled support.”
The CY3660 enCoRe V / LV Development Kit includes an In-Circuit Emulator (ICE) that works in conjunction with actual silicon to provide an accurate and efficient development system. License-free PSoC Designer software included with the kit consists of a graphical user interface, assembler, C compiler, and a linker and debugger for a highly integrated code development environment.
Pre-configured code to implement standard-compliant Full-Speed USB and other peripherals simplifies design and shortens development time.
The CY3660 development kit includes:
* Two DVK Boards (enCoRe V and enCoRe V LV development boards).
* Two WirelessUSB LP radio modules.
* Two 12V power supplies and a USB Type A to Mini-B cable,
* PSoC MiniProg for programming the onboard on-chip-debugger chips.
* LCD module for data display and prototyping.
* PSoC Designer software development tool with complete set of user modules.
* Four firmware examples with complete source code.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Embedded processors: Global market demand analysis
DUBLIN, IRELAND: Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Embedded Processors: Global Market Demand Analysis" report to their offering.
This new report on Embedded Processors, proves market intelligence on processor platforms used in embedded computing applications. The report provides detailed data and segmentation on CPUs, DSPs, FPGAs, and MCUs used in embedded applications.
These four major processing technologies covered are segmented by individual classification as well as collectively to measure how many units of each individual processor architecture proliferate in each of the many fragmented embedded vertical markets relative to each other. The primary data collected for this project includes supply-side data and two separate demand-side data sets.
Research highlights
The current global recession is creating an extremely challenging environment for the entire semiconductor industry.
The embedded processor segment will not be immune to negative effects from the current downturn, but it offers elements that are somewhat shielded compared to other semiconductor segments:
* Certain embedded markets are far enough removed from consumers to gain some protection from the tapped out consumer market.
* These markets are also highly diversified -- by application, account type and technical solution.
* Many markets are made up of mission critical applications.
* A number of products offer attractive ROI in this environment.
* The embedded processors market is driven by ROI regardless of macroeconomic conditions.
* Time to market pressures for OEMs developing on embedded processors and their customers.
* Demand to drive revenue from new products and services.
* Need to control costs across the technical value chain is driving more OEMS to reconsider their platform selections.
* Investment migration from hardware to software/ services continues in virtually every embedded segment, placing additional cost, price, performance and support pressures on suppliers.
This new report on Embedded Processors, proves market intelligence on processor platforms used in embedded computing applications. The report provides detailed data and segmentation on CPUs, DSPs, FPGAs, and MCUs used in embedded applications.
These four major processing technologies covered are segmented by individual classification as well as collectively to measure how many units of each individual processor architecture proliferate in each of the many fragmented embedded vertical markets relative to each other. The primary data collected for this project includes supply-side data and two separate demand-side data sets.
Research highlights
The current global recession is creating an extremely challenging environment for the entire semiconductor industry.
The embedded processor segment will not be immune to negative effects from the current downturn, but it offers elements that are somewhat shielded compared to other semiconductor segments:
* Certain embedded markets are far enough removed from consumers to gain some protection from the tapped out consumer market.
* These markets are also highly diversified -- by application, account type and technical solution.
* Many markets are made up of mission critical applications.
* A number of products offer attractive ROI in this environment.
* The embedded processors market is driven by ROI regardless of macroeconomic conditions.
* Time to market pressures for OEMs developing on embedded processors and their customers.
* Demand to drive revenue from new products and services.
* Need to control costs across the technical value chain is driving more OEMS to reconsider their platform selections.
* Investment migration from hardware to software/ services continues in virtually every embedded segment, placing additional cost, price, performance and support pressures on suppliers.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
ARM's ultra low-power physical IP technology for next-gen MCU devices
CAMBRIDGE, UK: ARM announces the availability of ultra low-power Physical IP libraries to drive the next generation of energy-efficient MCU devices.
The ARM 0.18µm ultra low power libraries (uLL), coupled with the inherent power management advantages of the ARM Cortex™ processor family and the TSMC 0.18µm embedded flash uLL/HDR “high data retention” process provides SoC designers with additional reduction in power leakage up to 10x compared to 0.18um G implementations.
The ARM libraries, combined with the ARM Cortex-M and Cortex-R profile processors, provide a compelling alternative to companies that are accustomed to a multiple MCU system approach.
Utilizing an advanced ultra low power, single 32-bit MCU and optimized ARM libraries for the TSMC 0.18µm uLL Embedded Flash/HDR process, designers can increase their design efficiency and lower overall system cost.
This powerful combination of physical IP, processor architecture and leading-edge manufacturing technology enables the development of enhanced 32-bit MCUs for automotive, consumer appliance, sensor, lighting, e-metering, smart control and gaming devices.
"TSMC and ARM share a mutual commitment to provide a fully optimized design and manufacturing solution for ultra low power, energy-efficient SoCs," said George Liu, director, Mainstream Technology Business at TSMC.
"ARM’'s unique ability to integrate leading-edge processor architecture and optimized physical IP for our 0.18µm uLL process provides a feature-rich solution for the power-sensitive portable device and automotive markets. This combination forms a compelling value statement for our mutual customers."
"Consumer demand for mobile and embedded devices offering higher performance, enriched user experience and extended battery life continues to increase," said Tom Lantzsch, vice president, physical IP division at ARM.
"By utilizing our 0.18µm uLL libraries and Cortex family of processors, companies can now maximize their design and energy efficiencies through a single 32-bit MCU, fully tuned with foundry-specific libraries. This powerful combination of IP accelerates the development of next generation energy-efficient embedded devices."
ARM low-power memory instances and Ultra High Density Standard Cell libraries, tuned for Cortex-M profile-based processors coupled with the ARM Power Management Kit (PMK) provides additional power saving benefits.
The PMK libraries minimize power consumption in several ways. They support dynamic operation of functional blocks at multiple voltages. The power gates and isolation cells enable a sleep mode and ensure fast wake-ups.
The libraries are equipped with data-retention flip-flops and always-on cells. Biasing cells provide connections for well back-biasing and reduce leakage even further. All the PMK libraries are designed to achieve optimal power tradeoffs.
ARM 0.18µm uLL libraries and PMK are available at ARM’s DesignStart™ IP access website, http://designstart.arm.com/. The ARM DesignStart access program offers the most comprehensive online IP library in the industry.
The DesignStart program contains more than 10,000 standard cells, memories and interconnects libraries accessible online. Several of the libraries are sponsored by the foundries and are accessible free of charge. In addition, there are industry-proven processor design kits for some of the most popular ARM processor families.
The ARM 0.18µm ultra low power libraries (uLL), coupled with the inherent power management advantages of the ARM Cortex™ processor family and the TSMC 0.18µm embedded flash uLL/HDR “high data retention” process provides SoC designers with additional reduction in power leakage up to 10x compared to 0.18um G implementations.
The ARM libraries, combined with the ARM Cortex-M and Cortex-R profile processors, provide a compelling alternative to companies that are accustomed to a multiple MCU system approach.
Utilizing an advanced ultra low power, single 32-bit MCU and optimized ARM libraries for the TSMC 0.18µm uLL Embedded Flash/HDR process, designers can increase their design efficiency and lower overall system cost.
This powerful combination of physical IP, processor architecture and leading-edge manufacturing technology enables the development of enhanced 32-bit MCUs for automotive, consumer appliance, sensor, lighting, e-metering, smart control and gaming devices.
"TSMC and ARM share a mutual commitment to provide a fully optimized design and manufacturing solution for ultra low power, energy-efficient SoCs," said George Liu, director, Mainstream Technology Business at TSMC.
"ARM’'s unique ability to integrate leading-edge processor architecture and optimized physical IP for our 0.18µm uLL process provides a feature-rich solution for the power-sensitive portable device and automotive markets. This combination forms a compelling value statement for our mutual customers."
"Consumer demand for mobile and embedded devices offering higher performance, enriched user experience and extended battery life continues to increase," said Tom Lantzsch, vice president, physical IP division at ARM.
"By utilizing our 0.18µm uLL libraries and Cortex family of processors, companies can now maximize their design and energy efficiencies through a single 32-bit MCU, fully tuned with foundry-specific libraries. This powerful combination of IP accelerates the development of next generation energy-efficient embedded devices."
ARM low-power memory instances and Ultra High Density Standard Cell libraries, tuned for Cortex-M profile-based processors coupled with the ARM Power Management Kit (PMK) provides additional power saving benefits.
The PMK libraries minimize power consumption in several ways. They support dynamic operation of functional blocks at multiple voltages. The power gates and isolation cells enable a sleep mode and ensure fast wake-ups.
The libraries are equipped with data-retention flip-flops and always-on cells. Biasing cells provide connections for well back-biasing and reduce leakage even further. All the PMK libraries are designed to achieve optimal power tradeoffs.
ARM 0.18µm uLL libraries and PMK are available at ARM’s DesignStart™ IP access website, http://designstart.arm.com/. The ARM DesignStart access program offers the most comprehensive online IP library in the industry.
The DesignStart program contains more than 10,000 standard cells, memories and interconnects libraries accessible online. Several of the libraries are sponsored by the foundries and are accessible free of charge. In addition, there are industry-proven processor design kits for some of the most popular ARM processor families.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Microchip PIC MCUs with enhanced mid-range 8-bit core
NEW DELHI, INDIA: Microchip Technology, a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, has announced the first six members of the PIC16F193X family of MCUs featuring Microchip's enhanced mid-range 8-bit core -- the PIC16F1934, PIC16LF1934, PIC16F1936, PIC16LF1936, PIC16F1937 and PIC16LF1937.
The new family extends Microchip's PIC microcontroller portfolio of over 550 compatible members, targeting a wide variety of applications in the appliance, consumer, industrial, medical and automotive markets.
The family's increased memory and core capabilities deliver enhanced support for both C and Assembly programmers, and "LF" family members feature Microchip's nanoWatt XLP Technology -- for extreme low power consumption -- enabling designs to achieve world-leading battery lifetime.
Continuing in the PIC MCU tradition of integrating extensive peripherals, the new family offers Direct LCD drive and support for mTouch capacitive touch-sensing solutions.
"We are pleased to announce the first family of microcontrollers based upon our enhanced mid-range 8-bit core," said Steve Drehobl, vice president of Microchip's Security, Microcontroller and Technology Development Division. "Building upon the worldwide customer acceptance of Microchip's existing Mid-range 8-bit products, the new devices enable new levels of functionality at lower system cost."
The new family extends Microchip's PIC microcontroller portfolio of over 550 compatible members, targeting a wide variety of applications in the appliance, consumer, industrial, medical and automotive markets.
The family's increased memory and core capabilities deliver enhanced support for both C and Assembly programmers, and "LF" family members feature Microchip's nanoWatt XLP Technology -- for extreme low power consumption -- enabling designs to achieve world-leading battery lifetime.
Continuing in the PIC MCU tradition of integrating extensive peripherals, the new family offers Direct LCD drive and support for mTouch capacitive touch-sensing solutions.
"We are pleased to announce the first family of microcontrollers based upon our enhanced mid-range 8-bit core," said Steve Drehobl, vice president of Microchip's Security, Microcontroller and Technology Development Division. "Building upon the worldwide customer acceptance of Microchip's existing Mid-range 8-bit products, the new devices enable new levels of functionality at lower system cost."
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
IAR Systems supports Atmel's ARM Cortex-M3 based SAM3U MCU
UPPSALA, SWEDEN: IAR Systems announced that IAR Embedded Workbench for ARM and IAR PowerPac for ARM now feature full support for the Atmel ARM Cortex-M3-based SAM3U microcontroller (MCU) family.
In close cooperation with Atmel, IAR Systems has added new configuration files, flash loaders and project examples to IAR Embedded Workbench for ARM for Atmel’s new SAM3U Cortex-M3 based microcontroller.
The device specific support achieved by these additions makes it quick and easy to get started with a project and allows the user to concentrate on application development tasks.
The latest update of IAR PowerPac includes the new Board Support Packages (BSPs) for the SAM3U as well as the new SAM3U evaluation kit available from Atmel and IAR Systems.
The BSPs include all the drivers and low level routines needed for the operating system and communication software to interface the hardware and access the peripherals on the boards.
The IAR PowerPac USB stack takes full advantage of the 480 Mbps High Speed USB Device controller and benefits from the advanced DMA supported bus and memory architecture in the SAM3U device. The SDIO/SD-card interface is fully supported in the popular PowerPac File system with its powerful Multimedia support.
"IAR Systems development tools have for a long time been the tool set of choice for our ARM Flash-based microcontroller developments." said Jacko Wilbrink, Marketing Director for ARM-based Microcontrollers.
"The well tested comprehensive IAR tools support the whole range of Atmel microcontrollers now including the new SAM3U device. Atmel and IAR pre- and post-sales engineers have full access to IAR tools and evaluation kits ensuring quick turn-around and high-quality support to customers."
"We have a long history of working closely with Atmel to provide our joint microcontroller customers with best in class development tools”, said Anders Flodin, Director of Business Development, IAR Systems.
"The addition of this new high performance connectivity oriented device, will, in combination with the IAR Systems development tools, RTOS and middleware products, create new exciting opportunities for our customers in the embedded space."
IAR Embedded Workbench for ARM is a set of highly sophisticated and easy-to-use development tools. It incorporates an ARM Cortex-M3 C/C++ compiler, assembler, linker, librarian, text editor, project manager, and debugger combined in an integrated development environment (IDE) for programming embedded applications.
In addition to supporting debugging through the JTAG port, IAR Embedded Workbench also supports Serial Wire Output (SWO), which is part of CoreSight, the on-chip debug and trace solution used in the Cortex processor family and in the Atmel SAM3U.
The user has full freedom to configure the types of packets sent over the SWO channel that should be displayed by IAR C-SPY debugger. Additionally, debug log messages from a printf output can be also displayed by IAR C-SPY, without having to halt the execution.
IAR Embedded Workbench for ARM is developed to deliver high performance compiled code. The chip-specific code optimizer generates very efficient and reliable flashable code for the Atmel microcontrollers.
Recently added, multi-file compilation is a feature that allows the compiler to treat several files as one compilation unit that means it can optimize over a larger scope of code.
IAR PowerPac is a family of real-time operating system, file system and USB and TCP/IP communication stacks. It is integrated with IAR Embedded Workbench for ARM to ensure quick and easy project start-up and application development.
Atmel’s SAM3U device is the industry's first ARM Cortex™-M3 Flash MCU integrating high speed (480 Mbps) USB Device-and-Transceiver, 4-bit 192 Mbps SDIO/SDCard 2.0, 8-bit 384 Mbps MMC 4.3 Host and 48 Mpbs SPI interfaces on-chip.
This connectivity, together with the SAM3U's 96 MHz/1.25 DMIPS/MHz operating frequency, makes the SAM3U the unique Cortex-M3 device suited to applications with intensive communications requirements, such high speed gateways in industrial, medical, data processing and consumer applications.
The introduction of the SAM3U expands Atmel's 32-Bit MCU portfolio consisting of ARM and AVR32 products.
In close cooperation with Atmel, IAR Systems has added new configuration files, flash loaders and project examples to IAR Embedded Workbench for ARM for Atmel’s new SAM3U Cortex-M3 based microcontroller.
The device specific support achieved by these additions makes it quick and easy to get started with a project and allows the user to concentrate on application development tasks.
The latest update of IAR PowerPac includes the new Board Support Packages (BSPs) for the SAM3U as well as the new SAM3U evaluation kit available from Atmel and IAR Systems.
The BSPs include all the drivers and low level routines needed for the operating system and communication software to interface the hardware and access the peripherals on the boards.
The IAR PowerPac USB stack takes full advantage of the 480 Mbps High Speed USB Device controller and benefits from the advanced DMA supported bus and memory architecture in the SAM3U device. The SDIO/SD-card interface is fully supported in the popular PowerPac File system with its powerful Multimedia support.
"IAR Systems development tools have for a long time been the tool set of choice for our ARM Flash-based microcontroller developments." said Jacko Wilbrink, Marketing Director for ARM-based Microcontrollers.
"The well tested comprehensive IAR tools support the whole range of Atmel microcontrollers now including the new SAM3U device. Atmel and IAR pre- and post-sales engineers have full access to IAR tools and evaluation kits ensuring quick turn-around and high-quality support to customers."
"We have a long history of working closely with Atmel to provide our joint microcontroller customers with best in class development tools”, said Anders Flodin, Director of Business Development, IAR Systems.
"The addition of this new high performance connectivity oriented device, will, in combination with the IAR Systems development tools, RTOS and middleware products, create new exciting opportunities for our customers in the embedded space."
IAR Embedded Workbench for ARM is a set of highly sophisticated and easy-to-use development tools. It incorporates an ARM Cortex-M3 C/C++ compiler, assembler, linker, librarian, text editor, project manager, and debugger combined in an integrated development environment (IDE) for programming embedded applications.
In addition to supporting debugging through the JTAG port, IAR Embedded Workbench also supports Serial Wire Output (SWO), which is part of CoreSight, the on-chip debug and trace solution used in the Cortex processor family and in the Atmel SAM3U.
The user has full freedom to configure the types of packets sent over the SWO channel that should be displayed by IAR C-SPY debugger. Additionally, debug log messages from a printf output can be also displayed by IAR C-SPY, without having to halt the execution.
IAR Embedded Workbench for ARM is developed to deliver high performance compiled code. The chip-specific code optimizer generates very efficient and reliable flashable code for the Atmel microcontrollers.
Recently added, multi-file compilation is a feature that allows the compiler to treat several files as one compilation unit that means it can optimize over a larger scope of code.
IAR PowerPac is a family of real-time operating system, file system and USB and TCP/IP communication stacks. It is integrated with IAR Embedded Workbench for ARM to ensure quick and easy project start-up and application development.
Atmel’s SAM3U device is the industry's first ARM Cortex™-M3 Flash MCU integrating high speed (480 Mbps) USB Device-and-Transceiver, 4-bit 192 Mbps SDIO/SDCard 2.0, 8-bit 384 Mbps MMC 4.3 Host and 48 Mpbs SPI interfaces on-chip.
This connectivity, together with the SAM3U's 96 MHz/1.25 DMIPS/MHz operating frequency, makes the SAM3U the unique Cortex-M3 device suited to applications with intensive communications requirements, such high speed gateways in industrial, medical, data processing and consumer applications.
The introduction of the SAM3U expands Atmel's 32-Bit MCU portfolio consisting of ARM and AVR32 products.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Microchip's new family of low-power 8-bit PIC MCUs
CHANDLER, USA: Microchip Technology Inc. has announced a new family of 8-bit PIC microcontrollers (MCUs) featuring nanoWatt XLP technology, which enables extremely low sleep currents.
The high-performance, low-power PIC18F13K22, PIC18LF13K22, PIC18F14K22 and PIC18LF14K22 (PIC18F1XK22) MCUs are available in 20-pin packages and provide 1.8 to 5.5V operation, with up to 16 Kbytes Flash program memory.
The devices feature an enhanced peripheral set that includes support for mTouch capacitive touch sensing, and are well suited for a variety of general-purpose applications.
nanoWatt XLP technology allows the PIC18LF1XK22 MCUs to operate longer using less power, or with fewer battery changes, by enabling sleep current of 34 nA, typical at 1.8V; Timer1 oscillator currents of 800 nA, typical at 1.8V, 32 kHz; and Watchdog Timer currents of 300 nA, typical at 1.8V. Most low-power applications require one or more of these features, and nanoWatt XLP Technology combines all of them into one device in the “LF” versions of the PIC18F1XK22 family.
“Building upon the tremendous success of our 8-bit PIC18 and 16-bit PIC24 ‘K’ series products, Microchip is pleased to expand the family of 8-bit PIC18 ‘K’ devices that feature nanoWatt XLP technology and add 5V operation,” said Steve Drehobl, vice president of Microchip’s Security, Microcontroller and Technology Development Division.
“With their small size and comprehensive feature set, the PIC18F1XK22 devices enable designers to create smaller, lower-power and higher-performing designs, at lower costs.”
The high-performance, low-power PIC18F13K22, PIC18LF13K22, PIC18F14K22 and PIC18LF14K22 (PIC18F1XK22) MCUs are available in 20-pin packages and provide 1.8 to 5.5V operation, with up to 16 Kbytes Flash program memory.
The devices feature an enhanced peripheral set that includes support for mTouch capacitive touch sensing, and are well suited for a variety of general-purpose applications.
nanoWatt XLP technology allows the PIC18LF1XK22 MCUs to operate longer using less power, or with fewer battery changes, by enabling sleep current of 34 nA, typical at 1.8V; Timer1 oscillator currents of 800 nA, typical at 1.8V, 32 kHz; and Watchdog Timer currents of 300 nA, typical at 1.8V. Most low-power applications require one or more of these features, and nanoWatt XLP Technology combines all of them into one device in the “LF” versions of the PIC18F1XK22 family.
“Building upon the tremendous success of our 8-bit PIC18 and 16-bit PIC24 ‘K’ series products, Microchip is pleased to expand the family of 8-bit PIC18 ‘K’ devices that feature nanoWatt XLP technology and add 5V operation,” said Steve Drehobl, vice president of Microchip’s Security, Microcontroller and Technology Development Division.
“With their small size and comprehensive feature set, the PIC18F1XK22 devices enable designers to create smaller, lower-power and higher-performing designs, at lower costs.”
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
IC Insights: 2Q09/1Q09 worldwide IC market jumps 16pc
USA: IC Insights' soon-to-be-released Mid-Year Update to The McClean Report describes how, after the worst two quarters in the history of the IC industry (4Q08 and 1Q09), 2Q09 rebounded (+16 percent) and signaled that the "healing" process is underway.
In the past 25 years, only the 18 percent quarterly IC market increases in 2Q84 and 2Q06 and the 17% surge in 4Q99 were better than the 2Q09 results. In order to fully appreciate the magnitude of the IC market rebound, consider the following 2Q09/1Q09 results:
* The DRAM market grew over 30 percent;
* The DRAM average selling price (ASP) was up 12 percent;
* Analog IC unit volume shipments increased over 30 percent;
* Microcontroller unit volume shipments increased over 25 percent;
* DSP unit volume shipments increased over 40 percent;
* The display driver market was up 25 percent;
* Total worldwide IC unit shipments were up over 20 percent; and
* The total worldwide IC market was up 16 percent!
IC Insights is the first industry forecaster to recognize and publicize this important quarterly data. Don't be misled by the "doom and gloom" annual forecasts. Since 4Q08, IC Insights has encouraged its clients to think quarterly about 2009. As the statistics above show, this has proven to be the most relevant and useful approach to understanding the current market dynamics.
Although the IC inventory replenishment surge in 2Q09 is expected to take away some of the momentum of 3Q09, the second half of the year still looks strong. IC Insights is advising its clients to not be caught looking backwards! Now that the worst is over, this is the time to prepare for the growth that lies ahead.
In the past 25 years, only the 18 percent quarterly IC market increases in 2Q84 and 2Q06 and the 17% surge in 4Q99 were better than the 2Q09 results. In order to fully appreciate the magnitude of the IC market rebound, consider the following 2Q09/1Q09 results:
* The DRAM market grew over 30 percent;
* The DRAM average selling price (ASP) was up 12 percent;
* Analog IC unit volume shipments increased over 30 percent;
* Microcontroller unit volume shipments increased over 25 percent;
* DSP unit volume shipments increased over 40 percent;
* The display driver market was up 25 percent;
* Total worldwide IC unit shipments were up over 20 percent; and
* The total worldwide IC market was up 16 percent!
IC Insights is the first industry forecaster to recognize and publicize this important quarterly data. Don't be misled by the "doom and gloom" annual forecasts. Since 4Q08, IC Insights has encouraged its clients to think quarterly about 2009. As the statistics above show, this has proven to be the most relevant and useful approach to understanding the current market dynamics.
Although the IC inventory replenishment surge in 2Q09 is expected to take away some of the momentum of 3Q09, the second half of the year still looks strong. IC Insights is advising its clients to not be caught looking backwards! Now that the worst is over, this is the time to prepare for the growth that lies ahead.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Verigy's V101 low-cost, zero-footprint tester for cost-sensitive ICs and MCUs
CUPERTINO, USA: Verigy, a premier semiconductor test company, has introduced the V101, a new low-cost, zero-footprint, 100 MHz Tester-on-Board system for wafer sort and final test of today’s most cost-sensitive integrated circuits (ICs) and microcontrollers (MCUs). The V101 addresses the extreme low cost requirements of these devices and intense time-to-market pressures.
A typical 512 I/O channel configuration is available for under $300,000. The V101 will be showcased at the SEMICON WEST trade show in Verigy’s Booth #921, South Hall, July 14 to 16, 2009 at the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco, California.
“The V101 brings the benefits of Verigy’s proven test technology know-how to this segment of the market for the first time,” said Jin Wei, Vice President, Application Specific Test Solutions (ASTS), Verigy. “This cost-sensitive market demands test solutions that deliver the best overall value. Taking this into account, we have designed a system for self-installation, self-maintenance, and self-diagnostics.”
Operating at up to a 100 MHz clock rate with up to 1024 I/O channels, the V101 tester delivers the performance needed to effectively and economically test today’s most cost-sensitive ICs and MCUs, typically used in a wide variety of low-end mobile communications and consumer products.
The V101 features a unique Tester-on-Board architecture which simplifies the tester hardware and configuration by placing the digital and DC resources directly on the board. This architecture supports multi-site efficiency with high throughput and at lower test costs. The V101 uses standardized components that make it easy to setup and maintain.
Added Jin Wei, “The simplicity of the V101 offers our customers a cost-effective, easy-to-use system that delivers unprecedented value. As a result, we are seeing interest from customers who test a variety of devices, as well as test houses and manufacturers focused exclusively in the cost-sensitive MCU market, who until now were not served by Verigy solutions.”
Tester-on-Board Architecture
The V101 architecture places the digital and DC resources directly on the board which enables the system’s unprecedented combination of performance and low-cost. The architecture also makes it easy to expand or reduce capacity on the V101 as customers’ requirements change.
Optimized to Test Low Cost Microcontrollers
The V101 is designed to cost-effectively test 4, 8 and 16-bit MCUs and other low pin count, low-end IC devices. The digital instrument operates at up to 100 MHz clock rate, with up to eight DPS (device power supplies), and offers deep Vector Memory (60 M) and Capture Memory (8 M) to accommodate short device life-cycles and revisions, and provides a low noise floor for improved accuracy and yield. On-board MMUs (Multi-DC Measurement Units) lower the cost of the tester by eliminating the need for separate analog cards, and allow the testing of embedded A/D converters.
Optimized for Wafer Sort
The V101 is the only test system optimized for wafer sort with support for direct probing. This eliminates the need for separate pogo tower or costly add-on interfaces to do wafer sort testing, resulting in a significant cost savings. The V101’s design also results in greater signal fidelity and simplified production setup at wafer sort.
Easy-to-Use Software
The V101 uses Verigy’s proven and award-winning StylusTM operating system software which is easy to learn and use. Stylus features direct EDA links for shorter program development time. Its STIL-based test programming simplifies test conversions of other STIL-based programs and, when combined with deep vector and capture memories, helps to reduce program development time significantly.
A typical 512 I/O channel configuration is available for under $300,000. The V101 will be showcased at the SEMICON WEST trade show in Verigy’s Booth #921, South Hall, July 14 to 16, 2009 at the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco, California.
“The V101 brings the benefits of Verigy’s proven test technology know-how to this segment of the market for the first time,” said Jin Wei, Vice President, Application Specific Test Solutions (ASTS), Verigy. “This cost-sensitive market demands test solutions that deliver the best overall value. Taking this into account, we have designed a system for self-installation, self-maintenance, and self-diagnostics.”
Operating at up to a 100 MHz clock rate with up to 1024 I/O channels, the V101 tester delivers the performance needed to effectively and economically test today’s most cost-sensitive ICs and MCUs, typically used in a wide variety of low-end mobile communications and consumer products.
The V101 features a unique Tester-on-Board architecture which simplifies the tester hardware and configuration by placing the digital and DC resources directly on the board. This architecture supports multi-site efficiency with high throughput and at lower test costs. The V101 uses standardized components that make it easy to setup and maintain.
Added Jin Wei, “The simplicity of the V101 offers our customers a cost-effective, easy-to-use system that delivers unprecedented value. As a result, we are seeing interest from customers who test a variety of devices, as well as test houses and manufacturers focused exclusively in the cost-sensitive MCU market, who until now were not served by Verigy solutions.”
Tester-on-Board Architecture
The V101 architecture places the digital and DC resources directly on the board which enables the system’s unprecedented combination of performance and low-cost. The architecture also makes it easy to expand or reduce capacity on the V101 as customers’ requirements change.
Optimized to Test Low Cost Microcontrollers
The V101 is designed to cost-effectively test 4, 8 and 16-bit MCUs and other low pin count, low-end IC devices. The digital instrument operates at up to 100 MHz clock rate, with up to eight DPS (device power supplies), and offers deep Vector Memory (60 M) and Capture Memory (8 M) to accommodate short device life-cycles and revisions, and provides a low noise floor for improved accuracy and yield. On-board MMUs (Multi-DC Measurement Units) lower the cost of the tester by eliminating the need for separate analog cards, and allow the testing of embedded A/D converters.
Optimized for Wafer Sort
The V101 is the only test system optimized for wafer sort with support for direct probing. This eliminates the need for separate pogo tower or costly add-on interfaces to do wafer sort testing, resulting in a significant cost savings. The V101’s design also results in greater signal fidelity and simplified production setup at wafer sort.
Easy-to-Use Software
The V101 uses Verigy’s proven and award-winning StylusTM operating system software which is easy to learn and use. Stylus features direct EDA links for shorter program development time. Its STIL-based test programming simplifies test conversions of other STIL-based programs and, when combined with deep vector and capture memories, helps to reduce program development time significantly.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
ST delivers STM32 connectivity line MCUs
SINGAPORE: STMicroelectronics has confirmed full production availability of its latest STM32 Connectivity Line microcontrollers built on the ARM Cortex-M3 processor, as forecast when the company announced its new devices in March at Embedded World 2009.
The STM32 Connectivity Line allows developers to take advantage of industry-standard 32-bit processing in designs requiring simultaneous Ethernet, USB, CAN and audio-class I2S capabilities.
Two variants are available, including the STM32F105 series combining a Full-Speed USB 2.0 Host/Device/OTG peripheral and two CAN2.0B controllers with advanced filtering capabilities.
The STM32F107 family adds a complete 10/100 Ethernet MAC with hardware support for the IEEE1588 Precise Time Protocol, enabling Ethernet connectivity for real-time applications. Dedicated buffers allow the USB OTG, the two CAN controllers and the Ethernet interfaces to operate simultaneously to satisfy communication-gateway applications, as well as a host of challenges requiring flexible, industry-standard connectivity.
Both families also support audio-class I2S communications which, combined with USB host and SPI capability, allows the micro to read music files from external storage such as a USB mass-storage device, an MP3 player or SD card, and decode and output audio via the I2S. Such features are required in home-audio products such as docking systems, alarm-clock/music players, and home theaters.
The high processing power of the ARM Cortex-M3 allows developers to implement important functions such as the audio codec and human-interface functions such as display-data handling and the Play and Stop buttons in software, thereby saving additional external components.
“Our considerable expertise with ARM Cortex-M3 allows us to quickly introduce new products delivering the advantages of power-efficient operation, solid real-time performance, and innovative shared peripherals to an industry-standard core," said Jim Nicholas, STMicroelectronics Microcontrollers Division Manager. "With four STM32 families in full production, a new ultra-low-power STM32L MCU platform in development, and more innovations planned, our reliable roadmap enables customers to target established markets as well as emerging opportunities.”
The STM32 Connectivity Line comprises 72MHz microcontrollers to fulfill requirements such as network accessibility, data logging, USB connectivity and peripheral extension, or field upgradeability. These requirements will serve products targeting industrial, medical, appliance, consumer, and building-services markets, such as PLCs, motor controls, patient monitors, motor controls, home audio, security systems, power meters and control panels.
A total of 70 STM32 variants are now in production, delivering pin-and-software compatible devices from 36MHz to 72MHz, with a broad selection of common peripherals to serve diverse applications, eight package options and on-chip Flash density from 16Kbyte to 512Kbyte.
The STM32F105 with 64Kbyte, 128Kbyte or 256Kbyte of embedded Flash, and the STM32F107 with 128Kbyte or 256Kbyte, are available immediately in LQFP64 or LQFP100 packages. Prices are from $2.90 in the 64Kbyte LQFP64 package up to $4.92 for 256Kbyte devices in the LQFP100, for quantities of 10,000 units.
The STM32 Connectivity Line allows developers to take advantage of industry-standard 32-bit processing in designs requiring simultaneous Ethernet, USB, CAN and audio-class I2S capabilities. Two variants are available, including the STM32F105 series combining a Full-Speed USB 2.0 Host/Device/OTG peripheral and two CAN2.0B controllers with advanced filtering capabilities.
The STM32F107 family adds a complete 10/100 Ethernet MAC with hardware support for the IEEE1588 Precise Time Protocol, enabling Ethernet connectivity for real-time applications. Dedicated buffers allow the USB OTG, the two CAN controllers and the Ethernet interfaces to operate simultaneously to satisfy communication-gateway applications, as well as a host of challenges requiring flexible, industry-standard connectivity.
Both families also support audio-class I2S communications which, combined with USB host and SPI capability, allows the micro to read music files from external storage such as a USB mass-storage device, an MP3 player or SD card, and decode and output audio via the I2S. Such features are required in home-audio products such as docking systems, alarm-clock/music players, and home theaters.
The high processing power of the ARM Cortex-M3 allows developers to implement important functions such as the audio codec and human-interface functions such as display-data handling and the Play and Stop buttons in software, thereby saving additional external components.
“Our considerable expertise with ARM Cortex-M3 allows us to quickly introduce new products delivering the advantages of power-efficient operation, solid real-time performance, and innovative shared peripherals to an industry-standard core," said Jim Nicholas, STMicroelectronics Microcontrollers Division Manager. "With four STM32 families in full production, a new ultra-low-power STM32L MCU platform in development, and more innovations planned, our reliable roadmap enables customers to target established markets as well as emerging opportunities.”
The STM32 Connectivity Line comprises 72MHz microcontrollers to fulfill requirements such as network accessibility, data logging, USB connectivity and peripheral extension, or field upgradeability. These requirements will serve products targeting industrial, medical, appliance, consumer, and building-services markets, such as PLCs, motor controls, patient monitors, motor controls, home audio, security systems, power meters and control panels.
A total of 70 STM32 variants are now in production, delivering pin-and-software compatible devices from 36MHz to 72MHz, with a broad selection of common peripherals to serve diverse applications, eight package options and on-chip Flash density from 16Kbyte to 512Kbyte.
The STM32F105 with 64Kbyte, 128Kbyte or 256Kbyte of embedded Flash, and the STM32F107 with 128Kbyte or 256Kbyte, are available immediately in LQFP64 or LQFP100 packages. Prices are from $2.90 in the 64Kbyte LQFP64 package up to $4.92 for 256Kbyte devices in the LQFP100, for quantities of 10,000 units.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Freescale intros 'ultimate Ethernet Connectivity solution' for industrial apps
AUSTIN, USA: Freescale Semiconductor is redefining embedded Ethernet design with a new platform solution that combines a 32-bit ColdFire V1 microcontroller (MCU) with a complimentary operating system and application software solution and easy-to-use, modular development hardware.
This combined hardware/software offering is designed to help embedded designers save months in development time and reduce cost, now and in the future.
Freescale’s ultimate Ethernet connectivity solution features the MCF51CN ColdFire V1 MCU, complimentary Freescale MQX real-time operating system (RTOS) and TCP/IP software stacks, and the Tower System, a cost-effective, open-source demonstration and evaluation platform with a library of interchangeable board modules. The combined solution gives developers an easily customizable, expandable design environment that can expedite development time through rapid prototyping and tool reuse.
The first Freescale MCU supported by the Tower System is the MCF51CN, which integrates the ColdFire V1 core with on-chip Ethernet connectivity and a flexible external bus. The MCF51CN MCU is ideal for developers who need to upgrade serial communications to Ethernet, as well as for new applications requiring 10/100Mb connectivity. Target embedded Ethernet applications include:
* Security and building control systems (including HVAC systems).
* Industrial operator interfaces and control systems.
* Consumer and industrial appliances (white goods).
* Medical monitoring systems and instrumentation.
* Point-of-sale (POS) and courier systems.
"The combination of the MCF51CN MCU, Freescale MQX software and our Tower System can help developers connect serial applications to Ethernet in just seconds,” said Jeff Bock, global marketing manager for industrial and multi-market microcontrollers at Freescale. “This comprehensive solution enhances design flexibility and helps to significantly reduce development cost and complexity for a wide range of industrial applications. The Tower System’s modular, reconfigurable hardware running Freescale MQX software makes it refreshingly easy to get Ethernet applications up and running quickly –- at minimal cost.”
The Tower System
The Tower System provides a comprehensive and highly customizable embedded design environment that enables developers to mix and match MCU and peripheral boards to create reconfigurable development platforms that suit their design needs.
Interchangeable expansion cards promote reuse of hardware across multiple architectures, which helps speed time to market. The modular design scales down overall tool costs, while providing an inexpensive entry point.
The Freescale Tower System helps developers quickly evaluate and prototype their applications. As they require more functionality and design capabilities, developers can easily add more modules to their Tower System library. In addition, standardized, open-source hardware allows Freescale customers and partners to design additional modules for added functionality and customization.
The Tower System’s easy-to-use, modular design helps customers control tool costs, from simple concept testing to full product development. A single MCU/MPU module serves as the main control board. Modules simply plug into backplane boards, called “elevators,” through standard PCB edge connectors. Peripheral board re-use eliminates the need to buy and develop redundant hardware, which reduces future costs. In addition, the MCU module includes open-source background debug mode (OSBDM) hardware, allowing each board to serve as a standalone debug tool.
The Tower System is currently available for MCF51CN MCUs. In the coming quarters, Freescale and its partners plan to provide Tower System support for additional embedded devices, including other ColdFire MCUs, 8-bit MCUs and digital signal controllers (DSCs).
The MCF51CN MCUs ship with the comprehensive Freescale MQX software solution, which includes Freescale MQX RTOS and the real-time TCP/IP communication suite (RTCS), at no additional cost. The full-featured Freescale MQX RTOS is available to customers with a commercial-friendly licensing model that allows them to keep their source code modifications.
The Freescale MQX RTOS offers a small, configurable footprint, straightforward application programming interface (API) and a modular architecture that can be fine-tuned to fit a wide range of application needs.
By providing complimentary Freescale MQX software with its silicon products, Freescale is helping alleviate much of the initial software investment hurdle faced by embedded developers. Comparable full-featured software offerings on the market today may cost developers as much as $95,000 in licensing fees.
To ease the development process, Freescale offers a comprehensive ecosystem of software development tools, reference designs, application notes, software examples and webinars. The MCF51CN family is supported by a complimentary 30-day evaluation version of Freescale's CodeWarrior® Development Studio for ColdFire v6.2.
Designers can further accelerate development with the help of Processor Expert software, an award-winning rapid application development tool in the CodeWarrior tool suite. The CodeWarrior Development Studio is Freescale MQX RTOS aware, giving developers a highly integrated development ecosystem.
Pricing and availability
The MCF51CN128 Tower System development boards can be purchased as individual modules or as part of a comprehensive kit for quick and easy development.
The TWR-MCF51CN microcontroller module, with a suggested resale price of $39 (USD), features the MCF51CN128 MCU in an 80-pin LQFP package with Ethernet connectivity.
The TWR-MCF51CN-KIT, with a suggested resale price of $99 (USD), is a complete Tower System kit, including:
* TWR-MCF51CN module (standalone MCU development board).
* TWR-SER module (serial board supporting Ethernet, USB, RS232, RS485 and CAN).
* TWR-ELEV module (elevator boards connect the MCU and serial boards).
* USB and Ethernet cables.
* Interactive DVD complete with tools, software, lab supplements and other helpful resources.
Samples of the MCF51CN MCU are available now, and production quantities are planned for Q4 2009. Suggested resale pricing for MCF51CN MCUs starts at $2.99 in 10,000-unit quantities.
This combined hardware/software offering is designed to help embedded designers save months in development time and reduce cost, now and in the future.
Freescale’s ultimate Ethernet connectivity solution features the MCF51CN ColdFire V1 MCU, complimentary Freescale MQX real-time operating system (RTOS) and TCP/IP software stacks, and the Tower System, a cost-effective, open-source demonstration and evaluation platform with a library of interchangeable board modules. The combined solution gives developers an easily customizable, expandable design environment that can expedite development time through rapid prototyping and tool reuse.
The first Freescale MCU supported by the Tower System is the MCF51CN, which integrates the ColdFire V1 core with on-chip Ethernet connectivity and a flexible external bus. The MCF51CN MCU is ideal for developers who need to upgrade serial communications to Ethernet, as well as for new applications requiring 10/100Mb connectivity. Target embedded Ethernet applications include:
* Security and building control systems (including HVAC systems).
* Industrial operator interfaces and control systems.
* Consumer and industrial appliances (white goods).
* Medical monitoring systems and instrumentation.
* Point-of-sale (POS) and courier systems.
"The combination of the MCF51CN MCU, Freescale MQX software and our Tower System can help developers connect serial applications to Ethernet in just seconds,” said Jeff Bock, global marketing manager for industrial and multi-market microcontrollers at Freescale. “This comprehensive solution enhances design flexibility and helps to significantly reduce development cost and complexity for a wide range of industrial applications. The Tower System’s modular, reconfigurable hardware running Freescale MQX software makes it refreshingly easy to get Ethernet applications up and running quickly –- at minimal cost.”
The Tower System
The Tower System provides a comprehensive and highly customizable embedded design environment that enables developers to mix and match MCU and peripheral boards to create reconfigurable development platforms that suit their design needs.
Interchangeable expansion cards promote reuse of hardware across multiple architectures, which helps speed time to market. The modular design scales down overall tool costs, while providing an inexpensive entry point.
The Freescale Tower System helps developers quickly evaluate and prototype their applications. As they require more functionality and design capabilities, developers can easily add more modules to their Tower System library. In addition, standardized, open-source hardware allows Freescale customers and partners to design additional modules for added functionality and customization.
The Tower System’s easy-to-use, modular design helps customers control tool costs, from simple concept testing to full product development. A single MCU/MPU module serves as the main control board. Modules simply plug into backplane boards, called “elevators,” through standard PCB edge connectors. Peripheral board re-use eliminates the need to buy and develop redundant hardware, which reduces future costs. In addition, the MCU module includes open-source background debug mode (OSBDM) hardware, allowing each board to serve as a standalone debug tool.
The Tower System is currently available for MCF51CN MCUs. In the coming quarters, Freescale and its partners plan to provide Tower System support for additional embedded devices, including other ColdFire MCUs, 8-bit MCUs and digital signal controllers (DSCs).
The MCF51CN MCUs ship with the comprehensive Freescale MQX software solution, which includes Freescale MQX RTOS and the real-time TCP/IP communication suite (RTCS), at no additional cost. The full-featured Freescale MQX RTOS is available to customers with a commercial-friendly licensing model that allows them to keep their source code modifications.
The Freescale MQX RTOS offers a small, configurable footprint, straightforward application programming interface (API) and a modular architecture that can be fine-tuned to fit a wide range of application needs.
By providing complimentary Freescale MQX software with its silicon products, Freescale is helping alleviate much of the initial software investment hurdle faced by embedded developers. Comparable full-featured software offerings on the market today may cost developers as much as $95,000 in licensing fees.
To ease the development process, Freescale offers a comprehensive ecosystem of software development tools, reference designs, application notes, software examples and webinars. The MCF51CN family is supported by a complimentary 30-day evaluation version of Freescale's CodeWarrior® Development Studio for ColdFire v6.2.
Designers can further accelerate development with the help of Processor Expert software, an award-winning rapid application development tool in the CodeWarrior tool suite. The CodeWarrior Development Studio is Freescale MQX RTOS aware, giving developers a highly integrated development ecosystem.
Pricing and availability
The MCF51CN128 Tower System development boards can be purchased as individual modules or as part of a comprehensive kit for quick and easy development.
The TWR-MCF51CN microcontroller module, with a suggested resale price of $39 (USD), features the MCF51CN128 MCU in an 80-pin LQFP package with Ethernet connectivity.
The TWR-MCF51CN-KIT, with a suggested resale price of $99 (USD), is a complete Tower System kit, including:
* TWR-MCF51CN module (standalone MCU development board).
* TWR-SER module (serial board supporting Ethernet, USB, RS232, RS485 and CAN).
* TWR-ELEV module (elevator boards connect the MCU and serial boards).
* USB and Ethernet cables.
* Interactive DVD complete with tools, software, lab supplements and other helpful resources.
Samples of the MCF51CN MCU are available now, and production quantities are planned for Q4 2009. Suggested resale pricing for MCF51CN MCUs starts at $2.99 in 10,000-unit quantities.
Monday, June 15, 2009
ST unveils ultra-low-power technology platform for 8-bit and 32-bit MCUs
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND: STMicroelectronics has announced details of a new ultra-low-power technology platform for building a range of 8-bit and 32-bit microcontrollers, which will enable future generations of electronic products to consume less power, meet evolving energy-efficiency standards, and operate for longer from their batteries.
Meeting these increasing demands requires looking at all aspects of microcontroller design and process technology to maximize improvements in all areas.
This new platform is built on a 130nm process, which ST has further optimized with ultra-low-leakage transistors for logic functions, low-voltage transistors for analog functions, innovative low-power embedded memory, new low-voltage low-power standard peripherals and an innovative power-management architecture. Together, these enhancements dramatically reduce dynamic and static power consumption, enabling forthcoming families of microcontrollers delivering better performance per Watt than the most frugal low-power devices on the market today.
ST will introduce the first new microcontrollers, the STM8L and STM32L, based on this ultra-low-power platform later in 2009. These will be the start of new ultra-low-power product paths for the 8-bit STM8S and 32-bit STM32F families achieving dynamic power consumption as low as 150µA/MHz from Flash, and HALT-mode power consumption as low as 300nA while maintaining SRAM content and registers. The first STM8L products are already sampling to key OEMs.
Within this new technology platform, 130nm digital transistors optimized for low leakage reduce the microcontroller’s current draw in normal operation as well as in power-saving modes. In addition, the innovative, low-power embedded non-volatile memory reduces the energy consumed to handle application data.
The enhanced analog transistors are functional down to 1.65V, enabling low-voltage operation of the on-chip analog circuitry. The power-management architecture also saves power in all modes through techniques such as low-voltage operation of the core and ultra-fast 4-microseconds wake-up from low-power states. Completing the platform, dedicated digital libraries and a new low-power system-on-chip (SoC) design flow will enable ST to expand its ultra-low-power microcontroller families and deliver new devices to market quickly.
"The new STM8L and STM32L microcontrollers built on this platform will naturally extend the STM8S and STM32F families, which already include several product paths optimized for accessibility, high performance, and flexible connectivity," said Jim Nicholas, General Manager of ST’s Microcontrollers Division. "Product developers will use the new devices to take advantage of today’s most advanced and efficient processor architectures in fast-growing markets such as portable medical devices and e-metering, as well as emerging opportunities where long battery life, small battery sizes, or battery-less operation are required."
Other products to benefit from the new 8-bit and 32-bit MCUs will include alarm systems, wireless sensors, touch-sensing modules, and portable equipment such as personal healthcare devices, handheld game terminals, remote-control units, GPS devices, personal sports equipment, and mobile accessories.
The STM8S and STM32F families solve developers’ needs for efficient processor architectures delivering low cost, low power and optimum design flexibility. Each uses an advanced processor core, such as the 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 processor of the STM32F family, and peripheral functions are shared between both families to promote design flexibility and software re-use.
The available devices within each family are pin compatible, which enhances designers’ freedom to optimize pin count and peripherals for each design. Both families also make best use of established power-saving methods including reduced-power sleep and idle modes, fast wake-up times to reduce wasted clock cycles, and low-voltage operation.
Meeting these increasing demands requires looking at all aspects of microcontroller design and process technology to maximize improvements in all areas.
This new platform is built on a 130nm process, which ST has further optimized with ultra-low-leakage transistors for logic functions, low-voltage transistors for analog functions, innovative low-power embedded memory, new low-voltage low-power standard peripherals and an innovative power-management architecture. Together, these enhancements dramatically reduce dynamic and static power consumption, enabling forthcoming families of microcontrollers delivering better performance per Watt than the most frugal low-power devices on the market today.
ST will introduce the first new microcontrollers, the STM8L and STM32L, based on this ultra-low-power platform later in 2009. These will be the start of new ultra-low-power product paths for the 8-bit STM8S and 32-bit STM32F families achieving dynamic power consumption as low as 150µA/MHz from Flash, and HALT-mode power consumption as low as 300nA while maintaining SRAM content and registers. The first STM8L products are already sampling to key OEMs.
Within this new technology platform, 130nm digital transistors optimized for low leakage reduce the microcontroller’s current draw in normal operation as well as in power-saving modes. In addition, the innovative, low-power embedded non-volatile memory reduces the energy consumed to handle application data.
The enhanced analog transistors are functional down to 1.65V, enabling low-voltage operation of the on-chip analog circuitry. The power-management architecture also saves power in all modes through techniques such as low-voltage operation of the core and ultra-fast 4-microseconds wake-up from low-power states. Completing the platform, dedicated digital libraries and a new low-power system-on-chip (SoC) design flow will enable ST to expand its ultra-low-power microcontroller families and deliver new devices to market quickly.
"The new STM8L and STM32L microcontrollers built on this platform will naturally extend the STM8S and STM32F families, which already include several product paths optimized for accessibility, high performance, and flexible connectivity," said Jim Nicholas, General Manager of ST’s Microcontrollers Division. "Product developers will use the new devices to take advantage of today’s most advanced and efficient processor architectures in fast-growing markets such as portable medical devices and e-metering, as well as emerging opportunities where long battery life, small battery sizes, or battery-less operation are required."
Other products to benefit from the new 8-bit and 32-bit MCUs will include alarm systems, wireless sensors, touch-sensing modules, and portable equipment such as personal healthcare devices, handheld game terminals, remote-control units, GPS devices, personal sports equipment, and mobile accessories.
The STM8S and STM32F families solve developers’ needs for efficient processor architectures delivering low cost, low power and optimum design flexibility. Each uses an advanced processor core, such as the 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 processor of the STM32F family, and peripheral functions are shared between both families to promote design flexibility and software re-use.
The available devices within each family are pin compatible, which enhances designers’ freedom to optimize pin count and peripherals for each design. Both families also make best use of established power-saving methods including reduced-power sleep and idle modes, fast wake-up times to reduce wasted clock cycles, and low-voltage operation.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Jennic's wireless MCU plays key role in ensuring greater energy efficiency
SHEFFIELD, UK: Jennic’s JN5139 wireless MCU has shown its worth in the ongoing fight to protect the environment.
These 16MHz MCU devices have been used by Gloucestershire based electronics consultancy firm MicroWatt to give its KnowWatt energy monitoring systems reliable RF data links.
The JN5139 is optimised for low power operation, and boasts a work rate of 3MIPS for every mA of current that it draws. The device has a 32-bit RISC core, 192kB of ROM and 96kB of RAM. It incorporates a 4-input 12-bit analog-to-digital converter, two 11-bit digital-to-analogue converters, and a temperature sensor within its 8x8mm, 56-lead, QFN package.
The integrated 2.4GHz transceiver is fully compliant with the IEEE 802.15.4 communications standard, with support for bi-directional data transfer at rates of up to 250kb/s over a choice of 16 different channels.
As a result of their contribution to the KnowWatt energy monitoring system, Jennic MCUs are set to be featured in eco-village projects of the future. These villages aim to be the template for how communities will live, and will be able to fully conform with the government’s goal that by the year 2016 all new homes built in the UK should be carbon neutral.
It is not just in the domestic environment that this technology can make a difference however. KnowWatt wireless monitoring systems are being installed in many commercial premises too. A system that was recently put into operation at the Retreat wine bar in Stroud has had a huge effect on reducing the business’ heavy electricity consumption levels.
It has allowed the management to do in depth analysis on the bar’s electricity
consumption throughout the day. This has led to the re-education of staff, making them aware of several uneconomical working practices, as well as identifying sources of wasted energy. By utilising the KnowWatt system (with its many Jennic JN5139 MCUs) it has been possible to cut the Retreat’s overall power consumption by a figure of 1kW/hr (with a 40 percent reduction in the electricity needed for its cellar operations).
The advantages of using an energy monitoring system are clear, and with households and enterprises throughout the country looking to keep spiralling utility bills in check, widespread proliferation is certain to follow.
As Simon Clegg, MicroWatt’s MD, states: “With a greater number of installations of these monitoring systems taking place in the future, we expect most customers to be able to see a return on their investment within six to eight months.”
These 16MHz MCU devices have been used by Gloucestershire based electronics consultancy firm MicroWatt to give its KnowWatt energy monitoring systems reliable RF data links.
The JN5139 is optimised for low power operation, and boasts a work rate of 3MIPS for every mA of current that it draws. The device has a 32-bit RISC core, 192kB of ROM and 96kB of RAM. It incorporates a 4-input 12-bit analog-to-digital converter, two 11-bit digital-to-analogue converters, and a temperature sensor within its 8x8mm, 56-lead, QFN package.
The integrated 2.4GHz transceiver is fully compliant with the IEEE 802.15.4 communications standard, with support for bi-directional data transfer at rates of up to 250kb/s over a choice of 16 different channels.
As a result of their contribution to the KnowWatt energy monitoring system, Jennic MCUs are set to be featured in eco-village projects of the future. These villages aim to be the template for how communities will live, and will be able to fully conform with the government’s goal that by the year 2016 all new homes built in the UK should be carbon neutral.
It is not just in the domestic environment that this technology can make a difference however. KnowWatt wireless monitoring systems are being installed in many commercial premises too. A system that was recently put into operation at the Retreat wine bar in Stroud has had a huge effect on reducing the business’ heavy electricity consumption levels.
It has allowed the management to do in depth analysis on the bar’s electricity
consumption throughout the day. This has led to the re-education of staff, making them aware of several uneconomical working practices, as well as identifying sources of wasted energy. By utilising the KnowWatt system (with its many Jennic JN5139 MCUs) it has been possible to cut the Retreat’s overall power consumption by a figure of 1kW/hr (with a 40 percent reduction in the electricity needed for its cellar operations).
The advantages of using an energy monitoring system are clear, and with households and enterprises throughout the country looking to keep spiralling utility bills in check, widespread proliferation is certain to follow.
As Simon Clegg, MicroWatt’s MD, states: “With a greater number of installations of these monitoring systems taking place in the future, we expect most customers to be able to see a return on their investment within six to eight months.”
Thursday, May 28, 2009
NXP unveils lowest power Cortex-M3 based microcontrollers
EINDHOVEN, THE NETHERLANDS: NXP has introduced the industry’s lowest power 32-bit Cortex-M3 based microcontrollers, maintaining its commitment to innovation in energy-efficiency and further extending the world’s broadest range of ARM-based processors.
The new NXP LPC1300 series, based on the Cortex-M3 Rev2 core and designed for embedded 16 and 32-bit applications, operates at 70MHz and consumes approximately 200 µA per MHz, delivering advanced energy management alongside superior levels of integration.
Designed to provide a smooth transition path to 16- and 32-bit applications, the new LPC1311/13/42/43 microcontrollers are pin-compatible with NXP’s Cortex-M0 based LPC1100 series and deliver up to 32kB of flash memory, 8kB of SRAM memory, low-cost USB and up to 42 general purpose I/O pins.
With a built-in Nested Vectored Interrupt Controller (NVIC) and requiring a single 3.3V power supply, the new NXP LPC1300 features an integrated power management unit to minimize power consumption in Sleep, Deep-Sleep and Deep-power-down modes.
The LPC1300 also enables in-system programming and in-application programming via on-chip bootloader software and offer a range of serial interfaces including high speed USB 2.0 with on-chip PHY, UART, SSP/SPI controller and I2C-bus interface.
For ease of use, USB Mass Storage and HID class drivers are included on-chip enabling USB communication to be set up in minutes. Furthermore, these drivers are incorporated in ROM, leaving 100% of the user Flash space for the application.
“Having introduced the fastest Cortex-M3 based LPC1700 just weeks ago, we are now broadening our Cortex-M3 microcontroller portfolio to include the easy to use, low-cost and low-power LPC1300 series,” said Geoff Lees, vice president and general manager, microcontroller product line, NXP Semiconductors. “The new LPC1300 series has the tightest integration and the most advanced power management in this class of products while offering unbeatable value.”
NXP will be demonstrating the new family of LPC1300 microcontrollers at Computex, Taipei, from June 26 2009, and they will be widely available from September 2009. Devices without USB start at $0.99 in 10,000 unit volumes. Those with USB 2.0 will be priced starting at $1.49 in 10,000 unit volumes.
The new NXP LPC1300 series, based on the Cortex-M3 Rev2 core and designed for embedded 16 and 32-bit applications, operates at 70MHz and consumes approximately 200 µA per MHz, delivering advanced energy management alongside superior levels of integration.
Designed to provide a smooth transition path to 16- and 32-bit applications, the new LPC1311/13/42/43 microcontrollers are pin-compatible with NXP’s Cortex-M0 based LPC1100 series and deliver up to 32kB of flash memory, 8kB of SRAM memory, low-cost USB and up to 42 general purpose I/O pins.
With a built-in Nested Vectored Interrupt Controller (NVIC) and requiring a single 3.3V power supply, the new NXP LPC1300 features an integrated power management unit to minimize power consumption in Sleep, Deep-Sleep and Deep-power-down modes.
The LPC1300 also enables in-system programming and in-application programming via on-chip bootloader software and offer a range of serial interfaces including high speed USB 2.0 with on-chip PHY, UART, SSP/SPI controller and I2C-bus interface.
For ease of use, USB Mass Storage and HID class drivers are included on-chip enabling USB communication to be set up in minutes. Furthermore, these drivers are incorporated in ROM, leaving 100% of the user Flash space for the application.
“Having introduced the fastest Cortex-M3 based LPC1700 just weeks ago, we are now broadening our Cortex-M3 microcontroller portfolio to include the easy to use, low-cost and low-power LPC1300 series,” said Geoff Lees, vice president and general manager, microcontroller product line, NXP Semiconductors. “The new LPC1300 series has the tightest integration and the most advanced power management in this class of products while offering unbeatable value.”
NXP will be demonstrating the new family of LPC1300 microcontrollers at Computex, Taipei, from June 26 2009, and they will be widely available from September 2009. Devices without USB start at $0.99 in 10,000 unit volumes. Those with USB 2.0 will be priced starting at $1.49 in 10,000 unit volumes.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
TI acquires Luminary Micro
DALLAS, USA: Texas Instruments Inc. (TI) will expand its microcontroller (MCU) portfolio with the acquisition of Luminary Micro, the market-leading supplier of ARM Cortex-M3-based 32-bit MCUs.
The addition of Luminary Micro's Stellaris family of Cortex-M3 processors will accelerate TI's ability to provide the industry's most complete MCU portfolio.
This acquisition means that customers can now enjoy the innovative capabilities of Stellaris MCUs along with the proven experience and technical strength TI brings as a global semiconductor provider.
Stellaris devices will allow TI to address mainstream 32-bit MCU markets, giving customers access to the general-purpose processing power of the industry-standard ARM Cortex-M3 core and the Stellaris family's advanced communication capabilities, including 10/100 Ethernet MAC+PHY, CAN, USB On-The-Go, USB Host/Device, SSI/SPI, UARTs, I2S, and I2C. The transaction closed on May 14, 2009.
"Combining Luminary Micro's design experience in Cortex-M3 processors with TI's expertise in ultra-low power MSP430 MCUs and high-performance C2000(TM) real-time controllers now gives TI customers one MCU source for almost any application -- all complemented by the industry's most expansive embedded processing and analog portfolios," said Brian Crutcher, vice president of TI's Advanced Embedded Control (AEC) business.
The Stellaris family of MCUs is positioned for cost-conscious applications requiring significant control processing and connectivity capabilities, including motion control, remote monitoring, HVAC and building controls, network appliances and switches, factory automation, electronic point-of-sale machines, test and measurement equipment, medical instrumentation, and gaming equipment.
The recently-announced fourth generation of Stellaris devices, the LM3S9000 Series, breaks new ground in general purpose processing performance and features new combinations of connectivity, memory configurations and advanced motion control.
Jim Reinhart will lead TI's Catalog ARM MCU business and roadmap as part of TI's AEC organization. The Cortex-M3 microcontroller business will continue to operate from its site in Austin, Texas, which will be known as TI AEC Austin.
From general purpose, ultra-low power MSP430 MCUs, to high performance, real-time control TMS320C2000 MCUs -- and now Cortex-M3-based 32-bit MCUs -- TI offers the broadest range of embedded control solutions. Designers can accelerate designs to market by tapping into TI's complete software and hardware tools, extensive third-party offerings and technical support.
TI's MCUs are at the heart of TI's embedded processing portfolio and offer significant potential for growth, as the MCU market has a $12.1 billion total available market by 2010, according to WSTS.
The addition of Luminary Micro's Stellaris family of Cortex-M3 processors will accelerate TI's ability to provide the industry's most complete MCU portfolio.
This acquisition means that customers can now enjoy the innovative capabilities of Stellaris MCUs along with the proven experience and technical strength TI brings as a global semiconductor provider.
Stellaris devices will allow TI to address mainstream 32-bit MCU markets, giving customers access to the general-purpose processing power of the industry-standard ARM Cortex-M3 core and the Stellaris family's advanced communication capabilities, including 10/100 Ethernet MAC+PHY, CAN, USB On-The-Go, USB Host/Device, SSI/SPI, UARTs, I2S, and I2C. The transaction closed on May 14, 2009.
"Combining Luminary Micro's design experience in Cortex-M3 processors with TI's expertise in ultra-low power MSP430 MCUs and high-performance C2000(TM) real-time controllers now gives TI customers one MCU source for almost any application -- all complemented by the industry's most expansive embedded processing and analog portfolios," said Brian Crutcher, vice president of TI's Advanced Embedded Control (AEC) business.
The Stellaris family of MCUs is positioned for cost-conscious applications requiring significant control processing and connectivity capabilities, including motion control, remote monitoring, HVAC and building controls, network appliances and switches, factory automation, electronic point-of-sale machines, test and measurement equipment, medical instrumentation, and gaming equipment.
The recently-announced fourth generation of Stellaris devices, the LM3S9000 Series, breaks new ground in general purpose processing performance and features new combinations of connectivity, memory configurations and advanced motion control.
Jim Reinhart will lead TI's Catalog ARM MCU business and roadmap as part of TI's AEC organization. The Cortex-M3 microcontroller business will continue to operate from its site in Austin, Texas, which will be known as TI AEC Austin.
From general purpose, ultra-low power MSP430 MCUs, to high performance, real-time control TMS320C2000 MCUs -- and now Cortex-M3-based 32-bit MCUs -- TI offers the broadest range of embedded control solutions. Designers can accelerate designs to market by tapping into TI's complete software and hardware tools, extensive third-party offerings and technical support.
TI's MCUs are at the heart of TI's embedded processing portfolio and offer significant potential for growth, as the MCU market has a $12.1 billion total available market by 2010, according to WSTS.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
NEC no. 1 for 32-bit MCUs in 2008, leads in 32-bit automotive MCUs
KAWASAKI, JAPAN, DUESSELDORF, GERMANY, SANTA CLARA, USA & BEIJING, CHINA: NEC Electronics Corp. announced that the company has retained the number one supplier ranking for 32-bit microcontrollers (MCUs) worldwide based on revenue in 2007 and 2008 as ranked by Gartner in its April 2009 report.
In addition, the company has moved into the number one position for 32-bit automotive MCUs, and the number two position for overall MCUs, and the number two position for 8-bit MCUs.
In its March 2009 Semiconductor Market Share Database report, Gartner ranks NEC Electronics as:
#1 32-bit MCU worldwide supplier Maintained ranking from 2007
#1 32-bit automotive MCU worldwide supplier Up from #2 in 2007
#2 Overall MCU worldwide supplier Up from #3 in 2007
#2 8-bit MCU worldwide supplier Up from #4 in 2007
"With more than three decades of experience in MCU design and manufacturing, NEC Electronics has the design expertise to deliver innovative solutions to help position our customers for success," said Shinichi Iwamoto, vice president, Microcomputer Business Unit, NEC Electronics Corp. "These market share positions are evidence that our customers value the company’s commitment to quality, customer service, and advanced technologies."
Broad MCU offering
NEC Electronics offers a comprehensive lineup of all Flash MCUs ranging from 8- to 32-bits, designed to meet the price and performance needs of high-volume embedded applications.
NEC Electronics' multi-purpose MCUs serve healthcare, office equipment, industrial, consumer, and emerging smart energy markets. NEC Electronics also provides MCUs for automotive audio, infotainment, safety, chassis, powertrain, dashboard, and body applications. In June 2008, the company reached the one-billionth shipment milestone for its all Flash MCUs.
In addition, the company has moved into the number one position for 32-bit automotive MCUs, and the number two position for overall MCUs, and the number two position for 8-bit MCUs.
In its March 2009 Semiconductor Market Share Database report, Gartner ranks NEC Electronics as:
#1 32-bit MCU worldwide supplier Maintained ranking from 2007
#1 32-bit automotive MCU worldwide supplier Up from #2 in 2007
#2 Overall MCU worldwide supplier Up from #3 in 2007
#2 8-bit MCU worldwide supplier Up from #4 in 2007
"With more than three decades of experience in MCU design and manufacturing, NEC Electronics has the design expertise to deliver innovative solutions to help position our customers for success," said Shinichi Iwamoto, vice president, Microcomputer Business Unit, NEC Electronics Corp. "These market share positions are evidence that our customers value the company’s commitment to quality, customer service, and advanced technologies."
Broad MCU offering
NEC Electronics offers a comprehensive lineup of all Flash MCUs ranging from 8- to 32-bits, designed to meet the price and performance needs of high-volume embedded applications.
NEC Electronics' multi-purpose MCUs serve healthcare, office equipment, industrial, consumer, and emerging smart energy markets. NEC Electronics also provides MCUs for automotive audio, infotainment, safety, chassis, powertrain, dashboard, and body applications. In June 2008, the company reached the one-billionth shipment milestone for its all Flash MCUs.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
TI's Piccolo MCUs feature Control Law Accelerator
BANGALORE, INDIA: Driving development of more reliable, efficient embedded control applications, Texas Instruments (TI) announced the new TMS320F2803x Piccolo microcontrollers (MCUs) featuring the Control Law Accelerator (CLA). Unique to TI’s F2803x Piccolo MCUs, the CLA is a 32-bit floating-point math accelerator that operates independently of the C28x core, allowing for direct access to on-chip peripherals and parallel execution of algorithms.
The new MCUs are based on an enhanced tightly coupled control architecture with integrated real-time control peripherals to simplify development of complex systems. Leveraging the performance and integration of the F2803x series, developers can use a single MCU to design cost-sensitive industrial, digital power and consumer applications such as LED lighting and white goods/appliances.
The F2803x MCUs are an extension to TI’s Piccolo series and are 100 percent code compatible across the TMS320C2000 MCU platform. With more than 30 Piccolo configurations available, developers have a broad range of performance, flash and control-oriented peripheral options to meet the varying demands of cost-sensitive, real-time control applications. Developers can accelerate time to market by leveraging TI’s complete analog portfolio, free software libraries, low cost hardware tools and technical support.
F2803x Piccolo MCU key features and benefits:
* 60 MHz C28x core and 60 MHz CLA provide performance necessary to execute complex control algorithms with a single Piccolo MCU
* Flexible control peripherals such as high-resolution PWMs, high-speed 12-bit ADC and 32-bit captures reduce sample-to-output delay and improve system response
* 32-bit Control Law Accelerator
* Direct access to on-chip control peripherals for parallel execution of algorithms
* Fully programmable IEEE floating-point unit reduces scaling and saturation burden
* Operates independently of the C28x core for efficient software partitioning
* Wide range of F2803x configurations provides flexibility to scale designs: 64KB to 128KB flash, 64-pin/80-pin packages, 1050C and 1250C
* High-efficiency power management reference designs for Piccolo MCUs are available at www.ti.com/f2803xpower-pr
The new MCUs are based on an enhanced tightly coupled control architecture with integrated real-time control peripherals to simplify development of complex systems. Leveraging the performance and integration of the F2803x series, developers can use a single MCU to design cost-sensitive industrial, digital power and consumer applications such as LED lighting and white goods/appliances.
The F2803x MCUs are an extension to TI’s Piccolo series and are 100 percent code compatible across the TMS320C2000 MCU platform. With more than 30 Piccolo configurations available, developers have a broad range of performance, flash and control-oriented peripheral options to meet the varying demands of cost-sensitive, real-time control applications. Developers can accelerate time to market by leveraging TI’s complete analog portfolio, free software libraries, low cost hardware tools and technical support.
F2803x Piccolo MCU key features and benefits:
* 60 MHz C28x core and 60 MHz CLA provide performance necessary to execute complex control algorithms with a single Piccolo MCU
* Flexible control peripherals such as high-resolution PWMs, high-speed 12-bit ADC and 32-bit captures reduce sample-to-output delay and improve system response
* 32-bit Control Law Accelerator
* Direct access to on-chip control peripherals for parallel execution of algorithms
* Fully programmable IEEE floating-point unit reduces scaling and saturation burden
* Operates independently of the C28x core for efficient software partitioning
* Wide range of F2803x configurations provides flexibility to scale designs: 64KB to 128KB flash, 64-pin/80-pin packages, 1050C and 1250C
* High-efficiency power management reference designs for Piccolo MCUs are available at www.ti.com/f2803xpower-pr
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
NXP ships industry's highest performance Cortex-M3 based MCUs
EINDHOVEN, THE NETHERLANDS: NXP has confirmed that the LPC1700 series is the industry’s highest performance Cortex-M3 microcontroller, based on results from the Embedded Microprocessor Benchmark Consortium (EEMBC).
The EEMBC results show that the LPC1700 executes application code on average 35% faster than the leading Cortex-M3 competitors when running at the same clock speeds. NXP’s performance advantage is even greater when the LPC1700 runs at higher clock speeds. The LPC1700 has been certified by EEMBC at 72,100, and 120 MHz.
This increased speed and efficiency is due to the intelligent architecture of the microcontroller, its use of flexible direct memory access (DMA) and best-in-market Flash. The LPC1700 series is targeted to operate high-bandwidth communications peripherals such as Ethernet, USB On-The-Go/Host/Device and CAN simultaneously with no bottle-necks. It is designed for use in a wide variety of applications, including eMetering, lighting, industrial networking, alarm systems, white goods and motor control.
“These certified EEMBC results highlight the fact that the design of the microcontroller and its memory interfaces is equally as important as the processor core itself,” said Markus Levy, president of EEMBC. “Furthermore, NXP’s motivation to have its EEMBC scores certified adds an extra level of assurance that the scores are repeatable and are generated according to the rules established by the consortium.”
Dedicated to giving you more 32-bit microcontroller options, NXP is introducing two new members to the popular LPC1700 series. The LPC1768 and LPC1758, available in LQFP100 and LQFP80 packages respectively, extend the maximum Flash size of the LPC1700 series to 512KB. The LPC1700 series is now shipping in volume and free samples are available at www.nxp.com/experience_MCUoptions/.
“Our EEMBC results confirm that the LPC1700 series is now the fastest and most efficient Cortex-M3 available in the market,” said Geoff Lees, vice president and general manager, microcontroller product line, NXP Semiconductors. “The immediate availability of this series, along with the new 512KB devices ensures that NXP continues to offer our customers the broadest range of 32-bit MCU options.”
The EEMBC results show that the LPC1700 executes application code on average 35% faster than the leading Cortex-M3 competitors when running at the same clock speeds. NXP’s performance advantage is even greater when the LPC1700 runs at higher clock speeds. The LPC1700 has been certified by EEMBC at 72,100, and 120 MHz.
This increased speed and efficiency is due to the intelligent architecture of the microcontroller, its use of flexible direct memory access (DMA) and best-in-market Flash. The LPC1700 series is targeted to operate high-bandwidth communications peripherals such as Ethernet, USB On-The-Go/Host/Device and CAN simultaneously with no bottle-necks. It is designed for use in a wide variety of applications, including eMetering, lighting, industrial networking, alarm systems, white goods and motor control.
“These certified EEMBC results highlight the fact that the design of the microcontroller and its memory interfaces is equally as important as the processor core itself,” said Markus Levy, president of EEMBC. “Furthermore, NXP’s motivation to have its EEMBC scores certified adds an extra level of assurance that the scores are repeatable and are generated according to the rules established by the consortium.”
Dedicated to giving you more 32-bit microcontroller options, NXP is introducing two new members to the popular LPC1700 series. The LPC1768 and LPC1758, available in LQFP100 and LQFP80 packages respectively, extend the maximum Flash size of the LPC1700 series to 512KB. The LPC1700 series is now shipping in volume and free samples are available at www.nxp.com/experience_MCUoptions/.
“Our EEMBC results confirm that the LPC1700 series is now the fastest and most efficient Cortex-M3 available in the market,” said Geoff Lees, vice president and general manager, microcontroller product line, NXP Semiconductors. “The immediate availability of this series, along with the new 512KB devices ensures that NXP continues to offer our customers the broadest range of 32-bit MCU options.”
Monday, April 27, 2009
NEC and Renesas to integrate biz ops, establish world's third largest semicon firm
KAWASAKI & TOKYO, JAPAN: NEC Electronics Corp. Renesas Technology Corp., NEC Corp. Hitachi Ltd and Mitsubishi Electric Corp. today agreed to enter into negotiations to integrate business operations at NEC Electronics and Renesas.
1. Background and goals of business integration
NEC Electronics was established in 2002, separating from NEC, and Renesas was established in 2003, integrating semiconductor units at Hitachi and Mitsubishi Electric. Both as leading semiconductor companies, NEC Electronics and Renesas provide a wide variety of semiconductor solutions, primarily specializing in microcontroller units (MCUs). In light of fierce global competition in the semiconductor market, NEC Electronics and Renesas have agreed to explore the possibility of business integration in order to further strengthen their business foundations and technological assets while increasing corporate value through enhanced customer satisfaction.
By integrating the world’s two largest MCU suppliers, the new company will provide one of the most competitive MCU product lineups throughout the world.
NEC Electronics and Renesas both focus on the fast-growing field of system-on-chip (SoCs) products. NEC Electronics is a leading producer of SoCs for digital consumer electronics, while Renesas is a well established manufacturer of SoCs for mobile phones and automotive applications. By reinforcing the companies’ respective strengths and development resources the new company will provide globally competitive SoC products.
In terms of the discrete semiconductor business, both companies will define strategies to enhance the competitiveness of analog and discrete products that generate synergies with MCUs.
The new integrated company will have three major product groups, MCUs, SoCs, and discrete products, and will become the world’s third-largest semiconductor business. The new company will select and focus on the development of projects covering a diverse range of fields and will expand its comprehensive lineup of globally competitive products.
In order to address the ongoing challenges of the current economic downturn, NEC Electronics and Renesas will each execute structural reform plans in order to strengthen their business frameworks. Upon completion of these structural reforms, the two companies will integrate their operations to achieve synergies and boost profitability. This integration will result in the establishment of a powerful new semiconductor company that is capable of consistently achieving high earnings and maintaining the ability to withstand changing market conditions.
2. Corporate structure following integration
The preconditions for holding future negotiations are to integrate business operations on April 1, 2010, and to maintain public listing for the new company.
To ensure fairness and equitability, the ownership ratio of the integrated company will be decided and announced before the conclusion of the integration contract through negotiations between NEC Electronics and Renesas, based on scheduled due diligence. The new company will announce the company name, the location of its headquarters, the corporate representative, the board members, capitalization, total assets, and financial forecasts following the integration.
3. Schedule moving forward
NEC Electronics and Renesas plan to sign an agreement at the end of July, 2009 to integrate their business operations. The dates and details of the extraordinary general meetings of shareholders for NEC Electronics and Renesas to consider approval of the integration are to be announced following the signing of the agreement.
Implementation of the planned business integration is conditional upon authorization of the integration by the relevant government agencies.
1. Background and goals of business integration
NEC Electronics was established in 2002, separating from NEC, and Renesas was established in 2003, integrating semiconductor units at Hitachi and Mitsubishi Electric. Both as leading semiconductor companies, NEC Electronics and Renesas provide a wide variety of semiconductor solutions, primarily specializing in microcontroller units (MCUs). In light of fierce global competition in the semiconductor market, NEC Electronics and Renesas have agreed to explore the possibility of business integration in order to further strengthen their business foundations and technological assets while increasing corporate value through enhanced customer satisfaction.
By integrating the world’s two largest MCU suppliers, the new company will provide one of the most competitive MCU product lineups throughout the world.
NEC Electronics and Renesas both focus on the fast-growing field of system-on-chip (SoCs) products. NEC Electronics is a leading producer of SoCs for digital consumer electronics, while Renesas is a well established manufacturer of SoCs for mobile phones and automotive applications. By reinforcing the companies’ respective strengths and development resources the new company will provide globally competitive SoC products.
In terms of the discrete semiconductor business, both companies will define strategies to enhance the competitiveness of analog and discrete products that generate synergies with MCUs.
The new integrated company will have three major product groups, MCUs, SoCs, and discrete products, and will become the world’s third-largest semiconductor business. The new company will select and focus on the development of projects covering a diverse range of fields and will expand its comprehensive lineup of globally competitive products.
In order to address the ongoing challenges of the current economic downturn, NEC Electronics and Renesas will each execute structural reform plans in order to strengthen their business frameworks. Upon completion of these structural reforms, the two companies will integrate their operations to achieve synergies and boost profitability. This integration will result in the establishment of a powerful new semiconductor company that is capable of consistently achieving high earnings and maintaining the ability to withstand changing market conditions.
2. Corporate structure following integration
The preconditions for holding future negotiations are to integrate business operations on April 1, 2010, and to maintain public listing for the new company.
To ensure fairness and equitability, the ownership ratio of the integrated company will be decided and announced before the conclusion of the integration contract through negotiations between NEC Electronics and Renesas, based on scheduled due diligence. The new company will announce the company name, the location of its headquarters, the corporate representative, the board members, capitalization, total assets, and financial forecasts following the integration.
3. Schedule moving forward
NEC Electronics and Renesas plan to sign an agreement at the end of July, 2009 to integrate their business operations. The dates and details of the extraordinary general meetings of shareholders for NEC Electronics and Renesas to consider approval of the integration are to be announced following the signing of the agreement.
Implementation of the planned business integration is conditional upon authorization of the integration by the relevant government agencies.
Smater portable medical devices with TI’s signal-chain-on-chip MCUs
BANGALORE, INDIA: To quickly and efficiently develop reliable, convenient and low-cost medical devices, engineers require microcontrollers (MCUs) that provide low power consumption, high performance and targeted peripheral integration. Addressing this need, Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) today announced the new MSP430FG47x ultra-low power MCU series.
The FG47x MCUs offer on-chip integration of the complete signal chain, reducing design complexity and resulting in significant space and cost savings. These devices will help developers improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare through products such as blood glucose meters, digital thermometers, pulse oximeters and blood pressure/heart rate monitors.
MSP430FG47x key features and benefits
* Complete signal chain integrated on chip, consisting of two configurable op amps, 12-bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC), comparator and 16-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC), reduces board space, bill of materials and time to market.
* 16-bit Sigma-Delta ADC for applications that require high-resolution signal conversion.
* 128-segment LCD driver with contrast control for convenient diagnostic display.
* Multiple memory options available: up to 60KB flash and 2KB RAM for easy programmability.
* Enhanced portability with ultra-low power consumption of the MSP430 MCUs, extending battery life to 20+ years.
* Integrated intelligent peripherals on MSP430 MCUs provide high performance and consume no power when not in operation.
* Two package options to meet various printed circuit board (PCB) size requirements: 80-pin QFP or 113-ball BGA, which measures only 7.1 x 7.1 mm.
The FG47x devices are the newest addition to TI’s broad MCU portfolio for medical applications. TI offers a full-range of embedded processing and complementary analog solutions that help designers create more flexible, affordable and convenient medical devices that improve diagnostics and increase accessibility. The ultra-low power consumption of TI’s MCU solutions enhances portability for easier monitoring and treatment of chronic conditions.
The FG47x MCUs offer on-chip integration of the complete signal chain, reducing design complexity and resulting in significant space and cost savings. These devices will help developers improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare through products such as blood glucose meters, digital thermometers, pulse oximeters and blood pressure/heart rate monitors.
MSP430FG47x key features and benefits
* Complete signal chain integrated on chip, consisting of two configurable op amps, 12-bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC), comparator and 16-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC), reduces board space, bill of materials and time to market.
* 16-bit Sigma-Delta ADC for applications that require high-resolution signal conversion.
* 128-segment LCD driver with contrast control for convenient diagnostic display.
* Multiple memory options available: up to 60KB flash and 2KB RAM for easy programmability.
* Enhanced portability with ultra-low power consumption of the MSP430 MCUs, extending battery life to 20+ years.
* Integrated intelligent peripherals on MSP430 MCUs provide high performance and consume no power when not in operation.
* Two package options to meet various printed circuit board (PCB) size requirements: 80-pin QFP or 113-ball BGA, which measures only 7.1 x 7.1 mm.
The FG47x devices are the newest addition to TI’s broad MCU portfolio for medical applications. TI offers a full-range of embedded processing and complementary analog solutions that help designers create more flexible, affordable and convenient medical devices that improve diagnostics and increase accessibility. The ultra-low power consumption of TI’s MCU solutions enhances portability for easier monitoring and treatment of chronic conditions.
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