MCUs require 3µA for continuous sensor listening

The LPC54100 series requires just 3µA for continuous sensor listening, and includes a 12-bit, 4.8Msps ADC capable of full-spec performance at the full voltage range (1.62-3.6V), allowing the MCU series to offer the lowest power consumption for sensor processing than any other MCU in its class. The series targets markets including mobile, wearables, industrial applications, gaming, or other use cases that require long battery life as a key driver to enhance the end-user experience.

An asymmetric dual-core architecture enables developers to optimise power efficiency by using the 55µA/MHz Cortex-M0+ core for sensor data collection, aggregation and external communications, or the 100µA/MHz Cortex-M4F core to execute mathematics-intensive algorithms, such as motion sensor fusion, more quickly whilst saving power.

“The advanced features appearing in mobile devices today such as context-, location- and environment-awareness, and even voice activation, are made possible by the growing number of ‘always-on’ sensors,” commented Jim Trent, Vice President and General Manager, MCU Business Line, NXP Semiconductors. “In the near future, other industries will make similar strides by requiring mobile phone product features to enhance their customer’s experience. Today, many older MCU sensor-processing architectures are just too power hungry or do not scale efficiently as the number of sensors increase. The LPC54100 series enables any industry to benefit from the smarter, more user-centric experience that sensors can bring.”

In partnership with Bosch Sensortec, NXP offers a sensor processing/motion ‘application-in-a-box’, combining an LPC54102 MCU, nine sensors, including Bosch Sensortec’s motion and pressure sensors and sensor fusion middleware and NXP’s LPCXpresso development platform and support. The solution enables embedded developers to bring sensor-based designs to market quickly and enhance next-gen products by incorporating motion and other sensor-based features.

“This is a great time for sensors and sensor-enabled products,” added Stefan Finkbeiner, CEO, Bosch Sensortec. “We have worked diligently with NXP on their sensor processing/motion solution to provide an integrated development platform to make it easy for customers to create and validate their new sensor-based designs.”

The LPC54100 series will be available in 3.2x3.2mm WLCSP49 and 10x10mm LQFP64 packages in early 2015, with pricing starting at $1.99 in 10,000 unit quantities. The Sensor Processing/Motion Solution and LPCXpresso evaluation board are available now.