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Welcome to the October 2007 edition of MicroController
Pros Corporation's Embedded News Digest, your source for microcontroller and
embedded system news.
-
New product
additions at the MicroControllerShop:
ARM (below new ARM products
will be available by November 20th 2007, pre-order now):
Atmel AVR:
Microchip PIC:
-
PIC Starter Kit with ICSP Programmer, Proto-Board with LCD, 7-seg. LED,
solderless prototype area, RS232
-
PIC ICSP Programming Adapter, from 5/6-pins single row to RJ12 and 2.0mm
2x4 (and vice versa)
-
dsPIC30F Microcontroller Experiment Board with LCD, RS232, solderless
prototype area
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Microchip PIC In-Circuit Debugger, USB interface, RJ12 ICSP connector,
MPLAB-ICD2 compatible
Texas Instruments:
I/O Modules:
-
New
I/O Module category features RS232/422/485 to Ethernet Converters, SPI to
Ethernet Modules, UART-to-USB, UART(TTL)-to-RS232 and other I/O Building
blocks (Opto-isolated input boards, relay output boards, etc.)
- 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:
The new ARM Cortex-A9 MPCore multicore and ARM Cortex-A9 single-core
processor processors are the first synthesizable ARM processors capable of
delivering more than 8000 aggregate DMIPS for demanding high-performance,
consumer and enterprise applications while also providing a significant
performance increase over today's handsets when implemented within the very
tight 250mW mobile power budget. For 2000 DMIPS of performance when designed in
a TSMC 65 nanometer generic process, the core logic costs less than 1.5 square
millimeters of silicon. This scalable performance from 2000-8000 DMIPs is 4-16x
what is found in today's high-end phones or set-top boxes, and will allow end
users to instantly view complex, multimedia-enabled web pages and make the most
of Web 2.0 applications, enjoy photorealistic graphics and gaming, open complex
attachments quickly or edit media files.
The Cortex-A9 processors deliver highly scalable and power-efficient solutions
by leveraging for the first time key microarchitectural advances. Utilizing a
dynamic length, 8-stage superscalar, multi-issue pipeline with speculative
out-of-order execution, it is capable of executing up to four instructions per
cycle in devices clocked at more than 1 GHz while also providing reductions in
the cost and inefficiencies of today’s leading 8-stage processors.
The ARM Cortex-A9 single-core and ARM Cortex-A9 MPCore processors are available
for licensing now along with supporting technology.
[back to table of contents]
Infineon Technologies is launching a new family of microcontrollers targeting
the growing worldwide market for low-cost motorcycle engine control.
The XC2700 family is based on the 32-bit C166SV2 high-performance
microcontroller core, providing single-cycle execution from a 66 MHz five-stage
pipeline at up to 80 MHz.
The XC2700 product portfolio will include 10 products. First, Infineon is
introducing the inital XC2700 family members: the XC2766X and XC2786X. The
microcontroller integrates an analog-to-digital converter with 16 to 24 channels
for linking directly to sensors for a low-cost implementation and two CAN
interfaces. It also includes a Universal Serial Interface to link to external
peripherals via a UART, LIN or I2C interface. Integrating up to 768 kBytes of
130 nm embedded Flash, 64 kBytes of data Flash, and 51 kBytes of system RAM also
simplifies the design of the electronic engine management system and keeps costs
under control.
With 64 to 176 pins, the XC2700 family provides a scalable package range from
lower-cost versions to higher-performance devices.
AUTOSAR drivers for XC2700 are verified by the AUTOSAR validator project. The
driver portfolio comprises components of the Microcontroller Abstraction Layer,
CAN transceiver and Flash EEPROM Emulation within one configuration tool for
quickly starting up an application development. This is the basis for the
complete AUTOSAR Basic Software supported via software partners.
Samples of the XC2766X and XC2786X in the XC2700 family are available for
dedicated automotive customers.
Sample pricing varies according to product specification. For instance, the
XC2766X with 66 MHz frequency, 768 kBytes of Flash memory, 16 channels, LQFP-100
package and an automotive temperature range of -40 to +125 degrees C is priced
at approximately 5.50 Euros (about $7.45) per piece in quantities of 20,000. For
the same quantities and key features in a LQFP-144 package, the XC2786X with 24
channels is priced at approximately 6.80 Euros (about $9.15 USD) per device.
[back to table of contents]
Intel Corporation has announced extended lifecycle support for the Intel Q35
Express Chipset for embedded and communications applications requiring graphics.
The Intel Q35 chipset allows a 50-percent power savings over the
previous-generation Intel Q965 Express Chipset. With a 13.5-watt thermal design
power, the chipset is ideal for low-power, small motherboard form factors for
interactive clients, print imaging, digital security surveillance and network
security applications, such as the 17 x 17 cm Mini-ITX.
Debuting for desktop computers in August, the Intel Q35 chipset supports the
newest Intel chipset technologies, including Intel Virtualization Technology for
Directed I/O (Intel VT-d), version 3.0 of Intel Active Management Technology
(Intel AMT) and the new Intel Rapid Recover Technology within Intel Matrix
Storage Technology for data protection.
A new technology built into the Intel Q35 chipset is Intel VT-d, which provides
advanced remote management capabilities for I/O devices. The technology enables
partitioning of I/O devices to virtual machines to distribute system resources
and protect assets. Intel VT-d will improve performance by increasing the
bandwidth and lowering the latency attributed to software virtualization.
Industrial automation applications and network appliances are two key segments
that could benefit from this technology.
The Intel Q35 chipset also supports the latest generation Intel AMT, which
allows enhanced hardware-based isolation and recovery for embedded systems that
go offline, and the Intel Rapid Recover Technology, which allows embedded
devices to recover data and return the system to an operational status in the
event of hard drive failure or massive data corruption.
The Intel Q35 chipset with extended life cycle support is validated with two
Intel Core2 Duo processors: the Intel Core2 Duo processor E6400 with Intel
Virtualization Technology, and the Intel Core2 Duo processor E4300. It is also
validated with two new processors supported for an extended lifecycle: the Intel
Pentium Dual-Core processor E2160 and the Intel Celeron processor 440. The
chipset may also be paired with future Intel 45nm processors.
The Intel Q35 chipset is available for embedded customers today in two versions
of the I/O Controller Hub (Intel ICH9 / ICH9 DO) starting at $37.
[back to table of contents]
Luminary Micro has introduced 34 new Stellaris microcontrollers.
Twenty of the new MCUs introduced are of the Stellaris LM3S1000 high-pin-count
real-time MCU series; 11 are members of the Stellaris LM3S8000 Ethernet+CAN
internetworking series; and three are members of the Stellaris LM3S6000 Ethernet
series featuring hardware assist for IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol support.
These new MCUs extend the benefits of the Stellaris family with real-time
networking, larger on-chip memories, enhanced power management, and expanded I/O
capabilities. Evaluation kits for the new MCUs are available immediately through
Luminary Micro's global sales channel. All of the new MCUs are sampling today
and will be available in volume production later this quarter.
The LM3S1000 series feature new combinations of expanded general-purpose I/O,
larger on-chip memory, and low-power optimization for battery-backed
applications. The LM3S8000 seriesintegrates 10/100 Mbps Ethernet with CAN
connectivity in a single-chip solution with ARM architecture compatibility. The
LM3S8000 devices combine both Ethernet MAC and PHY layers with up to three CAN
interfaces on-chip, marking the first time that integrated internetworking
connectivity is available with an ARM Cortex-M3 MCU. Professional-grade motion
control hardware is included in many of the new configurations.
[back to table of contents]
PHYTEC and Adeneo have announced a new low-cost Acceleration Kit for
Microsoft Windows Embedded CE 6.0. The Acceleration Kit includes the ARM-core
based phyCORE-PXA270 module and carrier board; LCD with integrated touch panel;
Windows Embedded CE 6.0 BSP source code access; and all the contents required to
enable users to successfully set up target hardware, build and load a Windows
Embedded CE image with Platform Builder, and start developing with Windows
Embedded CE on a powerful development platform.
The phyCORE-PXA270 is a small, feature-rich, Single Board Computer module based
on the Marvell PXA270 applications processor with XScale technology. Adeneo's
production-ready BSP for Windows Embedded CE 6.0 enables application developers
to port Windows Embedded CE-based software onto the phyCORE module with minimal
development effort and risk.
The Acceleration Kit's out-of-box experience underscores the relative ease of
implementing Windows Embedded CE on actual target hardware, and accelerates
deployment of both hardware and Windows Embedded CE 6.0 in end applications.
The phyCORE-PXA270 Acceleration kit will be available for shipping in November
for $599.
[back to table of contents]
Renesas Technology Corp. has announced the lineup of R8C/Tiny Series of
high-performance, low-pin-count, 16-bit microcontrollers with on-chip Flash
memory of 11 new models (22 type name) providing 1.8V low-voltage operation and
enhanced Flash memory functions for improved ease of use. The new R8C/Tiny
Series models comprise three groups: the 52-pin R8C/35A Group, the 32-pin
R8C/33A Group, and the 20-pin R8C/32A Group. Sample shipments will begin in
December 2007 sequentially in Japan.
The three new groups lower the operating voltage lower limit to 1.8V, compared
to the 2.2V of earlier R8C/Tiny Series models. The operating voltage range has
been expanded to 1.8V to 5.5V. This enables the use of high-performance,
low-power, 16-bit MCUs of the R8C/Tiny Series in applications such as battery
drive devices.
Also provided is a high-precision, high-speed on-chip oscillator. This
oscillator circuit eliminates the need for an external resonator, thereby
helping reduce the overall system cost. The oscillation precision is within
+/-1% for a temperature range of –20 to +85 degrees C, which meets the
requirements for UART communication. Three oscillation frequencies are
available: 40 MHz, 36.864 MHz, and 32 MHz. Many other frequencies can be
selected by using frequency division. This provides optimal support for UART
baud rate adjustment.
There is also a power-on reset function that resets the chip's internal circuits
at power-on. It is designed to operate flexibly enough to accommodate cases
where the power supply voltage rise is slow. In addition, a voltage detection
circuit is provided for sensing the external voltage. Previous R8C/Tiny Series
models had only one voltage detection circuit output level for each of three
circuits. The new groups, in contrast, have three circuits: four levels, 16
levels, and one level (supporting external input).
The new MCUs are the first in the R8C/Tiny Series to incorporate a data transfer
controller, previously available only in the H8S Family and H8SX Family. This
function enables data transfers between the memory and registers to bypass the
CPU, significantly reducing transfer processing time. Also, the R8C/35A and
R8C/33A feature a D/A converter that provides smoother analog output than PWM.
Also provided is a comparator to enable a wide range of analog control
functions.
The E8a emulator, which uses a single-pin interface, is available as a
development environment. Since only one pin is needed to connect the E8a, all
the I/O pins remain usable during debugging for highly efficient program
development. Furthermore, a debugging function that allows referencing and
modification of RAM contents while a user program is running has been added to
all three groups.
The new MCUs can be shipped either with the Flash memory blank or preprogrammed.
Future plans include the development of 64-pin and 80-pin versions and further
expansion of memory capacity.
[back to table of contents]
Renesas Technology Corp. has announced the H8S/Tiny Series as a low-end
product lineup in the H8S Family of high-performance 16-bit microcontrollers. In
the initial phase, a total of 24 models are being released in three groups: the
64-pin H8S/20103 group, and the 80-pin H8S/20203 and H8S/20223 groups. Sample
shipments will begin in January 2008 in Japan.
The H8S/Tiny Series uses a high-performance H8S/2000 CPU core, enabling maximum
20 MHz operation at a power supply voltage of 2.7V to 5.5V, and incorporate 128
or 96 kBytes of Flash memory for program storage plus two 4-kByte blocks of data
Flash for data storage use.
An on-chip event link controller and peripheral I/O mapping controller are
also provided as first-time functions for Renesas Technology. The event link
controller enables the CPU processing load to be reduced in the event of an
interrupt,while the peripheral I/O mapping controller enables microcontroller
pin functions to be changed flexibly according to the board, providing greater
freedom in the board design process.
The H8S/Tiny Series also includes peripheral functions such as the DTC (data
transfer controller) and D/A converter provided in current H8S Family products,
and the high-performance timer, SCI, etc., provided in the H8/300H Tiny Series
and R8C/Tiny Series, enabling a transition to be made to this new series.
Also provided is a high-precision, high-speed on-chip oscillator with +/-1%
tolerance for a temperature range of -20 to +85 degrees C and a power supply
voltage range of 3.0 to 5.5V.
The E8a on-chip debugging emulator is available as a development environment,
enabling a debugging environment to be constructed at low cost. The E8a can be
used as a Flash memory writer as well as an emulator. Future plans include the
development of versions featuring larger on-chip Flash memory capacity and
higher speed.
[back to table of contents]
TI Delivers Sub-1GHz RF SoC with Integrated USB Controller
Texas Instruments Incorporated has introduced a sub-1GHz RF system-on-chip (SoC)
with an integrated USB controller, enabling a fast and easy bridge between PCs
and RF. The CC1111 combines the excellent performance of TI's existing RF
transceiver (CC1101) with an enhanced 8051 microcontroller (MCU), 8/16/32 kBytes
of in-system programmable Flash memory, and a full-speed USB controller for
improved low-power wireless sensor networking.
The CC1111 targets a wide variety of low-power wireless applications including
alarm and security systems, automatic meter reading, industrial monitoring and
control, home and building automation, and remote controls. The CC1111 is pin-
and register-compatible with the CC1110 (sub-1GHz SoC), CC2511 (2.4GHz SoC with
USB) and CC2510 (2.4GHz SoC).
Additional features include embedded 128-bit AES security coprocessor, excellent
receiver selectivity and blocking performance, high sensitivity, programmable
data rate of up to 500 kBaud, wide supply voltage range (2.0V to 3.6V) and four
flexible power modes for reduced power consumption.
SimpliciTI network protocol is a proprietary low-power RF protocol targeting
simple, small RF networks (fewer than 256 nodes). This protocol requires minimal
MCU resources and was designed for easy implementation on the CC1110/11 and
CC2510/11 SoCs or MSP430 ultra-low-power MCUs combined with CC1100 and CC2500
transceivers. SimpliciTI network protocol is provided as source code under a
free license, without royalties, and can be downloaded at www.ti.com/simpliciti.
The CC1111 is available now from TI and its authorized distributors in a 6 x 6
mm QFN-36 package. Suggested resale pricing for the CC1111 starts at $4.65 in
1,000-piece quantities.
[back to table of contents]
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
http://www.ucpros.com
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