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Welcome to the November 2006 edition of MicroController
Pros Corporation's Embedded News Digest, your source for microcontroller and
embedded system news.
-
New product
additions at the MicroControllerShop:
ARM:
ARM C Tutorial CD-ROM - self-contained CD-ROM Tutorial for learning C
programming for ARM microcontrollers.
ARM9 based Linux box, metal enclosure, 10/100Mbps Ethernet, 4 serial ports
(RS422/RS232), 2 USB host, 1 USB client, SD card interface.
Atmel AT91RM9200 (ARM9) Development Kit, Linux pre-loaded, 10/100Mbps
Ethernet, 4 serial ports (RS422/RS232), 2 USB host, 1 USB client, SD card
interface
Compact processor boards with NXP
(Philips)
LPC2292,
LPC2132, or
LPC2129. All boards feature 10MHz osc., JTAG header and header access to
processor pins.
Samsung S3C2410A (ARM9) Board with 1x USB Host 1x USB client, IDE
interface, 3x serial ports, Ethernet, SD card interface
Samsung S3C2410A (ARM9) Board similar features as above, but without IDE
interface.
ARM C Compiler with Philips LPC2103 (ARM) Development Board Bundle, with
many example programs.
MSP430:
MSP430F1611/1612 ZigBee Board, 4-node Zigbee Network Stack from Airbee
Wireless, ZMD44102 915MHZ RF transceiver.
Universal Programmer:
Needhams EMP-100 Universal Programmer, USB port, 6400+ devices $349.95
Programming adapters. We re-designed & expanded our programming adapter
category. Now over 50 adapters, categorized by socket.
LCDs:
Now over 20 LCD Modules available. 2x16, 4x20, OLED, graphic, serial (I2C/SPI)
LCDs.
- 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:
Analog Devices is introducing its newest series of Blackfin
processors: the ADSP-BF54x family (ADSP-BF542/BF544/BF548/BF549).
Operating at speeds up to 600MHz, the new ADSP-BF54x family doubles the internal
bus bandwidth of Blackfin to 532 Mbytes per second to meet the demands of system
peripheral integration. This internal bandwidth is matched by up to 260 Kbytes
of on-chip memory.High Speed USB on-the-go (OTG)
with integrated PHY, ATAPI controller, and NAND flash controller are just a few
of the peripheral options on the ADSP-BF54x family. Up to 152 general-purpose
I/O ports are also supported. Furthermore, these new Blackfin processors offer a
MXVR (Media Transfer) interface that easily integrates automotive telematics and
infotainment systems with vehicles through a MOST network.
The Blackfin ADSP-BF54X family also incorporates new Lockbox Secure Technology
that allows developers to ensure code and data integrity through authentication,
and to safeguard confidentiality by means of encrypting any or all of the
system. Not only does this provide a means for developers to protect the
intellectual property of their own products, but it also offers a platform for
the digital rights management (DRM) content protection that is required for
devices such as media players. In addition, the programmable aspect of the
Lockbox software-based system gives system designers the opportunity to choose
any encryption algorithm they prefer.
The ADSP-BF542 is available at 400MHz, 533MHz and 600MHz, ranging from $11.95 to
$15.65. The ADSP-BF544 is available at 400MHz and 533MHz, ranging from $13.25 to
$15.35. The ADSP-BF548 is available at 533MHz and 600MHz, ranging from $15.95 to
$17.95. The ADSP-BF549 is available at 533MHz priced at $18.58. All prices are
based on 10,000-unit quantities.
ARM has made the source code for its sample implementation of
the OpenMAX DL (Development Layer) software library, designed to enable rapid
implementation and seamless portability of video, image and audio codecs, freely
available for download from their website. The ARM OpenMAX DL software library
supports the OpenMAX DL API specification developed by the Khronos Group.
The Khronos OpenMAX DL API requires a software library that implements the
functions it specifies. ARM's sample OpenMAX DL software library provides source
code written in C for easy platform portability and code readability. ARM's
optimized libraries will be hand-coded in assembly and designed to achieve
maximum performance. Now, codec porting to new platforms is as simple as
swapping in the new DL library.
The OpenMAX DL software library adds significant value to OEMs, ODMs, and codec
and middle providers by improving time-to-market for advanced codecs, reducing
software development costs and enabling silicon providers to offer an
open-standards-based platform for optimized codec development.
ARM plans to create a series of highly optimized libraries including an
implementation that will take full advantage of the ARMv6 architecture found in
the ARM11 family, and an implementation for the NEON signal-processing
technology found in the Cortex-A8 processor.
The sample OpenMAX DL software library is freely available for download at:
http://www.arm.com/products/esd/openmax_home.html.
The OpenMAX DL API specification is freely available from the Khronos Group at:
http://www.khronos.org/openmax/.
Atmel Extends 8051 Flash Microcontroller Family with
128KB Device
Atmel Corporation announced the AT89C51RE2, a new 8051-based microcontroller
with 128 Kbytes of Flash program memory. The device is an addition to their
existing 16-, 32-, and 64-Kbyte 8051 Flash family of AT89C51RB2/RC2/RD2/ED2
microcontrollers.
The AT89C51RE2 comes with a rich feature set including 8 Kbytes of RAM, two
UARTs, watchdog timer, power-on-reset, power-fail detector, PCA, SPI and on-chip
debug, and up to 50 general-purpose I/Os for application use. The device is
ideally suited for industrial and consumer applications such as I/O management,
power management, industrial and motor control, smart sensors and set-top boxes.
The AT89C51RE2 can operate from 2.7 to 5.5 volts at 2 to 40 MHz and achieves a 4
MIPS throughput when running at 40 MHz.
A key new feature is the on chip debug (OCD) capability that enables low-cost
emulation. The hardware debug system with Windows IDE interface gives the user
access to debugging functions built into the AT89C51RE2, resulting in faster
development and verification of user code in real-time.
The AT89C51RE2 is available in 44-pin PLCC and VQFP packages at USD $4.80 for
10,000 units.
Atmel's AT90SC256144RCFT Secure MCU Targets e-Government
Applications
Atmel has announced the introduction of its new AT90SC256144RCFT, a
dual-interface secure microcontroller tailored to efficiently serve the high-end
electronic identity markets.
The AT90SC256144RCFT is a dual-interface contact (ISO7816) and contactless
(ISO/IEC14443) smartcard chip that is compliant with the new International Civil
Aviation Organization (ICAO) specifications for e-passports. This product has
been designed to meet common criteria EAL5+ security certification (BSI
protection profile).
The AT90SC256144RCFT features 144 Kbytes of EEPROM data memory, 256 Kbytes of
ROM program memory, an additional 32 Kbytes of ROM for crypto library and 8
Kbytes of RAM. Its large EEPROM nonvolatile memory provides sufficient capacity
to allow large data storage such as 10 fingertip images of the passport holder
(around 10 Kbytes/image), leaving enough space for other data (photo holder,
encryption keys, etc.). The ROM and RAM sizes, combined with the computing power
of the secureAVR architecture, make this chip perfectly suited for JavaCard
implementation.
The AT90SC256144RCFT shares the same common features with Atmel's secureAVR
family, including its 8-bit/16-bit RISC core, strong security mechanisms, a
power-analysis attack-resistant DES/TripleDES engine, as well as Atmel's AdvX
crypto-accelerator for an optimized trade-off between performance and power
consumption. It allows extremely fast extended access control implementations.
This product can be delivered with on-chip tuning capacitance options, ranging
from 20 pF to 100 pF, to cope with different antenna technologies.
AT90SC256144RCFT samples are available now. Production will start in Q1 of 2007.
Atmel Announces Three Low-Power tinyAVR MCUs with High-Speed
Timers
Atmel Corporation announced three new 20-pin tinyAVR Flash microcontroller
devices with high-speed timers, targeting battery chargers, sensor end-points
and motor-control applications.
The devices are pin compatible, differing only in the size of their Flash,
EEPROM and SRAM memories. The ATtiny261 has 2 Kbytes of self-programmable Flash
memory, whereas the ATtiny461 and ATtiny861 have 4 Kbytes and 8 Kbytes,
respectively. All devices deliver 20 MIPS throughput when running at 20 MHz.
The internal 8 MHz RC oscillator and the on-chip PLL run the 10-bit
timer/counter at up to 64 MHz. The high-speed timer/counter with three
independent PWM generators and programmable dead times makes the devices ideal
for battery chargers, battery monitoring, power monitoring and motor-control
applications.
All devices have internal EEPROM, pull-up resistors, an internal 8 MHz precision
oscillator and 12 general I/O pins for application use. Alternatively, the I/O
pins work as ADC inputs or PWM outputs.
The
ATtiny261/461/861 devices include a Universal Serial Interface (USI), which
easily can be configured to work as an SPI, UART or TWI. Advanced analog
capabilities, such as built-in temperature measurement, a fast analog comparator
and a programmable analog gain amplifier, allow highly-integrated designs with a
small price tag. A total of eleven 10-bit A/D converter input channels allows a
wide selection of peripherals to be connected in sensor and control
applications, and the internal temperature sensor allows reliable system
parameter calibration.
A balance
between system performance and power consumption is achieved by directly
controlling the system clock frequency. Additional power saving is achieved by
selectively turning off timers, the serial interface, and/or ADCs when not in
use. As a result, the power consumption of the device in 1.8V active mode at 1
MHz is less than 400 microAmps, and in power-down mode it's just a few microAmps.
Samples of ATtiny261, ATtiny461 and ATtiny861 are available in 20-pin SOIC and
PDIP, and 32-pad QFN packages. All three devices are in volume production.
Volume prices for 10,000 units are $0.80, $0.90 and $1.15, respectively.
Freescale Opens Licensing of ColdFire Architecture to
Embedded Customers
Broadening customer access to one of the industry's most popular 32-bit
microcontroller architectures, Freescale Semiconductor has initiated a ColdFire
licensing program for the embedded design community.
The V2 ColdFire core is available now for licensing through IPextreme Inc.,
semiconductor intellectual property (IP) licensing specialists. Specifically,
IPextreme plans to market, sell and support the V2 ColdFire core to
system-on-chip (SoC) designers seeking to integrate the core and other functions
onto a single chip, helping them save time and money. Freescale plans to open
licensing to additional ColdFire cores in 2007 and beyond.
By acquiring a license to the V2 ColdFire core, high-volume embedded system
manufacturers are able to create their own low-power, highly integrated 32-bit
ASIC solutions containing a ColdFire core combined with their own proprietary
technology. ASIC devices based on ColdFire cores can be created quickly and
cost-effectively to address emerging market opportunities requiring innovative,
custom microcontroller designs.
Based on a memory-configurable hierarchical architecture that is 100-percent
synthesizable, the V2 ColdFire core is designed specifically for software reuse
and ease of integration into custom designs. ASIC designs based on the V2 core
will be software-compatible with all ColdFire standard products and cycle
accurate with V2-based devices.
For more information about the ColdFire licensing program or to obtain a license
to the V2 core from IPextreme, visit
http://www.freescale.com/files/pr/coldfirelicensing.html.
Microchip Introduces PIC MCUs for Cost-Sensitive Motor-Control Applications
Microchip has announced a family of 8-bit Flash microcontrollers with new
advanced motor-control peripherals that deliver better efficiency, quieter
operation, greater range, and extend the life of motors in automotive,
industrial, appliance and consumer applications.
The 40-pin PIC18F4331/4431 and 28-pin PIC18F2331/2431 MCUs provide a complete
solution for extremely precise and energy-efficient operation in sophisticated
motor-control applications through advanced analog and digital feedback, and the
new three-phase complementary PWM control system.
Key to the performance and flexibility of the PIC18Fxx31 family are three new
modules specifically designed for advanced motion and power control
applications. The power control module has a three-phase PWM structure; the
motion feedback module includes a quadrature encoder interface; the third module
consists of a high-speed ADC, which operates at 200ksps and can be synchronized
with the PWM. Together, these modules eliminate the need for any external
motor-control components, such as a high-speed converter and a resonator,
thereby providing a lower-cost solution and saving board space.
Other significant features of the PIC18Fxx31 devices include: up to eight PWM
channels with 14-bit resolution, center alignment, programmable dead-time and
two external fault-protection inputs; two Capture/Compare/PWM modules; an
Internal RC Oscillator with eight selectable frequencies ranging from 8MHz to
31.25KHz; four general-purpose Timers; a Clock Monitor for fail-safe operation;
an Enhanced USART supporting RS485, RS232 and the LIN protocol; 256 Bytes of
on-board, high-endurance data EEPROM; up to 10 MIPS performance at 40MHz; a
16-level Programmable Low Voltage Detection module; and nanoWatt Technology
features that provide enhanced power-management capabilities.
The PIC18F4331/4431 devices are available in 40-pin DIP, and 44-pin TQFP and QFN
packages. The PIC18F2331/2431 parts are offered in 28-pin SDIP, SOIC and QFN
packages. General samples and volume production for all four MCUs are available
now.
Microchip Introduces Small, Cost-Effective PIC MCUs for Intelligent Motor
Control
Microchip Technology announced the PIC18F1330 and PIC18F1230 8-bit
microcontrollers for basic, open-loop and low-end closed-loop motor control that
is not algorithmically intensive. Additionally, these new microcontrollers
address motor control applications where cost and space are primary design
concerns, via the combination of a specialized PWM peripheral with up to six
channels and 10 MIPS performance at 40 MHz in packages as small as 18 pins.
The PIC18F1330 family provides electronic motor control of 3-phase ACIM VF
motors, Brushed DC motors, 3-phase BLDC motors and stepper motors. Specific
motor control application examples include: Appliance (washers, dryers,
refrigerators, vacuums); Commercial (low-end UPS, switch-mode power supplies,
arena lighting, fiber-optic routing, power-bridge drivers, fuel pumps, DC-DC
converters, smart fan controllers); Automotive (door and window lifts, mirrors,
sunroofs, anti-pinch windows, garage-door openers, throttle control, smart fan
controllers, windshield wipers, power seats).
Additional key features of the PIC18F1330 motor control family include up to 8
Kbytes of Flash; 128 bytes EEPROM; 256 bytes RAM; 2x 16-bit timers; 3x 10-bit
ADCs; 3 comparators; Enhanched USART (LIN Interface); and a 14-bit, 3-phase PWM module.
The PIC18F1330 and PIC18F1230 microcontrollers are available now for general
sampling and volume-production orders in 18-pin PDIP and SOIC, 20-pin SSOP, and
28-pin 6x6 mm QFN packages, all of which are Pb-free and RoHS-compliant. Pricing
starts at $2.00 each in 10,000-unit quantities.
Microchip has announced the first general-purpose, Flash PIC microcontrollers
with several peripherals for more cost-effective control of fans or small
motors. The 14-pin PIC16F616/610 and the 8-pin PIC12F615/609 microcontrollers
can substantially reduce system component counts and costs through the
integration of specialized peripherals, such as a full-bridge PWM with deadband
control, a Timer1 Gate for pulse width measurement, a comparator for hall-effect
sensor interfaces, and an A/D converter for temperature and various monitoring
functions. In the case of the PIC16HV616/610 and PIC12HV615/609 variants, the
addition of an internal shunt regulator allows the PIC microcontroller to run
from higher voltage rails without the addition of voltage regulators.
Many high-voltage-rail applications, such as motor control and power supplies,
require components to step down the input voltage for various control devices.
However, these new PIC microcontrollers -- available with an integrated shunt
regulator option designated by "HV" in the part number -- allow engineers to
design systems without having to add a regulator. Additionally, motor and power applications often require
intermediate voltages for power drivers and other power components. The
PIC16F616/HV616 family addresses these requirements with a built-in S/R latch to
design a switch-mode power supply for these intermediate voltages.
Specific application examples include: home appliances (such as blenders,
toasters, smoke alarms and thermostat controls), cooling-fan control and other
motor control, power tools, system control and monitoring, battery chargers,
automated door sensors, speedometers, and power supplies.
Key features for the PIC16F616/610 and PIC12F615/609 microcontrollers, and their
HV variants, include up to 3.5 Kbytes of Flash program memory; 128 bytes RAM;
and up to eight 10-bit ADC channels.
The PIC16F610/HV610 and PIC12F609/HV609 microcontrollers are expected to be
available in December for general sampling and volume-production orders. Their
superset counterparts, the PIC16F616/HV616 and PIC12F615/HV615 microcontrollers,
are available now for general sampling and are expected to be available for
volume-production ordering in December. In 10,000-unit quantities, the
PIC16F616/610 start at $0.73 each and the PIC16HV616/610 start at $0.77 each in
Pb-free, RoHS-compliant 14-pin PDIP, SOIC, TSSOP and QFN packages. The
PIC12F615/609 start at $0.60 each and the PIC12HV615/609 start at $0.64 in 8-pin
PDIP, SOIC, DFN and MSOP packages, also in 10,000-unit quantities.
Microchip Technology has announced a new four-member family
of 28- and 40/44-pin PIC microcontrollers for use in a wide range of
applications. The PIC16F88X family maintains compatibility with the PIC16F87XA
family for easy migration, while providing a host of new features designed to
save users time and money, both during and after their design cycle. The
enhancements include dual internal oscillators with clock switching and
fail-safe clock mode; more (up to 14) ADC channels; an advanced comparator
module featuring two comparators and a Set/Reset Latch to allow emulation of
many analog circuits; and low-power enhancements that extend battery life.
Additional key features of the PIC16F88X microcontroller family include: up to
14 Kbytes of Self-write Program Flash and low-voltage programming to enable
field programmability; up to 256 bytes of Data EEPROM for variable data storage;
on-board In-Circuit Debug module for simpler system troubleshooting; UART/SCI
connectivity via EUSART module; Master Mode SPI and I2C with Address Mask
option; Master Synchronous Serial Port (MSSP) with slave address mask; Enhanced
USART (EUSART); and more General Purpose I/O, with up to 36 pins that can be
used for I/O and Interrupt-on-change capability for each I/O pin.
The four new devices are supported by the free MPLAB IDE, and the MPLAB ICD2 or
compatible third-party in-circuit debugger/programmers.
The PIC16F886 and PIC16F887 microcontrollers are available now for general
sampling and volume production. The PIC16F883 and PIC16F884 microcontrollers are
expected to be available in December. Pricing for this four-member family starts
at $1.58 each in 10,000 unit quantities. The PIC16F883 and PIC16F886 come in
28-pin PDIP, SOIC, SSOP and QFN packages, while the PIC16F884 and PIC16F887 are
available in 40-pin PDIP, and 44-pin QFN and TQFP package options.
Renesas Technology has announced the 32-bit SuperH Family
SH7652 microprocessor with an on-chip Ethernet controller, incorporating the
industry's first encryption/decryption functions supporting both the copyright
protection function for IP broadcasting soon to start in Japan, and the DTCP-IP
copyright protection standard for in-home distribution, for use in digital
audiovisual and office automation devices with built-in network functions.
Sample shipments will begin in January 2007 in Japan.
As enhancements to current 133 MHz SH7650 with DTCP-IP functions, the SH7652
features the addition of a copyright protection function for IP broadcasting in
Japan, a more comprehensive range of peripheral functions, and a 50% increase in
operating speed to 200 MHz.
The SH7652 includes an error-correction function and encryption/decryption
circuitry for decrypting IP broadcasting content, as well as functions compliant
with the DTCP-IP standard used for content distribution within the home. These
copyright protection authentication functions and content encryption/decryption
functions are implemented using firmware to be provided together with the
SH7652. These functions enable copyright protection processing and network
processing to be handled by a single chip without further burden on the host
CPU. Windows Media DRM10 copyright protection is also supported.
An IEEE802.3 standard compliant media access controller (MAC) is incorporated,
enabling connection to a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet LAN. The improved processing
performance makes it possible to perform IP broadcasting copyright protection
processing and DTCP-IP control, and carry out simultaneous 2-channel
transmission of HD digital content.
A USB 2.0 High Speed compliant USB Host/Function module and SD Memory Card host
interface are included, enabling connection to a memory card and wireless LAN
module. Serial sound interfaces are also incorporated, allowing playback of MP3,
WMA and similar audio data well within the capacity of the high-performance CPU.
The SH7652 easily can be connected to another microprocessor or CPU via an
on-chip host interface function. This function enables a main microprocessor's
system control to handle the SH7652 as an SRAM-equivalent device in performing
data transmission and reception. This allows control as an Ethernet controller,
enabling network-related function development to be carried out independently,
and simplifying user product development.
The copyright protection support functions provided in the SH7652 comprise a
hardware encryption/decryption circuit block, and firmware for
encryption/decryption circuit block and content data transfer control.
The SH7652 includes two video stream port channels that enable high-speed
transfer of MPEG-2 TS (Transport Stream) and MPEG-2 PS (Program Stream) format
data. These ports can be connected to an MPEG-2 encoder/decoder chip, enabling
encrypted data received via a network to be decrypted, and transferred to an
MPEG-2 chip at high speed as MPEG-2 TS format video data. Also, performing
high-speed encryption of content data by means of the on-chip encryption circuit
before transmission via a network makes it possible to achieve simultaneous
secure network transfer of HD digital content on two channels.
The SH7652 also includes a comprehensive range of peripheral functions. The
package used is a 240-pin CSP (13 mm × 13 mm).
Available for immediate sampling,
the ARM7TDMI-based TMS470PLFx1 MCUs offer up to 512KB of Flash memory, optional
EEPROM emulation, up to 32KB RAM, and up to 56MHz of 32-bit performance in a
temperature range of up to 125 degrees C. Integrated communication peripherals
include CAN, LIN protocol handler, and multi-buffered SPI.
TMS470PLFx1 MCUs include a unique user-programmable 32-channel high-end timer (HET),
RISC-based co-processor for greater flexibility and accuracy in timing functions
like period and pulse measurements, output compare, and PWMs. The HET
co-processor runs in parallel and completely independently of the ARM7 CPU,
providing significantly higher system performance. TMS470PLFx1 devices also
include a multi-buffered, 32-channel 10-bit ADC with a total sampling and
conversion time of 1.55 microseconds that, like the HET, offloads processing
from the CPU. The high number of timing channels and analog input channels makes
separate multiplexer devices redundant and helps in reducing the number of
external components, board space and, in turn, system cost.
The new devices support multiple low-power operating modes with a wake-up time
of less than 20 microseconds, enabling hibernate current consumption as low as
25 microAmps. Integrated voltage regulators on the chip enable 5V single-voltage
supply resulting in cost savings on the system level by eliminating additional
external components.
TMS470PLFx MCUs at 48 and 56MHz with up to 512KB of Flash memory are available
in samples today, with volume quantities available mid-2007. Package options
range from 100 to 176 pin LQFP.
TI Releases
Lowest-cost 32-bit Digital Signal Controllers
Texas Instruments has announced volume availability of four low-cost
TMS320F280xx DSP-based controllers. The TMS320F28015 and F28016 digital signal
controllers offer 60 MHz of performance starting as low as $3.25 in 1,000-unit
quantities; TMS320F2801-60 and F2802-60 controllers also offer 60 MHz of
performance and are based on the current TMS320F2801 and F2802 devices.
All F280x-based devices feature a 32-bit wide data path for superior performance
and mixed 16/32-bit instruction set for improved code density. These devices
offer extraordinary system integration by providing complete control system
capabilities from signal input through the on-chip, 12-bit ADC, QEP interfaces,
and timer captures/compares through signal output with up to 10 independent PWM
channels. Depending on the device, communication interfaces include CAN, I2C,
UART and SPI ports. The TMS320F28016 device is the lowest-cost digital signal
controller with integrated CAN communications.
F280x controllers' patent-pending 150 picosecond resolution High-Resolution PWM
(HRPWM) provides 16 bits of accuracy in a 100 KHz control loop, and 12 bits at
1.5 MHz, resulting in designs with cleaner power output, higher power density,
smaller magnetics and more compact, cooler supplies. These benefits are vital in
applications such as AC/DC rectifiers requiring high tolerances and faster
transient response with small ripple amplitude. For motor control applications
like white goods and automotive, overall system costs can be reduced through
integration and lower device cost while leveraging the 32-bit performance
necessary to implement advanced control techniques. Processor-intensive,
sensorless vector control helps developers reduce the power electronics required
and the size and cost of a system's motors.
All four controllers are AEC Q100 automotive qualified in 100-pin LQFP packaging
and are available in production quantities.
Accelerating the trend towards safer but less
complex automotive chassis control applications, Texas Instruments has
introduced a new symmetrical dual-core microcontroller (MCU). The TMS570 MCU is
the first automotive processor solution to support a certification according to
the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61508 SIL3 standard –- the
highest level of safety that is designated for automotive applications.
Co-developed with Robert Bosch GmbH, a leading global supplier of automotive
technology, the TMS570 MCU will be implemented in next-generation braking,
steering and chassis control applications.
The TMS570 MCU platform uses two identical ARM Limited Cortex R4 cores combined
with an initial 2 Mbytes of on-chip Flash memory. Targeted applications include
chassis control, braking/electronic vehicle stability and steering, with higher
and lower memory and performance variations planned. The dual cores are tightly
coupled by a patent-pending architecture for maximum reliability, while memory
is protected by Error-Correcting Code (ECC) bit checking.
The TMS570 device integrates the Cortex R4 cores in an innovative and
unprecedented design that enables failure detection and response times required
by the IEC 61508 standard. Software development for the dual-core TMS570 MCU
becomes less complex by eliminating a dedicated checker MCU algorithm and
communication overhead between the main controller and the checker MCU, thus
reducing development time and cost.
The FlexRay networking protocol is also
implemented directly on the TMS570 MCU, further increasing integration. This
deterministic communications standard developed by the leading automotive
manufacturers and suppliers offers fully deterministic and fault-tolerant
communications for advanced automotive systems.
ZiLOG has announced that its Z8 Encore! MC (FMC16100 Series)
is the first 8-bit MCU to offer vector control capability, an innovation that
significantly lowers the Bill of Materials costs for appliance manufacturers,
reduces both energy consumption and, in appliances such as dishwashers and
washing machines, water usage -- factors that benefit both consumers and the
environment as well as help extend the life cycle of the product itself.
Vector control was previously claimed to be the domain of digital signal
processors (DSPs), digital signal controllers (DSCs) and 16- or 32-bit
microcontrollers. With the vector control capability developed by ZiLOG
engineers using the Z8 Encore! FMC 16100 series, the myth that
only high-end MCUs or DSPs can perform vector control algorithms has been
dispelled. Combining ZiLOG's fast CPU (up to 10 MIPS), fast ADC and integrated
op-amp, and optimized C Compiler, ZiLOG can provide the equivalent of DSP
functionality in vector control, which they estimates can save up to 50 percent
on overall BoM costs compared to higher-end MCU solutions.
In addition to the lower BoM cost to appliance manufacturers, end users also
benefit from vector control. Current motor technologies used in large
appliances, especially older models, are only 50 to 60 percent energy efficient
compared to newer models. Appliances using the vector controlled FMC 16100 can
improve the energy efficiency of the motor to around 90 to 95 percent as it
replaces conventional motors with brushless DC (BLDC) motors, enabling extremely
accurate variable speed control.
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
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