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Welcome to the June 2008 edition of MicroController
Pros Corporation's Embedded News Digest, your source for microcontroller and
embedded system news.
ARM:
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Flowcode Ultimate: Flowchart Programming Language for PIC, AVR and ARM
microcontrollers
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S3C2410 ARM Dev. Kit: JTAG Debugger, IDE, Flash Software, Board
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NXP LPC2468 (ARM) Board, 2x USB Host, 1x USB Device, Ethernet
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AT91SAM9260 (ARM9) Board, Ethernet, 2x RS232, 1x USB Host & Dev
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NXP LPC2138 Development Board, Ethernet-programmable, BASIC compiler
Atmel AVR:
Microchip PIC:
TI:
Bluetooth:
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This month's issue:
The ADuC706x family expands ADI's precision analog microcontroller portfolio by
incorporating two 24-bit sigma-delta analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) and a
host of analog peripherals with a 32-bit ARM7 core to create a solution for
precision sensing applications. The combination of small size, low operating
power and Analog Devices' data conversion design expertise distinguishes the
ADuC706x, eliminating the complexity, cost and performance degradation issues
associated with discrete mixed-signal solutions.
Designed for 4–20 mA loop-powered applications in factory automation and for
precision instruments, the ADuC706x family includes the ADuC7060, ADuC7061 and
ADuC7062.
The devices feature an ADC noise performance of just 60 nV -- 20% better than
the nearest competing part -- and offer five times more processing power for a
given clock rate. In addition to the 24-bit sigma-delta ADCs and ARM7 core with
eight interrupt priority levels, the new precision analog microcontrollers
incorporate 32 Kbytes of flash memory and 4 Kbytes of SRAM, a programmable gain
amplifier, multiplexers, buffers, an auxiliary 24-bit ADC for cold junction
compensation and interfacing to thermocouple applications, and SPI, UART and I2C
ports. The devices consume just 2.6 mA with all peripherals activated.
The ADuC7060, available in a 7 mm × 7 mm 48-pin chip-scale (QFN) package, offers
more analog-input channels and general-purpose I/Os than other devices in the
family. The ADuC7061 and ADuC7062 come in 5 mm × 5 mm 32-pin chip-scale (QFN)
packages, ideal for space-constrained applications. The ADuC7062 does not
include the auxiliary ADC channel.
The ADuC706x family is available in sample quantities and will be in full
factory production in November 2008. The ADuC7060, ADuC7061 and ADuC7062
precision analog microcontrollers are priced at $4.90, $3.95 and $3.40
respectively, in 1,000-unit quantities.
Atmel Announces ARM Cortex-M3 License and AT91SAM3 Flash MCU Family
Atmel announced that it has licensed the ARM Cortex-M3 32-bit RISC processor for
the next generation of its AT91SAM ARM technology-based microcontrollers.
Atmel's planned AT91SAM3 Flash MCU family will combine the ARM Cortex-M3
processor with the system implementation features of the AT91SAM series. These
include the multi-layer internal buses, an enhancement to the DMA for system
peripherals, and distributed peripheral data controllers (PDCs) that give the
AT91SAM family its high internal data bandwidth and enable intensive data
processing and high-speed data transfers to take place concurrently.
Atmel's AT91SAM3 Flash microcontroller family based on the ARM Cortex-M3
processor will be available in Q4 2008.
Atmel Announces ARM7-based MCU with FPGA Interface to Multi-layer AHB
Atmel announced the AT91CAP7E, the industry's first ARM7-based MCU with a direct
FPGA interface. The AT91CAP7E is a standard microcontroller with an FPGA
interface that makes the FPGA look and work like it is on the internal bus of
the MCU. It provides customers with a two-chip, no-NRE, FPGA-plus ARM7 solution
and offers an engineering-free migration path to a lower cost, and a lower-power
customizable MCU.
The CAP7E includes a six-layer advanced high-speed bus (AHB), peripheral DMA
controller and 160 Kbytes of on-chip SRAM. On-chip peripherals include USB 2.0
full speed device, SPI master and slave, two USARTs, three 16-bit timer
counters, an 8-channel/ 10-bit analog to digital converter, plus a
full-functioned system controller including interrupt and power control and
supervisory functions. The FPGA interface on the CAP7E provides the FPGA with
direct access to the CAP7E's on-chip AHB and peripheral DMA controller. This
architecture eliminates FPGA-induced bus contention, off-loads MCU-to-FPGA
communications from the CPU, and frees up the external bus interface for
external memory access.
The FPGA interface on Atmel's CAP7E provides the FPGA with two AHB masters, four
AHB slaves, a special direct AHB slave interface to an external RAM through the
FPGA, and a programmable ROM that remaps the external RAM to emulate and debug
the ROM code. Fourteen advanced peripheral bus (APB) slaves, two full-duplex DMA
channels and 32-bit programmable I/O may be hardware selected to share I/O. An
on-chip priority interrupt controller provides up to 13 encoded interrupts and
two additional un-encoded interrupts for DMA transfers.
The same C compilers, real-time operating systems, in-circuit emulators and
integrated development environments used with Atmel's AT91SAM ARM-based MCUs can
be used with CAP.
Atmel's AT91CAP7E is available now and is priced at US$9.50 in quantities of
10,000 units in a 225 BGA package.
Atmel Introduces New
picoPower tinyAVR MCUs
Atmel announced two new low-power 32-pin tinyAVR microcontrollers -- the
ATtiny48 and ATtiny88 devices -- which have 4 and 8 Kbytes of Flash memory,
respectively. These AVR microcontrollers consume less than 240 uA at 1.8V and 1
MHz, and below 100 nA in power-down mode.
The new tinyAVR microcontrollers utilize Atmel's picoPower technology that
eliminates unnecessary power consumption. They have a zero-power brown-out
detection circuitry that can be turned off during sleep modes, a power reduction
register that powers down individual peripherals, and digital input disable
registers that remove leakage current on ADC input pins.
The ATtiny48/88 operates from 1.8 to 5.5 volts and features a 10-bit ADC, SPI,
I2C interface, internal temperature sensor, and have up to 12 MIPS throughput at
12 MHz. Like all the other AVR microcontrollers, the ATtiny48/88 features an
on-chip debug system.
All tinyAVR microcontrollers use the standard AVR microcontroller development
tools. The AVR Studio AVR integrated development environment is available free
of charge on Atmel's web site.
Samples for the ATtiny48 are available now. The ATtiny88 will be available in Q3
2008 in QFN32, QFN28, TQFP32 and PDIP28 packages. Volume prices for 10,000 units
are $0.80 for the ATtiny48 and $1.04 for the ATtiny88.
Freescale Unveils MC13224 Single-chip IEEE 802.15.4/ZigBee Platform
Freescale is now sampling the next-generation MC13224 device in its single-chip
IEEE 802.15.4/ZigBee Platform-in-Package (PiP) family. This family is based on
IEEE 802.15.4 technology, known for its benefits in the areas of cost,
performance and efficiency for real-time remote monitoring and control.
This latest addition to the MC1322x family is designed for a range of wireless
applications, including energy management, commercial building automation,
industrial control and monitoring and home entertainment control. The family
supports existing protocols, such as SMAC, IEEE 802.15.4 MAC, ZigBee stack and
Synkro network protocol stack, with the ability to support the WirelessHART
specification, ISA100 and 6LoWPAN.
The MC13224 device is based on the IEEE 802.15.4 specification and designed to
provide a highly integrated, total solution with premier processing capabilities
and very low power consumption. Freescale has done this by integrating the
essential components of an IEEE 802.15.4 based application within a single
package, requiring designers to add only an antenna and crystal.
The MC13224 contains a 32-bit ARM7 microcontroller, a fully compliant IEEE
802.15.4 transceiver, flash, RAM and ROM, high-performance peripherals, balun
and RF matching components. This is all integrated into a small-footprint
land-grid array (LGA) package that virtually eliminates the need for external RF
matching components.
Typical transmit currents of 28 mA and receive currents of 21 mA can even be
lower with MCU bus stealing enabled. With receive sensitivity of up to -100 dBm
and maximum output power of +5 dBm, the MC1322x offers the highest link margin
of any device currently available in the industry. On-board power supply
regulation is provided for source voltages from 1.8 Vdc to 3.6 Vdc, and can
operate over an extended temperature range up to +105C.
The MC1322x family is engineered to double the expected battery life for current
IEEE 802.15.4 and ZigBee protocol solutions, in many cases exceeding the shelf
life of batteries. It does this by providing numerous low-current modes to
maximize battery life with sleep or restricted-performance operation, and also
contains an on-board buck converter that takes advantage of the operating
characteristics of Lithium-ion or NiCad batteries.
MC1322x development kits are orderable now. Production quantities are expected
to be available in September. Suggested resale pricing for the MC13224V in
10,000 resale quantities is $4.99 (USD).
Freescale
Announces QorIQ Communications Platforms
Freescale has introduced the first two product series based on its new QorIQ
Communications Platforms for next-generation multicore networking applications.
The P1 and P2 platform series include Freescale's first communications
processors based on 45-nm technology. Utilizing the e500 Power Architecture
core, these devices offer a multicore migration path for customers using
PowerQUICC II Pro and PowerQUICC III processors.
The QorIQ P1 and P2 platform series consist of dual- and single-core products
that are pin- and software-compatible with each other, offering five
interchangeable, cost-effective solutions. The P1 platform series includes the
P1020, P1011 and P1010 communications processors; the QorIQ P2 series consists
of the P2020 and P2010 communications processors. From a single core at 400MHz
(P1010) to a dual core at 1200MHz (P2020), the P1 and P2 families offer a broad
frequency range within a pin-compatible package.
All devices in these two platforms share the e500 Power Architecture core and
are fully software compatible with existing PowerQUICC processors, making it
easy for customers to migrate to QorIQ platforms while preserving their software
investments. This enables customers to create products targeting multiple
performance points from a single board design. The dual-core members of the
QorIQ P1 and P2 series (P1020 and P2020) support symmetric and asymmetric
multi-processing, thereby enabling performance scaling through either
thread-level or application-level parallelism.
The first members of the P2 series are expected to sample to lead customers in
Q4 2008, with beta samples scheduled for Q1 2009. The first members of the P1
series are expected to begin sampling in 2009.
Freescale
Introduces Eight-core Microprocessor
Freescale Semiconductor has introduced the QorIQ P4080 multicore processor -- an
eight-core communications processor designed to set new standards for
performance, power efficiency and programmability in the embedded multicore
space.
The signature member of Freescale's new QorIQ product line, the P4080 multicore
processor is based on 45-nm process technology. It integrates enhanced Power
Architecture cores, a tri-level cache hierarchy, innovative CoreNet on-chip
fabric and datapath acceleration to deliver exceptional performance within a 30W
maximum power envelope.
The QorIQ P4080 provides concurrent handling of control-plane, data-plane and
application layer processing tasks. It is ideal for applications such as
switches, enterprise and service provider routers, access and media gateways,
base station controllers, radio network controllers (RNCs), and general-purpose
embedded computing systems in the networking, telecom, industrial, military and
aerospace markets.
Overall performance is enhanced via a Datapath Acceleration Architecture (DPAA)
that simultaneously provides high networking performance and reduces software
complexity. The acceleration architecture works in concert with the cores to
manage packet routing, security, quality-of-service and deep packet inspection
-- freeing the cores to focus on value-added services and application
processing. The CoreNet fabric also boosts performance by eliminating bus
contention, bottlenecks and latency issues associated with shared bus/shared
memory architectures that are common in other multicore approaches.
The QorIQ P4080 features an array of high-speed I/O technologies including dual
10-Gbps Ethernet (XAUI) controllers, eight 1-Gbps Ethernet (SGMII) controllers,
three PCI Express v2.0 controllers/ports running at up to 5GHz and two serial
RapidIO 1.2 controllers/ports running at up to 3.125GHz.
The QorIQ P4080 processor is scheduled to begin sampling in mid-2009.
Freescale Introduces Flexis AC Family for Large Appliance Market
Freescale has introduced a scalable microcontroller family designed to help
engineers cut through the noise in large appliance and industrial applications.
The Flexis AC family features 8-bit devices (MC9S08AC128/96/60/48/32) and 32-bit
V1 ColdFire MCUs (MCF51AC256/128) designed to provide exceptional EMC/EMI
performance and an array of on-chip peripherals to help reduce component count,
system complexity and overall system cost. As the third member of Freescale's
Flexis series of 8- to 32-bit pin-, peripheral- and software-compatible MCUs,
the AC family offers an upward migration path from existing Freescale 8-bit
MC9S08AW products.
The Flexis AC devices' EMC/EMI performance at 5V enables designers to create
cost-effective and electromagnetically quieter systems by reducing the number of
required external components for their applications.
To help enable basic to advanced motor control, the Flexis AC devices feature
three time/pulse-width modulators (TPM) on the 8-bit S08AC128/96 devices and an
advanced 16-bit FlexTimer module on the 32-bit MCF51AC256/128 ColdFire MCUs
designed to simplify the control of complex solutions.
The ColdFire V1 devices offer the performance and peripherals to handle
sophisticated motor control algorithms while simultaneously driving touch-screen
user interfaces based on Freescale's proximity sensing software. As a result,
developers need only one 32-bit Flexis MCU to drive the entire appliance
application, which helps reduce component count, system cost and time to market.
The ColdFire MCUs also feature a CAN bus for network connectivity and the
ability to synchronize the ADC and the FlexTimer module.
To enhance system integrity, security and reliability, the Flexis AC MCUs
integrate a wide range of hardware and software system protection features.
These safety features help manufacturers of automatic controls used in large
appliance and industrial equipment comply with key regulations, such as the IEC
60730 class B regulation for safe, reliable operation of electronic controls in
household appliances. Additional features, such as active power-on reset,
low-voltage detection and low-voltage warning, help protect against system
failure caused by brownouts.
Samples of the Flexis AC devices are available now. Suggested resale pricing (USD)
for the S08AC128 in 10,000 quantities starts at $2.48, and the MCF51AC256 starts
at $3.54 in 10,000 quantities.
Freescale and Altera Deliver Soft ColdFire Cores on FPGAs
To address the market need for highly custom semiconductor solutions, Freescale
is introducing the first FPGA implementation of the 32-bit V1 ColdFire core on
the Altera Cyclone III family of FPGAs. IPextreme, a semiconductor intellectual
property licensing specialist, will license the V1 core to Cyclone III customers
free of charge through its online Core Store marketplace.
The V1 ColdFire core license provides a flexible, cost-effective solution for
engineers whose design challenges cannot be addressed by standard embedded
processors and system-on-chip (SOC) devices. For example, an engineer may
require additional custom logic or extra communications channels to complement
what is available on a standard product. The V1 core is delivered as an Altera
SOPC Builder compatible core, making it easy for hardware engineers to create
system designs quickly by leveraging other SOPC Builder peripherals.
Hardware designers will use the Altera Quartus II design software and the SOPC
Builder tool to create and integrate custom logic. Embedded software developers
will be able to use the standard ColdFire development tools, including the
CodeWarrior software suite, to create applications. IPextreme will provide
support to customers using the V1 core on Cyclone III FPGAs.
The complimentary V1 ColdFire core for Altera's Cyclone III FPGA is planned to
be available in the third quarter of 2008. IPextreme will license and support
the V1 ColdFire core to Altera customers through the Core Store. Demonstration
boards and reference designs with working examples for V1 core-based Altera FPGA
solutions also are expected to be available in the third quarter.
Microchip Technology Introduces Lowest-Cost USB PIC MCUs
Microchip announced a new family of 8-bit PIC microcontrollers for USB
applications. The PIC18F13K50 and PIC18F14K50 (PIC18F1XK50) are the lowest-cost
USB MCUs from Microchip, and provide a host of features not normally found on
inexpensive 8-bit MCUs, enabling the addition of embedded USB into a wide range
of applications. The new devices are supported by Microchip’s free USB software
stack and the free MPLAB IDE Integrated Development Environment.
The PIC18F1XK50 MCUs include a host of serial communications interfaces, such as
USB 2.0, I2CTM, SPI and USART. This enables them to transfer data between USB
and other embedded serial networks. Additionally, they provide a 10-bit,
9-channel ADC and dual comparators with S/R Latch, giving users the capability
to process a variety of environmental inputs.
Additional features on the PIC18F1XK50 MCUs include a USB host-detection
capability, whereby the MCU can be configured to enter SLEEP or any other
power-managed mode when a USB connection is not present. The new MCUs also can
be clocked internally or externally with seamless on-the-fly switching, bringing
further power savings. Furthermore, with an operating voltage range of 1.8 to
5.5V, the MCUs are designed for use in a wide variety of operating environments
and power supplies, including batteries, USB interfaces or other power sources.
The PIC18F13K50 has 8 KB Flash and 512 Bytes of RAM memory, whereas the
PIC18F14K50 has 16 KB Flash and 768 Bytes of RAM. Both devices have 256 Bytes of
EEPROM for non-volatile data storage. Low-power options are available for both
devices (PIC18LF1XK50) offering 1.8 to 3.6V operation, with reduced power
consumption.
The PIC18F1XK50 MCUs are all available in 20-pin SSOP, SOIC, PDIP and 5 x 5 mm
QFN packages. The PIC18F13K50 and PIC18LF13K50 MCUs are priced at $1.32 each, in
10,000-unit quantities; the PIC18F14K50 and PIC18LF14K50 MCUs at $1.46 each, in
10,000-unit quantities. Higher-volume pricing is below $1.00, depending upon
quantity.
Limited sampling is available now, and volume production is scheduled for
calendar Q3 2008.
The HI-TECH C PRO for the PIC32 MCU Family ANSI C compiler is currently
scheduled for release on July 23rd 2008. The HI-TECH C PRO for the
PIC32 MCU Family will become part of the PICC Enterprise Edition package when it
is released.
Owners of the Hi-Tech PIC Enterprise edition package can receive the PIC32
for free prior to July23rd. The current Enterprise edition consists of the PICC
compiler for the PIC10/12/14/16/17 series, the PICC-18 PRO compiler for all
members of the PIC18 series, and the dsPICC compiler for all dsPIC digital
signal controllers and PIC24 microcontrollers.
To receive the new PIC32 compiler for FREE, you must:
- Purchase the current PICC Enterprise Edition before the release date of
the new compiler; or
- Have an active HI-TECH Priority Access (HPA) maintenance contract active
for your PICC Enterprise Edition before the release date of the new compiler.
PICC Enterprise Edition: HI-TECH Owner's Privilege - US $2,795
Current owners of any HI-TECH C compilers are eligible to purchase the PICC
Enterprise Edition at the reduced HI-TECH Owner's Privilege price of US $2,795.
You can save US $1,200 by purchasing the PICC Enterprise Edition before the
HI-TECH C PRO for the PIC32 MCU Family is included in the package, at which time
the price will be US $3,995.
HI-TECH Priority Access for PICC Enterprise Edition - US $800
If you already own the PICC Enterprise Edition, you can receive the new addition
of the HI-TECH C PRO for the PIC32 MCU Family for free by ensuring you have HPA
maintenance for your Enterprise Edition, prior to the release of the new
compiler. With Hi-Tech's current 2-for-1 promotion you can get 2 years of
maintenance for the price of one.
Contact us if you would like to take advantage of
this offer.
Renesas
Releases 10 New H8SX Models in Four Groups
Renesas Technology announced a total of 10 models (15 type names) in four groups
-- designated H8SX/1645, H8SX/1635, H8SX/1665, and H8SX/1655 -- featuring
enhanced analog peripheral functions, including faster A/D conversion and
higher-precision D/A conversion, in the 32-bit CISC microcontroller H8SX Family.
Sample shipments will begin in September 2008 sequentially in Japan.
These four groups are successors to Renesas' current H8SX/1648, H8SX/1638,
H8SX/1668R, and H8SX/1658R products, and offer enhanced analog peripheral
functions while maintaining pin compatibility with these groups. The addition of
this new group lineup will enable the H8SX Family to meet a variety of needs in
a wide range of application areas, including PC and OA devices, digital consumer
products, and industrial equipment.
The 10-bit A/D converter features an approximately 2.7-fold increase in
conversion speed over previous Renesas products, while the D/A converter
precision has been increased from 8 bits to 10 bits.
Pin functions are compatible with current products, and peripheral function
specifications also maintain compatibility with current products, making it
possible for users to utilize hardware and software assets developed for
existing products.
Also, a surface mount type small-package LGA is available in addition to the
same kind of LQFP packages (144-pin and 120-pin) as used for current products.
The LGA has a package size of 9 mm x 9 mm, enabling the mounting area to be
reduced to approximately 20% of the size of a 144-pin LQFP (20 mm x 20 mm).
A maximum of 512 Kbytes of on-chip flash memory are included, with 1-cycle
access capability at a 50 MHz maximum operating frequency. As with current
products, a comprehensive set of on-chip peripheral functions is provided that
includes a programmable pulse generator capable of pulse output operation in
cooperation with a 16-bit timer pulse unit, a multi-channel serial communication
interface (SCI), and an I2 C bus interface.
The H8SX/1665 and H8SX/1655 groups also include a USB 2.0 Function (Full Speed)
and EXDMA controller necessary for PC and OA devices and network products. The
EXDMA controller is an external bus based data transfer function capable of
operating in parallel with internal bus data transfers, enabling highly
efficient data transfers to be achieved. Use of the EXDMA controller enables a
QVGA size image, for example, to be displayed on an LCD panel, allowing
application to touch panel LCD operating screen displays in industrial
equipment.
Future plans include the development of products incorporating a low-voltage
detection circuit (LVD) and power-on reset function (POR), as well as products
with enhanced communication functions.
ST Announces 32-bit
Power Architecture MCUs
STMicroelectronics has announced its first four microcontrollers in four new
Power Architecture families, enabling integrators to use the 32-bit MCU core
throughout powertrain, car body, chassis and safety, and instrumentation
systems. The new devices will support advanced functions, enable improved
vehicle performance and economy, and deliver savings in development by promoting
hardware and software reuse. All four products are available for immediate
sampling.
The devices combine the scalable e200-core 32-bit Power Architecture with an
application-optimized peripheral set and plentiful embedded Flash memory.
Advanced 90nm fabrication enables a high-performance, cost-effective solution.
The MCU families are the product of ST's joint-development program with
Freescale Semiconductor. As the first true dual-source 32-bit microcontrollers
serving the automotive marketplace, these devices increase security of delivery
for OEMs.
For engine-management and powertrain applications, ST has introduced the SPC563M
family, optimized to control robotized transmission systems or 4-cylinder
gasoline engines and featuring on-chip memories with up to 1.5 Mbytes of
embedded Flash. With a dedicated coprocessor to offload CPU and integrated DSP
capability, SPC563M devices enable tight emissions controls. Overall system cost
savings are achieved thanks to a wide range of enhancements, such as
knock-detection integration and very high I/O availability in QFP packages. The
first available product is the SPC563M60 with 1 Mbyte of Flash, available in
QFP144 and BGA208 packages with future extensions in QFP100 and QFP176 packages.
The SPC560B family features a memory range from 128 Kbytes to 2 Mbytes of Flash.
The devices include a high-resolution ADC for sensorless positioning, a hardware
module to generate control signals for multiple power devices such as lamp
drivers, sophisticated power-saving modes and a large number of communication
interfaces. The devices support robust EEPROM emulation techniques, leading to
further cost-saving potential. The first available product is the SPC560B50,
which carries 512 Kbytes of Flash and is available in LQFP100 and LQFP144
package configurations. The complete family offers packages from LQFP64 to
LQFP176.
The SPC560P family focuses on applications in the chassis and safety area. As
the first device in this family, the SPC560P50 comes with 512 Kbytes of Flash
memory and features high serial connectivity, integrated safety features, and
DMA and CRC units to allow efficient and safe processing of data as required in
complex airbag systems. This device is now available in a choice of LQFP144 or
LQFP100 packages with future extensions in smaller packages. In addition, an
advanced motor-control unit, supporting field-oriented 3-phase motor control and
requiring no CPU intervention, supports the increasing numbers of in-vehicle
systems featuring electric motors. To aid development of next-generation
networked chassis systems, the SPC560P range also includes a dual-channel
FlexRay controller.
The fourth family, the SPC560S, covers the full range of instrument cluster
applications, including the growing market for TFT-display dashboards. The first
family member is the SPC560S60, which features a four-plane Display Control Unit
with on-chip graphical memories. This MCU successfully enables a single-chip
solution for systems typically demanding four or more individual components. All
devices of the family will also offer a standard peripherals set, such as analog
gauge drivers with zero position detection and diagnostic, LCD interfaces and
sound channels. The on-chip graphics memory can be extended with external
components thanks to a low pin-count quad-SPI interface. The device is announced
in LQFP144 and LQFP176 and will be available in the future with wider memory and
package options as well as further enhanced graphical processing capabilities.
All of the new families are designed from the outset to support the latest
automotive standards, including the AUTOSAR open-systems architecture and
FlexRay high-performance vehicle networking. Modern power-management techniques
are also catered for including direct standby-power management, which saves an
additional secondary controller and thereby delivers further cost, power
consumption and size savings.
ST Introduces STM8S
8-bit Microcontrollers
STMicroelectronics has added new 8-bit MCUs using its next-generation STM8 core,
by introducing the STM8S family specified for the industrial temperature range.
The new MCUs combine the core's high speed, performance and code efficiency with
versatile peripherals, including a number of specific features for robustness
and reliability. Integrated memory, including true EEPROM, simplifies emulation.
The STM8S family lowers system cost and development time and increases
performance in industrial and appliance applications.
The 8-bit STM8 core has a 32-bit memory interface and three-stage pipeline,
achieving 20 MIPS peak processing performance at 24MHz. A stack pointer and
16-bit index registers enhance manipulation of tables, and the core's 16 Mbytes
of linear memory address space streamline paging operations above 64Kbytes. In
addition, improvements to stack-pointer operations, supplemental addressing
modes and new instructions boost support for C programming and real-time
performance to increase code density and processor efficiency.
Alongside the advantages of the STM8 core, the STM8S family includes large
on-chip Flash memory with variants from 4 Kbytes to 128 Kbytes. The integrated
EEPROM delivers performance comparable to external EEPROM, with real-time
read-while-write capability and minimum 300,000 write-cycle durability.
Developers using the STM8S family can take advantage of software and
package-in-package compatibility within the family, as well as peripheral
compatibility throughout ST's MCU families, including the 32-bit STM32 series.
Other integrated features save footprint and component count in industrial
applications, including an accurate internal 16MHz RC oscillator, Power On Reset
(POR) and Brown-Out Reset (BOR), and high current-injection immunity.
In addition to specific features for reliability and robustness, such as dual
independent watchdogs, a clock security system, complementary copy of
configuration option bytes, and EMS reset, the STM8S family also includes
in-application programming and in-circuit programming, as well as single-wire
debug. In addition, four low-power modes help developers implement responsive
power management schemes. The supply voltage range from 3.0V to 5.5V also
simplifies development and eases upgrading of legacy designs.
The STM8S family is available in a wide range of package styles including 32-pin
to 80-pin LQFPs, 20-pin to 48-pin QFNs and a 20-pin TSSOP. Prices begin at less
than $1.00 in the LQFP32 package with 32 Kbytes of on-chip Flash, in quantities
of 10,000 pieces. The STM8S family is currently sampling to lead customers --
wider sample availability will follow shortly.
TI's new MSP430F5xx MCUs Achieve Lowest Active Power Consumption
Texas Instruments announced a breakthrough generation of ultra-low power MSP430
microcontrollers, offering the lowest power consumption for devices that can
provide up to 25 MHz peak performance, increased Flash and RAM memory and
integrated peripherals such as radio frequency (RF), USB, encryption and LCD
interfaces. With as low as 160 uA/MHz active power consumption and 1.5 uA in
standby, MSP430F5xx MCUs enable longer battery life and the ability to use
smaller batteries for portable applications, or no batteries at all for
energy-harvesting systems that run off of solar power, vibration energy or human
body temperature.
Increased memory and integrated peripherals like RF, USB, encryption and LCD
interfaces allow designers to add functionally needed to advance fields like
personal medical, home automation, human interface control, automated meter
reading (AMR), portable instrumentation, sensors, consumer electronics and
security. Development tools, collateral, third-party support, training and
university programs facilitate ease of use and shorten time to market.
With more than 50 percent more processing performance and double the Flash and
RAM memory of previous 1xx, 2xx or 4xx generations, the F5xx devices help
systems perform demanding tasks while operating from very limited power sources.
A wake-up time of less than 5 microseconds with full status retention from both
standby and sleep modes provides full performance on demand and instant reaction
to events like external interrupts. Multi-channel DMA permits data exchange with
peripherals while the core remains in low-power modes.
A true 32-bit real-time clock with an alarm requires just 1.5 uA of standby
current, enabling batteries to operate without servicing for 20 years or longer.
A new, cutting-edge power management module offers flexibility to choose the
optimum core voltage dynamically for lowest power vs. performance requirements
while enabling accurate power-on-reset and supply voltage supervision with
monitoring. A unified clock system offers a selection of clocks to achieve the
right mix of power and precision, including an option for operation without a
crystal.
Intelligent, high-performance digital and analog peripherals consume no power
when not in operation, and future F5xx devices will include peripherals such as
RF, USB, encryption and LCD interfaces. A new high-resolution timer will offer
advanced processing capabilities to enable applications like voice-activated
home security systems. Up to 1 MB of linear memory mapping enables robust user
interfaces, as well as applications for ZigBee and other low-power RF sensor
networks.
F54xx devices offer up to 16 kilobytes of RAM and up to 256 KB Flash, doubling
Flash and RAM available on previous MSP430F2xx, F1xx and F4xx devices. The new
devices offer read/erase/write capability down to 1.8 V. For applications based
on two AAA batteries, Flash write is possible down to the battery end-of-life
voltage of 0.9 V for each battery.
The MSP430F5xx generation is 100 percent instruction set compatible with
earlier-generation MSP430 devices. MSP430F5438IPZ devices are sampling now and
MSP430F5437IPN, F5436IPZ, F5435IPN, F5419IPZ and F5418IPN will be released in
August 2008, with additional F5xx introductions scheduled for the coming months.
Package options include both 80- and 100-pin TQFPs -- the latter with additional
general-purpose I/Os.
Winbond
Releases W79E8213 8-bit Controllers
Winbond is introducing new versions of the W79E8213 8-bit controllers. W79E8213
feature the Winbond 8051 core, which is capable of executing a single command in
4 clock cycles. It has a built-in 4K flash memory and is highly integrated with
peripheral functions (e.g. 10-bit ADC, Buzzer, PWM, and internal restoration).
The key features include fast execution, high noise immunity, and stability.
They are all suitable for common embedded applications that require high
performance in small packages.
The product's design calls for a small package that contains sufficient I/O and
memory capacity for the desired application. Unique solutions can be used with
this series of products such as power controller, motor controller, air
conditioner, and treadmill machines. In-circuit programming functions can be
used to directly program and update the system while it is still online.
Zilog
Introduces Enhanced Zatara ARM9-Based ASSP
Zilog has added a new product to its Zatara family of ARM9-based ASSPs for
secure transactions. Offering the very latest PCI PED certification, the new
product offers customers more design flexibility, and meets the needs of those
customers who require a more integrated security system. It also showcases a new
on-chip Dual-Role USB OTG controller and several new security enhancements that
strengthen the overall security system against tampering and other attacks.
The new Zatara ZA9L1 ASSP, as it has been designated, is an ARM9-based, 32-bit
RISC SoC solution designed for a variety of security-critical applications,
including payment, identity, healthcare, access control, e-government, and
e-administration.
All of Zilog's Zatara ASSPs are EMV and PCI PED pre-certified for point-of-sale
applications, helping customers streamline the system certification process.
The new Dual-Role USB OTG cuts the time it takes for developers to design
trusted devices. It eliminates the need for an external USB controller. The
reduced external component count cuts total system costs, reduces power
consumption, and streamlines time-to-market.
Since the Zatara ASSP is based on ARM core technology, designers can fully take
advantage of a wide variety of tools and third-party support available for
ARM-based architectures.
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 2008 by
MicroController Pros Corporation
visit our web
http://www.ucpros.com
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