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Welcome to the April 2006 edition of MicroController
Pros Corporation's Embedded News Digest, your source for microcontroller and
embedded system news.
-
New product
additions at the MicroControllerShop:
8051:
8051 C-Compiler, IDE & RTOS from Hi-Tech
ARM:
Atmel AT91 (ARM) 100Mbps Ethernet & Web Server Kit with Nut/OS and Nut/Net
TCP/IP stack
Microchip:
Microchip PIC Wireless Development Kit: C Compiler, In-Circuit
Debugger/Programmer & two boards with IEEE 802.15.4 compliant ZMD transceiver
Microchip PIC Ethernet Development Kit: C Compiler, In-Circuit
Debugger/Programmer & PIC18F4520 board with Microchip's new ENC28J60 Ethernet
to SPI chip.
Microchip PIC C-Compiler & IDE for all PIC families, including dsPIC from
Hi-Tech
Microchip PIC - Salvo Multi-Tasking RTOS
Texas Instruments:
MSP430 C-Compiler, IDE & RTOS from Hi-Tech
Test & Measurement:
16 and
32 channel logic analyzers, 200MHz sampling frequency, up to 1 Mbit/channel
memory, code compression feature, I2C protocol analyzer
- Please help us to spread the word about this free
microcontroller news source.
Let your friends, colleagues or customers know about the Embedded News Digest.
This month's issue:
Atmel Corporation has announced the AP7000 family of
high-performance 32-bit digital signal controllers, the first family based on
the company's high-throughput AVR32 core announced in February.
The AP7000 is the first processor family to integrate, on a
single chip, virtually all the functionality required for multimedia systems
deployed in mobile phones, digital cameras, PDAs, automotive infotainment,
set-top boxes and home entertainment systems as well as network switches/routers
and printers. It includes a vectored multiplier co-processor, 32 KB on-chip
SRAM, 16 KB instruction and 16 KB data caches, memory management unit, DMA for
high-speed peripherals and peripheral DMA controller that allows data to be
transferred between peripherals and memories without wasting processor cycles.
Peripherals include a 16-bit stereo audio DAC, 2048x2048 pixel
TFT/STN LCD controllers, 480 Mbps USB 2.0 with on-chip transceivers (PHY), and
two 10/100 Ethernet MACs. Serial interfaces include RS232, USART, I2S, AC97, TWI/I2C,
SPI, PS/2 and several synchronous serial modules (SSC) supporting most serial
communication protocols.
The exceptional throughput of the AVR32 core allows
applications to be executed at a lower clock frequency than is required by
competing processors. Since power consumption is affected directly by the clock
rate, low-frequency operation results in an immediate and proportional reduction
in power consumption. The AP7000 family's dynamically controlled, multi-clock
bus structure and SoC-level integration further reduce system power drain.
For example, streaming a 320x240 MPEG movie over the AP7000's
on-chip Ethernet MAC at 100 Mbit/s and decoding it at 30 frames per second
requires a CPU clock of only 120 MHz and system bus clock of only 60 MHz. The
processor simultaneously also can run a full Linux operating system and drive a
QVGA TFT LCD with these clock frequencies. Total power consumption for this
application is only 250 mW when using an AP7000-family processor.
The AP7000 architecture has a multi-layer, high-speed bus
architecture that increases performance by allowing multiple operations to take
place in parallel. In addition, there are two peripheral bus bridges that allow
different clock frequencies to be set for high- and low-speed peripherals. In a
conventional bus structure, the bus clock is determined by the fastest
peripheral, resulting in slower peripherals that could operate on a slower bus
drawing unnecessary power. The AP7000 architecture allows the dynamic
configuration of the individual clock frequencies of these two bridges, as well
as those of the CPU's internal clock and that of the bus matrix.
Dynamic frequency scaling algorithms are used to set the
clocks in each of the four domains at the lowest possible frequency for the
function it is performing. For example, when the application is inactive but a
Bluetooth or IrDA data transfer is occurring, clocks for the CPU, bus matrix and
high-speed bridge may shut down, while the clock for the low-speed bridge is
maintained.
The AVR32 core was designed from the ground up as a low clock
frequency, low-power CPU with special emphasis on 1) maximizing the use of
computational resources with a 7-stage pipeline and three parallel sub-pipelines
that support automatic data forwarding and out-of-order execution, 2)
single-cycle load/store instructions with pointer arithmetic that reduces cycles
required for load/store, 3) accurate branch prediction with zero-penalty
branches, and 4) maximizing code density to reduce cache misses.
Unlike multicore or two-processor solutions, the AP7000 family
uses a single development environment for straightforward debugging. The AVR32
Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) is specifically designed for high-level
programming languages like C, C++ and Java. Compilers with C and C++ support
include GNU GCC and IAR Systems' Embedded Workbench. The compilers are able to
utilize the AVR32 architecture's SIMD- and DSP instructions from within the
C/C++ programming environment. Both compilers support access to in-line assembly
for tight-loop / inner-loop algorithmic optimizations.
The AP7000 family has a fully-supported Linux 2.6 kernel to
further ease the transition of existing code or the adoption of the freely
available numerous open-source applications that are available for use in
embedded systems.
The first device of the AP7000 family, the AT32AP7000, is
available now in a 256-ball CABGA package and is priced at $16.60 in quantities
of 10,000. The new STK1000 starter kit is available from Atmel at $499,
providing a complete development environment.
Fujitsu
Introduces 32-bit MB91470 Microcontroller Series
Fujitsu Microelectronics America has announced that the latest addition to its
FR family of RISC-based 32-bit microcontrollers, the MB91470 series, will be
available in June 2006.
Fujitsu's first offering in the series, the MB91F479, includes triple ADC
modules that support a total of 20 channels of high-performance A/D converters,
which permits the microcontroller to accept inputs from as many as 20 sensors.
Three of these channels can execute simultaneously. Two of the ADC units have
12-bit resolution, and another one supports 8- or 10-bit resolution to support a
highly accurate control requirement. The incorporation of 20 sensors allows the
MCU to detect very small changes in data from the sensors and to operate very
smoothly.
Built around the 80MHz FR60, the MB91F479 operates at high speeds to process
complex information in real time. A MAC (Multiplication and Addition Calculator)
circuit performs product-sum calculations separate from the CPU, providing
faster processing and reducing the total CPU load.
The MB91F479 is manufactured using Fujitsu's 0.18-micron CMOS process, and
packaged in 144-pin LQFP. Samples will be available in June 2006, with sample
prices starting at $15 each.
Infineon Begins Volume Production of 130nm Embedded Flash MCUs
Infineon Technologies has begun series production of its most advanced 32-bit
embedded Flash microcontrollers for automotive applications. This marks the
first high-volume output of embedded Flash products using 130nm technology.
The TC1796 and TC1766 Flash microcontrollers differ from each other in their
clock frequency, the size of the embedded Flash memory, and the set of
peripherals they offer. Each is designed for use in a different type of vehicle.
The TC1796 is optimized primarily for top-end vehicle classes with engines of
six or more cylinders, and the TC1766 is intended for four- to six-cylinder
engines. The microcontrollers meet the very demanding performance, safety and
reliability requirements of modern intelligent diesel and gas engine control
systems, and help to reduce fuel consumption and emissions so that vehicles
comply with current and future European and American emission regulations.
The TC1766 was developed for use in cost-optimized engine and transmission
control systems. It offers clock rates of up to 80 MHz and a powerful set of
peripherals tailored to the requirements of standard powertrain applications,
and comes with 1.5 Megabyte (MB) of embedded Flash memory. The TC1796 operates
at clock rates of up to 150 MHz and has 2 MB of embedded Flash memory. It is
almost twice as fast as the TC1766, has around 30 percent more memory and
considerably more I/O. It also offers an expanded peripheral set capable of
satisfying the requirements of even the most complex engine control systems.
The AUDO-NG family is based on Infineon's TriCore processor architecture, which
combines the strengths of a microcontroller, a microprocessor and a digital
signal processor (DSP) in a single core. All AUDO-NG products feature a
multiprocessor interface (MultiLink Interface MLI) specially matched to the
demands of powertrain applications. This interface allows multiple AUDO-NG
microcontrollers to exchange data streams with each other and is a key enabler
for future powertrain systems based on multiple microcontroller distributed
intelligence platform.
Microchip
Launches ROM PICs with Flash Socket Compatibility
Microchip Technology has announced the availability of new complementary
read-only-memory (ROM) PIC microcontrollers in the PIC16 family. The PIC16CR73,
PIC16CR74, PIC16CR76 and PIC16CR77 (PIC16CR7X) general-purpose ROM
microcontrollers are the first in a new series of ROM microcontrollers in the
PIC16 and PIC18 families from Microchip. The new microcontrollers provide the
first seamlessly interchangeable options for Microchip's popular PIC16F73,
PIC16F74, PIC16F76 and PIC16F77 (PIC16F7X) Flash products. Manufacturers now
have the option of switching between Flash and ROM memory types throughout
development and production, which results in shorter time-to-market, reduced
scrap and lower overall costs.
The PIC16CR7X ROM PIC microcontrollers allow manufacturers to enjoy the
cost-effectiveness of ROM for high volume production, while enjoying the
flexibility and short lead times of Microchip's Flash microcontrollers for
development. Additionally, because of their interchangeability with Flash
versions, the new ROM microcontrollers solve many challenges that high-volume
manufacturers face.
The same development tools that serve existing Microchip Flash PIC
microcontrollers support the ROM PIC microcontrollers. New tools do not need to
be purchased or learned, further shortening time-to-market and reducing program
costs.
Philips
Introduces Advanced Hi-Speed USB Microcontrollers
Royal Philips Electronics has unveiled the LPC2800 series, the first ARM7 MCU to
deliver USB 2.0 device capabilities with maximum standard compliance and an
on-chip Hi-Speed 480 Mbits/sec transceiver (PHY), and the first to enable single
battery cell operation. These unique features allow embedded system design
engineers to incorporate new capabilities into products such as PC peripherals,
SD memory cards, smart card readers, and other USB battery-powered devices.
The LPC2800 series integrates many other high-performance peripheral features
that simplify system design, including 1MB of Flash and 8KB cache for efficient
external memory operation; I2S channels with DMA for input/output of digital
audio streams; and a sigma-delta 16-bit A/D converter with PGA for enhanced
resolution. The advanced power-management features of the LPC2800 allow
operation from a single AA 1.5v battery cell, a USB cable, or an external power
supply, maximizing battery life and design flexibility.
Samples of the Philips LPC2800 series microcontrollers (LPC2880 and LPC2888) are
available immediately. The devices are available in a 10mm x 10mm TFBGA180
package, with a temperature range of -40 to +85 degrees C.
TI Announces Sampling of MSP430FG461x Family; Production of TMS470R1B1M
Texas Instruments has announced sampling of the new MSP430FG461x series of
ultra-low power MCUs with up to 120KB Flash memory, and volume availability of
the TMS470R1B1M ARM7-based MCUs with 1MB flash memory. MSP430 and TMS470 MCUs
are ideal for emerging applications that are adding new features and
functionality such as advanced user interfaces with multi-language support,
voice and speech interfaces, real-time operating systems and wireless networking
stacks.
Continuing the MSP430 ultra-low power MCU portfolio expansion, the new
MSP43FG461x series of devices is the first to incorporate the MSP430X
architecture with an extended 1MB memory model, allowing access to 16 times more
memory compared to the 64KB available today. New extended addressing modes
designed for the large memory allow optimal high-level code density with full
backward compatibility, making it possible to develop very sophisticated
real-time applications completely in modular C libraries. Using the extended
addressing modes, higher C code density and faster execution is achieved
reducing the number of cycles by up to 25 percent when addressing peripherals,
Flash, or RAM and more than 50 percent for a full context store.
As the first MSP430X device, the MSP430FG461x MCU series includes up to 120KB of
Flash and up to 8KB RAM, offering a complete signal-chain-on-chip (SCoC)
solution ideal for portable medical devices like glucose meters, digital pulse
oximeters and wireless electrocardiograms that require highly integrated
intelligent peripherals and larger memory options on a single chip.
FG461x devices are the most highly integrated MSP430 MCUs to date. These devices
include a 12-channel 200ksps successive approximation register (SAR), 12-bit
analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with internal voltage reference; two 12-bit
digital-to-analog converters (DACs) with 1 microsecond code-to-code settling
time; three op-amps with 5nA input leakage current consumption; a direct memory
access (DMA) controller for ultra-low power operation with no CPU intervention;
an LCD driver with regulated charge pump; one hardware real-time clock featuring
calendar and time registers; a 32-bit counter; and a universal serial
communications interface (USCI) including UART, IrDA, SPI, and I2C.
The FG461x MCU consumes less than 2uA in a real-time clock stand-by mode
operation, and allows operation from a single coin cell for up to 10 years. The
new devices also support multiple low-power operating modes with a wake-up time
of less than 6 mircoseconds, and zero-power brown-out reset (BOR). The FG461x
MCU series provides designers with pin-for-pin memory migration from the
MSP430F449 MCU. Additional MSP430X-based device introductions are planned
throughout 2007.
Available today in volume quantities, the ARM7TDMI-based TMS470R1B1M offers 1MB
Flash, 64KB RAM, and up to 60MHz of 32-bit performance for general-purpose
applications that include industrial, medical instrumentation, consumer
electronics, and data processing.
As one of five ARM7-based TI devices with more than 256KB of Flash memory, the
TMS470R1B1M MCU is a highly integrated solution including a unique,
programmable, 32-channel high-end timer (HET) RISC co-processor for greater
accuracy in timing functions like period and pulse measurements, output compare,
and pulse width modulations (PWMs). The HET co-processor runs in parallel and
completely independently of the ARM7 CPU, providing significantly higher system
performance. TMS470 MCUs also include a multi-buffered, 10-bit ADC with a 1.55
microsecond conversion time and a variety of industry standard peripherals that,
like the HET, offload processing from the CPU. These include two high-end CAN
controllers (HECC), five I2C modules, three serial communication interfaces, two
serial peripheral interfaces (SPI), and a 16-channel Direct Memory Access (DMA)
controller.
The MSP430FG461x series of MCUs will be available for sampling in mid-2006. In
volume, the devices will start at $9.45 per 1K quantities. TMS470R1B1M MCUs are
immediately available in volume and start at $14.95 for 1K quantities.
Toshiba America Electronic Components
announced the availability of a new 32-bit complex instruction set computer (CISC)
microcontroller that runs at 80MHz internally to achieve 40 MIPS computing
performance with power consumption of only 80mW. Designated TMP92CZ26AXBG and
equipped with 288 KB of RAM, the highly integrated device is targeted at a wide
range of applications, including mobile devices.
Based on 0.18-micron process technology, the new device integrates Toshiba's
high-speed 32-bit TLCS-900/H1 CPU core that supports multiple real-time tasks
simultaneously. An on-chip PLL circuit converts external signals to the CPU's
internal clock rate of 80MHz, achieving 40 MIPS performance and low power
consumption of approximately 80mW when the RAM is operating at room temperature
and running at 1.5V.
The built-in RAM of 288KB with short access times allows the CPU to reach
maximum performance. Compared to its predecessor, this device supports a wider
range of audio decode, JPEG decode (including Moving JPEG), and other
applications. Other on-chip functions include a color-ready LCD controller that
supports STN and TFT displays, a full-speed USB device controller and a
multi-level cell NAND Flash memory controller. Toshiba is developing
Text-to-Speech technology with high-quality natural sound characteristics. The
device supports MP3 decoding with dedicated software IP licensed from Techno
Mathematical Co.
The TMP92CZ26AXB comes in 228-pin PFBGA. Samples are available now, and the
device went into volume production in March 2006 at a rate of 30,000 units per
month. Pricing is $7.00 each in 10,000-piece quantities.
Toshiba Introduces New 8-bit and 16-bit MCUs
Toshiba America Electronic Components announced the expansion of its embedded
Flash MCU product line with the addition of a new 16-bit MCU and six new 8-bit
MCUs based on SuperFlash technology. The TMP91FY42FG, Toshiba's first 16-bit
device with high-capacity SuperFlash memory, integrates 256Kbytes of flash
memory and was designed for medium- to high-end applications, including
industrial control, security systems and handheld products. With the addition of
the latest devices, the family now consists of 19 MCUs targeting a wide range of
applications, including consumer and industrial products.
The TMP91FY42FG combines a high-capacity Flash memory of 256Kbytes with an
integrated 10-bit 8-channel ADC, an 8-channel 8-bit timer, a 2-channel 16-bit
timer, and a watchdog timer. I/O functions include a 2-channel SIO/UART, an I2C
interface, support for IrDA version 1.0 at 115.2kbps, and 81 I/O ports.
Additional on-board memory includes 16Kbytes of internal RAM and 4Kbytes of mask
ROM for booting; external memory expansion to 16Mbytes is fully supported. The
high-speed MCU is based on Toshiba's ultra-low-power TLCS-900/L1 processor core
and operates with voltages between 2.7V and 3.6V. The minimum instruction
execution time is only 148 nanoseconds at 27 MHz. Overall power consumption is
further reduced by the three standby modes, including a programmable idle
option. The device is fully compatible with other Toshiba devices based on the
TLCS-900/L and TLCS-900/H cores. Packaging is a compact 100-pin LQFP package
with dimensions of 14mm x 14mm.
The new 8-bit MCUs consist of six devices (TMP86FH09NG, TMP86FH12MG,
TMP86FH12MG, TMP86FS28FG, TMP86FH47AUG, and TMP86FS64FG) with Flash memory
configurations ranging from 16Kbytes to 60Kbytes and various RAM, peripheral and
packaging options. Two of the devices incorporate an LCD controller for powering
displays. The devices incorporate the high-performance Toshiba TLCS-870/C 8-bit
CPU core.
Toshiba's SuperFlash implementation can be programmed much faster than many
alternative Flash technologies. The availability of three distinct programming
modes -- parallel, serial PROM, and in-system programming (ISP) -- provides pre-
and post-production programming flexibility. ISP mode allows upgrades and fixes
in the field under control of the user program. This removes the need to switch
off the output to an LCD panel or active output controls.
Samples of all of these devices are available now and they are in volume
production. The 16-bit TMP91FY42FG is priced at $6.45 in 10,000-piece
quantities. Pricing for the 8-bit devices varies, depending on the device
specifications. For example, TMP86FH09NG is priced at $1.19 in 10,000-piece
quantities.
Toshiba
Announces 32-bit RISC MCU with 2MB NANO FLASH
Toshiba America Electronic Components announced the availability of a new
32-bit, single-chip MIPS-based RISC microcontroller with 2MB of on-chip NANO
FLASH memory. Designated TMP19A64F20AXBG and operating at 54 MHz, the MCU is
targeted at battery-operated digital consumer applications, including digital
video cameras.
The TMP19A64F20AXBG integrates the Toshiba TX19A core with its excellent code
efficiency and interrupt responsiveness, 2MB of NANO FLASH memory and 64KB of
RAM. A new backup mode function achieves reduced power consumption by
suppressing current leakage even when in standby mode. In backup mode, power
consumption is only 5 microamperes at 2.7V. The backup mode function also
supports the real-time clock and a small amount of RAM. Other built-in functions
include a 24-channel by 10-bit high-speed ADC with a conversion speed of 8.44
microseconds and an 8-channel high-speed serial interface. The device features
an extremely fast multiply/accumulate (MAC) capability of 32 bit by 32 bit plus
64 bit in a single clock cycle.
Toshiba NANO FLASH is a new technology for embedded Flash MCUs that combines the
best attributes of a NAND Flash cell and a NOR peripheral circuit to create
high-density embedded memory with ultra-low power consumption. NANO FLASH
technology uses a NOR architecture with memory cells connected in parallel to
bit-lanes to achieve the high-speed random access required for embedded program
memory. It employs NAND Flash cell technology with Fowler-Nordheim (FN)
tunneling to provide very fast program and erase times with ultra-low power
consumption. In addition, Toshiba improved the readout circuit and its timing
control which diminished DC current dissipation and allowed low-power
consumption. Finally, the process was changed from a memory process to a logic
process in order to embed the Flash memory cells with high-performance CMOS
technology.
Samples of the TMP19A64F20AXBG NANO FLASH MCU are available now and the device
is in volume production. Pricing of TMP19A64F20AXBG is $27.00 in 10,000-piece
quantities.
A mask ROM version, TMP19A64C1DXBG, is also available with sample shipments
planned to start this month. Pricing of TMP19A64C1DXBG is expected to be $18.00
in 10,000-piece quantities. Mass production is expected to begin in June 2006.
The combined production volume of the NANO FLASH and mask ROM versions is
expected to total 500,000 pieces per month.
ZeroPlus' line of PC based Logic Analyzers deliver
exceptional value and performance and come with a feature set that make them an
interesting debug tool for embedded designs. Through the use of patented
compression technology the memory available for capturing samples is increased
by up to 255 times, thus giving the user up to 255 Mbits per channel of storage.
A "Start" button on the Logic Analyzer hardware unit allows for quick and easy
capture of samples "on the fly".
The logic analyzers feature a USB2.0 port which operates at
the full 480Mbps speed, but is also backward compatible to USB1.1, 12Mbps high
speed data rates. The units are powered via the USB bus, eliminating the need
for external power supplies and resulting in small portable logic analyzers
ideally suited for in-field work.
All models feature a 100Hz to 200MHz internal sampling
frequency. The max. external sample clock can be up to 100MHz. The
16 channel model starts at only US$450.00 and features 4 Mbits of memory
(256kbits/channel). The 32 channel models add a built-in I2C protocol
analyzer function and are available with
4Mbits (128kbits/channel, US$900.00) and
32Mbits (1Mbit/channel, US$1505.00) of sample memory.
MicroController Pros Corporation (µCPros) is an authorized
distributor for many microcontroller tool vendors, which enables us to offer you
a large selection of Microcontroller Development Tools for almost any major
microcontroller architecture.
The
MicroControllerShop (http://microcontrollershop.com) puts convenient and
secure online shopping, feature- and price-comparison on your computer's
desktop. Microcontroller Development Tools featured at the
MicroControllerShop
include: Emulators, EPROM programmers, FLASH programmers, microcontroller C-
compilers, assemblers, emulator accessories, pin adapters, pin converters,
microcontroller starter kits and embedded evaluation boards for various
microcontroller architectures and manufacturers.
copyright 2006 by
MicroController Pros Corporation
visit our web
http://www.ucpros.com
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