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Welcome to the January 2007 edition of MicroController
Pros Corporation's Embedded News Digest, your source for microcontroller and
embedded system news.
-
New product
additions at the MicroControllerShop:
8051:
AT89S51/52 Tutorial Kit: Self Learning Kit with Instruction Manual, Board
& Programmer.
Starter Kits and serial programmers
for
Atmel AT89C51 and
NXP (Philips) P89C51
28QFN Programmer and prototyping kit for Silicon Labs 8051 based MCUs, ZIF
socket for the small 5mmx5mmx1mm package
ARM/Xscale:
In-Circuit
JTAG Debugger and Flash Programmer for ARM, software upgradeable for
XSCALE and Coldfire support. Support for ADP, RDI and GDP compatible software
environments.
Atmel AT91SAM9261(ARM9) Evaluation Kit with USB, 2x RS232, MCC/SD card,
CompactFlash card, LCD connector, Audio
AT91M55800A (ARM7) Board, 2x RS232, JTAG, 2MB Flash.
Atmel AVR:
AVR Tutorial Kit: Self Learning Kit with Instruction Manual, Board &
Programmer.
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Let your friends, colleagues or customers know about the Embedded News Digest.
This month's issue:
ARM Extends DesignStart Program to Include ARM926EJ Processor
Fujitsu Announces 32-bit Automotive MCU with 1MB Embedded Flash
Fujitsu Launches Next-gen MCU with Embedded FlexRay Interface
Renesas Introduces H8SX/1622, 1638, and 1648 32-bit CISC MCU Groups
ST Releases Free SDK for Complete USB Firmware Development
TI Offers Sampling of New DaVinci TMS320DM6441 SoC
with ARM9 Core
ARM Extends DesignStart Program to Include ARM926EJ Processor
ARM has extended its DesignStart Program to include the
popular ARM926EJ processor alongside the ARM7TDMI processor.
The ARM DesignStart program was established to provide designers with the
ability to evaluate ARM processors for use in their designs. The program enables
fabless companies, from start-ups through to small- and medium-size
organizations, to do the majority of their design activities, including SoC
integration and verification, software development and chip layout, prior to
obtaining a full ARM Processor Foundry Program License.
The Jazelle technology-enabled ARM926EJ processor features 16k instruction and
data caches, tightly coupled memory (TCM) interfaces and memory management unit
(MMU).
Fujitsu Announces 32-bit Automotive MCU with 1MB Embedded Flash
Fujitsu Microelectronics Asia announced the first Flash device
of its new MB91460 series, specifically designed for next-generation automotive
applications. The MB91F467D is a 0.18um successor to the MB91F362G dashboard
microcontroller, offering higher speed, more memory and additional features.
The MB91F467D is the second device in the MB91460 series now available for
sampling. It follows the MB91461, a ROMless device for infotainment. Fujitsu
will continue to release additional variations of MB91460 MCUs with different
peripherals, which will offer designers devices for a wide range of
applications.
The MB91F467D includes 1088kB of Fujitsu's embedded Flash technology that
features protected read-out. On-chip pre-fetch and flexible cache ensure best
possible performance from this memory, which is connected to both the I-bus and
F-bus. The MB91F467D offers 64kB of embedded RAM, and the external bus interface
(32-bit data, 26-bit addresses) can be used to connect external memory, e.g.
SDRAM, burst-mode Flash or Fujitsu Graphic Display Controller (GDC) for cluster
graphics control application.
Each of the 3 CAN interfaces has its own set of 32 message buffers; four of the
5 LIN-UARTs are equipped with 16-Byte Rx and Tx FIFOs to speed up communication.
Three I2C modules complete the set of serial communication interfaces.
Compared to the MB91F362G, the variety of timers has also been enhanced. The
MB91F467D implements 8 free-running timers as a time-base for 8 ICU and 4 OCU
modules, 8 Reload timers, 3 Up/Down Counters and an RTC module, which can
operate on the 4MHz main crystal, or on the 32kHz sub clock.
In addition to the 6 channels of stepping motor controller interfaces to control
dashboard instruments, the set of pulse-generating modules contains 12 channels
of 16-bit PPG, a sound generator and a PFM module. The on-chip PLL will create
an internal operating frequency of up to 96MHz; again Fujitsu's clock modulator
is implemented to improve EMC behavior.
The MB91F467DA version also features the following analog functions: 24 channels
of a 10-bit ADC and 1 alarm comparator input. Other improvements are a choice of
I/O drive strengths, 2mA, 5mA or SMC drivers of 30mA. Various input levels are
also included, such as automotive, CMOS Hysteresis and TTL. All inputs come with
internal pull-up resistors, which allow unused pins to be left open. The
MB91F467DA comes in a 208-pin lead-free (pure Sn pin plating) QFP package.
The microcontrollers function over the operating temperature range of -40 to
+105 degrees C and operate from a supply voltage range of 3V to 5.5V.
The MB91F467D will be supported by the Accemic MDE. Two starter kits are also
available, one of which includes a MB91F467D and Fujitsu's FlexRay Communication
Controller IC MB88121.
Design support and full turnkey application development are offered by Fujitsu's
Microcontroller Applications Engineering team and Design centers.
Fujitsu
Launches Next-gen MCU with Embedded FlexRay Interface
Fujitsu Microelectronics Europe announced the availability of a new 32-bit
microcontroller, the company's first to feature an embedded FlexRay interface.
Aimed at automotive OEM, tier-one and third-party companies delivering tools and
software for automotive applications or test equipment, the MB91F465XA enables
implementation of the FlexRay protocol in a single-chip solution without the
need for companion devices.
The MB91F465XA is the latest addition to Fujitsu's growing family of FlexRay
MCUs. Based on the E-Ray core licensed from Robert Bosch GmbH, the MB91F465XA
uses VHDL code certified by TUV Nord. The device supports 2-channel and FIFO
operations, and with more than 8kBytes of message buffer memory, up to 128
different identifiers can be supported.
Interfaces, in addition to the two-channel FlexRay bus interface, comprise one
I2C, two CAN and three LIN-USART interfaces enabling communication with all
automotive bus systems. Packaged in a compact, RoHS-compliant 100-pin LQFP, this
device is ideally suited to automotive applications such as driver-assistance
systems.
The FR (Fujitsu RISC) MCU, series MB91F465XA is a member of the MB91460 series
which follows Fujitsu's MCU family concept that allows design engineers to
re-use their software across different family members and applications.
MB91F465XA operates from a single supply ranging from 3.0 to 5.5V. Internal
frequencies of up to 100MHz are generated via the on-chip PLL using external
4MHz quartz crystals as the clock input. The 544kB of Flash memory with read-out
protection and 32kB of RAM make the MB91F465XA well-suited for AUTOSAR
requirements. Other features include: hardware watchdog, 17-channel 10-bit ADC,
reload timer, stopwatch function, and an RTC module that can operate on external
4MHz or 32kHz quartz crystals.
Engineering samples will be available in February 2007 and will be accompanied
by a full set of development tools such as starter kits, and hardware and
software debugger.
Renesas Introduces H8SX/1622, 1638, and 1648 32-bit CISC MCU Groups
Renesas Technology Corp. announced an enhancement of the lineup of H8SX Family
32-bit CISC microcontrollers with the addition of the H8SX/1622 Group, H8SX/1638
Group, and H8SX/1648 Group, comprising a total of eight models featuring a 50
MHz maximum operating frequency, 50 MIPS performance, and comprehensive on-chip
peripheral functions. Sample shipments will begin in May 2007 in Japan.
There are also plans to expand the lineup to a total of 20 models with the
addition of 5.0V products, on-chip USB products, etc., by the end of 2007.
The H8SX/1638 Group and H8SX/1648 Group incorporate up to 1 megabyte of Flash
memory capable of single-cycle access at the 50 MHz maximum operating frequency.
A deep software standby mode has been provided as a first for the H8SX Family,
enabling standby power consumption to be further reduced. Five Flash memory
capacities -- 256, 384, 512, and 768 kbytes, and 1 Mbyte -- are available, and
the lineup includes 120-pin and 144-pin standard package products. Three on-chip 10-bit A/D converter units are included, each
operating independently, enabling up to 12 channels to be supported. Conversion
time has been cut to approximately 1/4 that of previous Renesas products, making
possible high-speed conversion and processing of signals from a variety of
sensors.
The H8SX/1622 Group comprises models with 256-kbyte on-chip Flash memory that
have the features of the H8SX/1638 Group and H8SX/1648 Group, and also include a
6-channel 16-bit delta-sigma type A/D converter capable of high-precision
conversion of information from various kinds of sensors, including gyro-sensors
and optical, positional, acceleration, and sound sensors.
These are the first products in the H8SX Family to incorporate a delta-sigma
type A/D converter. The conversion speed is up to twice as fast as in Renesas'
current H8/300L Series models incorporating a delta-sigma type A/D converter,
and resolution has been improved from 14 to 16 bits, providing both high speed
and high precision.
The package lineup comprises a 120-pin LQFP for the H8SX/1638 Group, a 144-pin
LQFP for the H8SX/1648 Group, and a 144-pin LQFP and 145-pin LGA for the
H8SX/1622 Group, all featuring a lead-free specification. The small size of the
LGA enables smaller boards and mounting areas to be used, making it particularly
suitable for portable devices and similar compact applications.
ST Releases
Free SDK for Complete USB Firmware Development
STMicroelectronics announced a USB Software Developer Kit
for the STR7 and STR9 microcontroller families intended to simplify the
implementation of embedded software to handle the relatively complex USB
interface standard. USB is now very widely used in embedded systems, due to both
its flexibility and simplicity for the user and also the availability of
high-performance MCUs with integrated USB modules.
Both of ST's 32-bit ARM-based STR7 and STR9 MCU families include many variants
with USB ports, alongside a broad range of other standard interfaces. The new
USB Developer Kit, which will be available to users as a free download from ST's
website, supports STR71x and STR91x devices with USB, as well as the
recently-announced STR75x family. It allows easy software development for all
the USB transfer types, and includes an implementation of DFU (Device Firmware
Update) to provide the capability to update system firmware through the USB
interface. The kit also includes a "Virtual COM" demo (CDC class) to emulate the
classic RS232 interface on USB, for users that want to benefit from the ubiquity
of USB, but retain legacy software.
The software kit includes a library of drivers, plus demonstrations of each
transfer type, to help users develop their own USB routines on STR7 and STR9
MCUs. An HID (Human Interface Device) mouse/joystick driver demonstrates
fast-response Interrupt transfers; high-speed Bulk transfers are illustrated
with a mass storage application; and guaranteed speed isochronous transfers are
supported with a voice/speaker/microphone demonstration.
USB interfaces are now almost as popular as UARTs in embedded applications, but
their application development is more difficult due to greater complexity.
Firmware is usually divided into three layers: a USB Function layer,
implementing device functionality; the Logical Device layer, handling standard
USB requests and low-speed data transfers, plus device enumeration and power
management; and the Bus Interface layer that provides the interface between the
USB Logical Device and the hardware.
The new kit offers, for the first time as a free package, a full implementation
of all the layers and transfer types, within a user-friendly and well-documented
package. The software has been designed from the start to be used and tailored
easily to meet customers' specific requirements.
TI Offers Sampling of New DaVinci TMS320DM6441 SoC with
ARM9 Core
Texas Instruments announced sampling of the TMS320DM6441
system-on-chip (SoC) based on DaVinci technology. Additional DaVinci software
and development tools for the DM6441 make it possible to deliver high-quality
video combined with power-saving modes for portable audio and video
applications, including portable media players, consumer video security devices,
medical devices, data terminals, IP netcams, automotive/in-flight entertainment
systems and other digital audio and video applications.
The DM6441 is a dual-core SoC that consists of an ARM9 and TMS320C64x+ digital
signal processor (DSP) core plus video/imaging co-processors. By offering this
device, TI expands the possibilities of DaVinci technology for those seeking
video performance of H.264, MPEG 2, MPEG 4 or VC-1, among others, at 30 frames
per second combined with power-efficient optimizations for a whole new realm of
consumer applications. The DM6441 provides the key peripherals required for
today's portable media applications, including Ethernet, MMC and SD card
interfaces, ATA hard disk drive interface, USB 2.0 and multiple UARTs, while
offering developers the programmable flexibility and customization they need to
design cost-effective portable entertainment products. Furthermore, the power
optimization of the device makes it possible for developers to implement power
over Ethernet, which is suitable for many video security systems.
With dual power modes, the DM6441 can run at full speed (513 MHz DSP and 256 MHz
ARM) at 1.2V, or in power-reduced mode (405 MHz DSP and 202 MHz ARM) at 1.05V.
The dual power modes allow the reduction of power consumption during operations,
such as audio-only playback, when the full capabilities of the DSP are not
required.
Additional clock-gating capabilities provide a mechanism for turning off
peripherals that are not in use. Isolating the power domains of the DSP and ARM
cores has made it possible to power down the DSP core individually during
non-video operations. The combination of dual power mode, clock gating and
isolated power domains can yield overall power savings up to 35 percent over the
previously released TMS320DM6443 and TMS320DM6446 devices.
Developers can begin product design with the Digital Video Evaluation Module (DVEVM,
TMDXEVM6446), which is available today. The DVEVM includes proven design modules
for additional power savings with TI's analog devices and microcontrollers. The
DM6441 can also be paired with TI's ultra-low-power microcontroller, the MSP430,
which offers an exceptional standby current under one microamp and power-manages
the DM6441 in its most efficient sleep/halt mode to further reduce average
current consumption.
The DM6441 for portable audio and video applications is sampling now and it is
$24.95 each in quantities of 10,000.
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 2007 by
MicroController Pros Corporation
visit our web
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