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Welcome to the July 2008 edition of MicroController
Pros Corporation's Embedded News Digest, your source for microcontroller and
embedded system news.
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This month's issue:
Atmel Corporation has announced the availability of a new family of AVR 8-bit
microcontrollers for LIN Automotive networking applications. The ATtiny167 is
the first device and is optimized for LIN slave applications. It will be
qualified to AECQ-100 grade 0 and sustain ambient temperatures of up to 150
degrees Celsius. Combined with a LIN transceiver such as ATA662x or ATA666x, it
brings a complete solution for sensors in a gearbox, exhaust gas system, pumps
or turbo.
The ATtiny167 includes a hardware LIN UART with automatic baud rate
synchronization in slave mode. A frame processing request consists of only two
interrupts: one for LIN identifier available and one for transmit or receive
completed. Thanks to the collaboration with Mentor Graphics, a complete hardware
and LIN software networking solution is available.
With integrated hardware routines, the code size for LIN is reduced to about 1
Kbyte of Flash, leaving about 15 Kbytes of Flash to the user application.
Automatic synchronization is performed on each entering frame without calling
for any CPU resources, and Interrupt generation is limited to the extreme
minimum so as not to jeopardize the real-time capability of the application.
Samples for the ATtiny167 are available now. Packages are available in a 20-pin
SOIC, 20-Pin TSSOP and 32-pin QFN. The ATtiny167 will be qualified at 125
degrees Celsius in all packages, and 150 degrees Celsius in QFN and TSSOP
packages. It will be available for volume production in December 2008. Prices
start at $1.48 in 10,000 quantities for the 125 degrees qualified version. The
ATtiny87 and ATtiny327, with 8 Kbytes and 32 Kbytes Flash respectively, will be
introduced later this year.
Freescale Semiconductor has introduced the MPC8640D -- a lower-power, lower-cost
version of the MPC8641D dual-core processor. The device is available in single-
and dual-core versions and is ideal for networking, telecom, pervasive
computing, aerospace and defense applications.
The MPC8640D enables customers to utilize high-performance e600 Power
Architecture cores and AltiVec 128-bit vector processing at lower price points
and power requirements. The MPC8640D processor runs at 1.0/1.25 GHz per core
while consuming up to 27 percent less power and costing up to 37 percent less
than its MPC8641D predecessor.
The MPC8640D processor features software, package and pin-for-pin compatibility
with the MPC8641D processor. It is also compatible with Freescale's forthcoming
QorIQ devices, and Freescale simplifies development via an available MPC8641D
development platform which comes with a Linux board support package (BSP).
The highly integrated MPC8640D processor incorporates two e600 cores each with 1
MB of L2 cache. Each core also features the 128-bit AltiVec vector processing
engine.
High-speed I/O connectivity is delivered via an integrated DDR1/DDR2 memory
controller, dual PCI Express and RapidIO controllers and quad Ethernet
controllers. With dual-core performance as well as integrated northbridge and
southbridge functionality, this single chip can replace what could take up to
four chips using typical solutions. Additionally, all core-to-peripheral
connections are internal, so board designers avoid difficulties related to
laying out high-speed parallel buses.
A standard junction temperature range of 0 to 105 degrees C is now qualified and
the extended temperature range of -40 to -105 degrees C is expected to follow
soon.
The dual-core version of the MPC8640D (MC8640DVU1000HC) is available at a
suggested retail price of $120 in 10K quantities, and the single-core version
(MC8640HX1000HC) is available at a suggested retail price of $90 in 10K
quantities. The MPC8641D Reference Design Board (MCEVALHPCN-8641D) is available
at a suggested retail price of at $3,999.
Infineon Technologies has introduced a new family of highly-integrated
next-generation transmitter ICs for wireless control applications. All members
of the new SmartLEWIS MCU PMA71xx family include an ASK/FSK multi-band
transmitter for the sub-1GHz ISM frequency bands, with an 8051 microcontroller
enhanced with specific embedded mixed-signal peripherals.
With the SmartLEWIS MCU family inside, remote controls are able to use RF
technology instead of today's IR transmission, overcoming the disadvantage of
line-of-sight communication. In addition, RF-based applications benefit from an
extended range of more than 50 meters, compared to only a few meters for IR
technology. The PMA71xx products are the world's first multi-band transmitters,
covering four ISM frequency bands (315 MHz, 434 MHz, 868 MHz and 915 MHz) on a
single chip.
In addition to an 8051 microcontroller with 6 kBytes of flash memory and 10
GPIOs, all members of the SmartLEWIS MCU family integrate an RF-transmitter
consisting of an integer N PLL synthesizer and a high-efficiency power amplifier
with selectable output power.
The embedded multi-channel 10-bit ADC includes flexible high-gain settings and
can be used as an interface for a broad variety of analog sensors, such as
pressure, temperature or humidity sensors. The integrated 125 kHz low-frequency
receiver enables wireless wake-up in battery-operated applications and
contactless device configuration. The family's peripherals include a data format
encoder/decoder, a 16-bit CRC generator/checker, a pseudo random number
generator, and several timers. An associated firmware function library provides
powerful functions, such as AES encryption. This firmware is located in an
on-chip ROM saving valuable flash memory.
All family members are designed for the lowest current consumption with a
typical value of only 500 nA in power-down mode, and they include an advanced
power control system for to help better preserve the life of the battery. The
operating temperature range is in accordance with industrial market requirements
from -40 to +85 degrees C.
The SmartLEWIS MCU family today includes four products. Each product is designed
particularly for wireless control applications, such as home automation,
security and alarm systems, home entertainment products, and automatic meter
reading systems.
PMA7105 was developed for use in RF remote controls and digital sensor-based
systems. PMA7106 targets wireless sensor applications using analog sensors
connected to an extra 3-channel 10-bit ADC with flexible gain settings and
differential inputs. PMA7107 features an additional 125 kHz LF receiver for
applications requiring wireless wake-up or contactless device configuration such
as active tagging. PMA7110 was developed for use in sophisticated wireless
systems that require a 10-bit ADC and LF receiver.
Samples of devices in the SmartLEWIS MCU family are available with volume
production scheduled for July 2008. Sample pricing for PMA7105 is Euro 1.55 (USD
2.40). For design support, Infineon offers a software application framework, a
software function library and a quick-start development kit with USB interface
and rechargeable battery.
Intel has outlined a plan to usher in a new category of highly integrated,
purpose-built and Web-savvy System on Chip (SoC) designs and products. The first
eight such products were announced under the Intel EP80579 Integrated Processor
family for security, storage, communications, and industrial robotics.
For the first time, Intel is creating several of these smarter SoC chip designs
based on the same blueprint as their existing processors that run the bulk of
the Internet, called Intel architecture (IA).
Four of the eight new smart SoC Intel EP80579 Integrated Processor products
include Intel QuickAssist Technology that simplifies the use and deployment of
security and packet accelerators in Intel-based computers. Each SoC is based on
the Intel Pentium M processor, integrated memory controller hub, and a variety
of integrated communications and embedded I/O controllers. The smart SoC
versions with Intel QuickAssist Technology accelerate cryptographic and packet
processing for security appliances such as VPN gateways, firewalls, Unified
Threat Management, and enterprise voice applications such as VoIP and converged
access platforms.
HI-TECH has released its C PRO Compiler for the PIC32 MCU Family.
This ANSI C compiler featuring Omniscient Code Generation(TM) can boost
real-time performance by 25% or more, and can nearly double code density. The
HI-TECH C PRO is the only PIC32 compiler that optimizes stack and register
allocation across all code modules prior to generating the object code,
resulting in smaller code that generally executes more quickly and requires
smaller, less expensive flash memory for storage.
If you already own a Hi-Tech compiler, you can now get the PIC32 version at a
20% discount from the already reduced US$1595.00 introductory price.
Pricing will increase to US$1895 in September. Hi-Tech compiler owners can also
upgrade to the Hi-Tech PIC Enterprise edition, which includes the PIC 32 PRO
compiler, PIC18 Pro compiler, and compilers for PIC10/12/14/16/17 series, PIC24
and dsPIC. The owner's price for the Enterprise edition is US$3195.00 (regular
$3995.00).
Email
sales@microcontrollershop.com if you wish to purchase the PIC32 compiler or
Enterprise Edition at the reduced owner's price.
NEC Electronics America has expanded its lineup of low-power 32-bit
V850ES/Jx3 All Flash microcontrollers with the new V850ES/Jx3-L MCUs, which
consume only 0.9 mW of power per Dhrystone MIPS during active operation, and as
little as 1.5 microamperes in standby mode.
In addition to the V850ES RISC CPU core and a highly efficient pipeline
architecture that executes up to 43 DMIPS (1.1) at clock speeds ranging from 5
to 20 MHz, the V850ES/Jx3-L MCUs offer flash memory capacities of 128 or 256 KB,
embedded RAM up to 16 KB, operating voltages from 2.2V to 3.6V and an I/O
tolerance of 5V. The new MCUs also feature enhanced, integrated DSP capability,
including divide/multiply functions for high-end applications such as motor
control and metering.
To further reduce component count and system cost, the MCUs include up to three
UART channels, three I2C channels or five Clock Serial Interface channels, a
built-in CRC circuit, an advanced hardware multiplier for fast execution of
algorithms, and an external bus interface that supports expanded memory. One
channel of 16-bit watchdog timer with a dedicated internal oscillator, a watch
timer, up to 12 channels of 10-bit A/D conversion, up to two channels of 8-bit
D/A conversion, a DMA controller with four independent DMA channels, a two-level
low-voltage detector, a real-time output port and an on-chip debugging circuit
with interrupt functionality complete the MCUs' highly integrated, highly
efficient design.
The MCUs are available in 80- and 100-pin LQFP packages. The 80-pin LQFP is
available in standard 14 x 14 mm or 12 x 12 mm sizes that further contribute to
miniaturization in portable equipment. The 100-pin LQFP is available in
fine-pitch 14 x 14 mm or 14 x 20 mm versions.
Pricing varies according to memory configurations. For example, the 100-pin
V850ES/JG3-L MCU with 256KB of flash memory and 16KB RAM is $6.00 each in sample
quantities. Dedicated starter kits are expected to be available in summer 2008
from NEC Electronics America. Mass production of the 100-pin version is
scheduled for the end of July 2008.
NEC Electronics America has introduced 22 new 16-bit All Flash MCUs for
compact, low-power, battery-operated and sensor-enabled systems. Based on the
78K0R CPU core, the new 78K0R/Kx3-L MCUs offer very low power consumption to
extend battery life, and more on-chip integration to help reduce the size and
cost of battery-driven and sensor-enabled systems. In addition to low power
consumption, the new lineup offers high-performance on-chip oscillators,
built-in circuits for sensor functions and extended system operating time.
By optimizing the power management circuitry, NEC has reduced standby power
consumption in these new devices (when only the real-time clock functions are
operational) by 60 percent, from an average of 2.4 uA to 1.0 uA. Likewise, power
consumption at a clock speed of 10 MHz has been reduced by 10 percent, from 3.9
to 3.5 mA, and a clock speed of 20 MHz by 20 percent, from 8.2 to 6.5 mA. The
new MCUs also offer a high power/performance ratio of 1.5 mW per MIPS (Dhrystone
1.1).
Three on-chip oscillator circuits are able to generate three separate operating
frequencies, one at the power-saving clock speed of 1 MHz, another at the
high-performance clock speed of 20 MHz, and a third at the conventional clock
speed of 8 MHz, allowing users to select the most optimal operating frequency
for a given application. An error rate of one percent at clock frequencies of 8
and 20 MHz eliminates the need to add an external oscillator for asynchronous
data transfers, which demand high performance.
An optimized 12-channel, 10-bit A/D converter circuit improves the time it takes
to convert analog input into digital output, thereby reducing signal conversion
time from 6 to 3 microseconds -- 50 percent faster than conventional products.
Further, the addition of one internal operational amplifier channel and two
internal comparator channels, in lieu of externally mounted peripherals, allows
a wide range of analog data to be measured at low cost.
The 78K0R/Kx3-L MCUs also include a built-in dedicated booster circuit that
reduces operating voltage during flash programming from 2.7 to 1.8 V and extends
operating time in the end system.
Samples of the 78K0R/Kx3-L MCUs are expected to begin shipping in August 2008.
Pricing will vary depending on memory, package and pin configurations. For
example, pricing for the 78K0R/KE3-L MCU with 64 KB of flash memory, 3 KB of
RAM, and a 64-pin FPBGA package is US$4.50 each in sample quantities. Volume
production of the 78K0R/KE3-L MCU is scheduled to begin at the end of 2008.
The SH72544R incorporates the high-performance SH-2A CPU core, which achieves
400 MIPS at 200 MHz and is optimal for real-time processing.
It includes 2.5 Mbytes on-chip flash memory and supports the increasingly
large-scale programs required for fine-grained high-level control. In addition,
it also includes a 128 KB EEPROM function area that allows data to be rewritten
during microcontroller operation. Since this obviates the need for the external
EEPROMs that were previously used, it can contribute to reduced costs in
application systems.
The chip's ATU-III advanced timer unit includes 32-bit input capture/output
compare, one-shot pulse output, PWM output, and other functions, and can provide
up to 106 pulse outputs. The 12-bit A/D converter features 37 input channels.
Communication interfaces include an automotive network CAN interface and
high-speed serial interfaces that can connect to external devices.
The SH72544R is provided in a 272-pin P-BGA package (21 x 21 mm) and is fully
pin compatible with the SH72546RFCC. The E10A-USB compact on-chip debugging
emulator, which is powered from the USB bus and thus requires no external power
supply, can be used as a development tool.
Renesas Technology has announced 14 new products in the M16C/5L and M16C/56
Groups, in the M16C/Tiny Series of 16-bit microcontrollers for automotive body
and chassis control applications. Sample shipments will begin in October 2008 in
Japan.
These new products are successors to MCUs in the M16C/28 Group and the M16C/29
Group with on-chip CAN controller. They offer enhanced functionality and
performance along with a full complement of on-chip peripheral functions to help
reduce overall system cost. The M16C/5L Group integrates an on-chip CAN
controller; the M16C/56 Group does not. Products in both groups are compatible
with earlier MCUs, providing a flexible path to system feature expansion or
version upgrades.
In addition, an M16C/5M Group is under development has an extension of the above
groups. It will increase the number of CAN channels, integrate a LIN interface
and convenient E2 data flash for data storage, and be available in three
packages (64-pin, 80-pin, and 100-pin LQFP) compatible with earlier MCU
products. A total of 16 product versions will be offered, and sample shipments
are scheduled for the third quarter of 2009.
The M16C/5L and M16C/56 Groups are built around the same M16C/60 CPU core as
earlier MCUs in the series. The maximum operating frequency for the two new
groups is 32 MHz, approximately 1.6 times as fast as the earlier MCUs. Two
packages are available: 64-pin and 80-pin, providing pin and peripheral function
compatibility.
All products in the M16C/5L and M16C/56 Groups have on-chip flash memory. The
80-pin package is available with 96 Kbytes, 128 Kbytes, or 256 Kbytes of flash
memory, and the 64-pin package is available with 64 Kbytes, 96 Kbytes, 128
Kbytes, or 256 Kbytes of flash memory. The maximum memory capacity of 256 Kbytes
is twice that of earlier MCUs in the series. The M16C/5L and M16C/56 Groups
incorporate 16 Kbytes flash memory suitable for small-size program storage such
as flash rewriting. To help reduce the need for external memory, the new MCUs
include data flash (two blocks of 4 Kbytes each) for storing data that is rated
to withstand 10,000 rewrite cycles.
The number of DMA controller channels has been increased from two to four, and
other functions include a high-functionality watchdog timer that can operate
using a dedicated on-chip oscillator, a low-voltage detection function, and a
high-speed on-chip oscillator.
In addition to the above, the M16C/5L and M16C/56 Groups add a real-time clock
capable of counting durations from one second to one week, and a task monitor
timer for managing task processing times. Other on-chip functions useful for
automotive control applications include timers for three-phase motor control;
timers with support for input capture, output compare, and PWM output; a serial
interface; a high-speed A/D converter; and a CAN controller (M16C/5L).
The M16C/5L and M16C/56 Groups also provide power-down (low-power-consumption)
operating modes. Lower power consumption than when operating with external clock
input can be achieved by making use of the high-speed or low-speed on-chip
oscillator. Furthermore, power consumption can be reduced by using the low-speed
modes, such as subclock or wait mode. These modes provide the low-power
operation required for automotive body applications.
To accommodate automotive requirements, the operating temperature range is -40
to +85 degrees C. High-temperature versions with a range of -40 to +125 degrees
C are also supported.
The Silicon Laboratories C8051F50x family of mixed-signal MCUs is the first
to integrate an ultra high-performance internal precision oscillator to support
both CAN and LIN communication networks without an external crystal or
resonator.
The C8051F50x family provides the highest functional density for automotive
applications by integrating a 50 MIPS core, up to 64 kB of high-endurance Flash,
four kB of RAM, 32-message buffer CAN 2.0B hardware controller and a hardware
LIN 2.0 controller in a 5 x 5 mm package, providing customers with the memory
and computational resources for real-time applications requiring CAN and LIN
software stacks. The internal precision oscillator provides an accuracy of
+/-0.5 percent across the entire temperature (-40 to +125 degrees C) and voltage
(1.8 to 5.25 V) range.
The integrated 12-bit, 200 ksps, 32-channel ADC has the highest signal-to-noise
ratio than any other integrated MCU device in this space, offering higher
precision and accuracy when simultaneous analog and digital processing is
required. Analog performance is further enhanced through the inclusion of a
precision voltage reference, typically not found on integrated solutions. The
programmable comparator can be dynamically re-mapped to different I/O pins
during run-time, providing a simple but powerful solution for motor commutation.
Additionally, the integrated temperature sensor provides an internal mechanism
for diagnostics and system calibration.
All members of the C8051F50x family are available now in 32-pin and 48-pin QFN
and QFP packages, and pricing begins at $1.87 in 10,000-piece quantities. The
full C8051F500DK development kit is available now for $99.00. The ToolStick502DC
is also available for $9.90 to be used in conjunction with the ToolStick base
adapter.
SST announced a new addition to its FlashFlex family of 8-bit
microcontrollers, the SST89C58RC. The new device is the industry's first
8051-based MCU to feature two system management buses (SMBus), each supporting
up to 400 Kbit per second data throughput, in a 6mm x 6mm QFN package. The
SST89C58RC supports operating voltages from 2.7V to 5.5V for implementation in
applications with a variety of power supply requirements.
The SST89C58RC comes with 1 KByte of on-chip RAM and up to 34 KBytes of embedded
SuperFlash memory. The SST89C58RC is now in production and is priced at $1.25
per unit in 10K unit quantities.
Texas Instruments has announced its lowest-cost digital media processor, the
TMS320DM335 device, for applications driven by advanced image capture and
display requirements. Powered by an ARM926EJ-STM core up to 270 MHz, the
DM335 digital media processor integrates a video processing subsystem so
developers can easily add high-definition video display at 720p on their new
class of portable applications.
The DM335 processor provides the benefits of greater than 25 percent cost
reduction than its predecessor, the TMS320DM355. The new digital media processor
is completely scalable with the DM355 processor and Digital Video Evaluation
Board (DVEVM), allowing customers to re-use both hardware and software designs
for their new DM335-focused projects.
The new DM335 device delivers a sophisticated suite of capabilities allowing for
flexible image capture and display. Through its user interface technology, such
as a four-level on-screen display, developers are able to create
picture-within-picture and video-within-video as well as innovative GUIs.
The DM335 processor supports CCD/CMOS image sensors, resize capability and video
analytics. The 1280 x 960 pixel digital LCD connection runs on a 75MHz pixel
clock and supports TV composite output.
The DM335 processor provides a simple migration path for the many TI customers
who are currently using the DM355 device and would like to expand their product
line to include applications that do not require video encode and decode. This
lower-cost alternative offers full code and hardware compatibility without
requiring additional investment in software engineering. The DM335 utilizes the
same suite of peripherals as the DM355, such as high speed USB 2.0 on-the-go,
external memory interface (EMIF), mobile DDR/DDR2, two SDIO ports, three UART
Ports, three SPI Ports and SLC/MCL NAND Flash memory support. In addition,
customers can leverage TI's HPA portable audio solutions including low-power
codecs like the TLV320AIC3104 and amplifiers, such as the TPA2016D2.
The TMS320DM335 digital media processor is now available for $10.48 in 100
units. The highly integrated device is packaged in a 13 x 13 mm, 329 pin, 0.65
mm pitch BGA.
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.
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