Four new 8-bit MCUs with integrated LCD controller simplify smart electricity meter designs

Gleichmann Electronics broadens its product portfolio with four new 8-bit All Flash microcontrollers from NEC Electronics, which are specifically designed for single-phase and two-phase electricity meters.
Depending on the version, microcontrollers of the 78K0/Lx3-M series come in a 64-pin or 100-pin low-profile quad flat package (LQFP) and offer many integrated analog and digital peripherals including a high-precision 24-bit ΔΣ A/D converter and special measurement and processing units for calculation of active and reactive power as well as apparent power. In addition, the device offers detection of SAG, power outages and peaks.

The innovative flash technology, with integrated mechanisms for protection against erasure, overwrite or readout, ensure a high level of security of the power usage data.

With help of the LCD controller, which is also integrated on the microcontroller, between 96 and 160 segments can be driven depending on the MCU version. Furthermore, up to 2 KB of RAM and 60 KB flash are available to the user. In addition, by means of various serial interfaces, microcontrollers of the 78K0/Lx3‑M series are able to exchange data with communication subsystems.

Samples of the new microcontrollers are scheduled for availability in the first quarter of 2010. Mass production is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2010.