Micros
MCUs offer multiple independent, closed-loop power channels
The first PIC MCU family to offer up to two independent closed-loop channels, Microchip Technology has introduced the 8-bit PIC16(L)F1769 family. The multiple channels are enabled by a Programmable Ramp Generator (PRG), which automates slope and ramp compensation and increases stability and efficiencies in hybrid power conversion applications.
MCUs add secure boot & messaging capabilities
NXP Semiconductors has unveiled two MCU families, LPC18Sxx and LPC43Sxx, to help embedded developers secure application code and data messages in connected applications against threats such as theft and cloning. The MCUs add support for secure boot and messaging to the advanced control, high-speed connectivity, timing and flexible peripherals of the preceding series.
ARM Cortex-M0+ MCUs feature capacitive touch support
Atmel has launched its next-gen family of automotive-qualified ARM Cortex-M0+-based MCUs with an integrated peripheral touch controller for capacitive touch applications. The SAM DA1 is the first series in this automotive-qualified product family, operating at a maximum frequency of 48MHz and reaching 2.14Coremark/MHz.
8-bit MCU portfolio suits low power IoT applications
Silicon Labs has introduced the company’s next-gen 8-bit MCU portfolio designed for today’s low-power, small-footprint IoT applications. Silicon Labs’ EFM8 MCU family includes three lines of highly integrated, peripheral-rich MCUs optimised for exceptional price/performance value, low-power capacitive touch control and streamlined USB connectivity.
Ultra low power MCUs achieve 100DMIPS at 100µA/MHz
Targeting next-gen energy-conscious consumer, industrial, medical and metering applications, STMicroelectronics has combined its ultra low-power MCU technology with ARM Cortex-M4 know-how to create the STM32L4 series. The first two MCUs in the series, the STM32L476 and STM32L486, feature the 80MHz ARM Cortex-M4 core with DSP and FPU.
ARM Cortex-M0-based MCU is optimised for printers
Offering increased communication and timer functionality channels than its predecessor, Toshiba Electronics Europe has introduced the TMPM036FWFG ARM Cortex-M0-based MCU. The device is optimised for traditional and multi-function printers, as well as having potential applications in consumer electronics, digital devices and industrial machinery.
Root of trust addresses IoT security concerns
SoC solution provider eWBM has selected Elliptic Technologies’ tRoot technology, a future-proof secure hardware root of trust enabling unique identification and authentication, for their newest IoT chipsets. IoT devices with sensors, actuators and other data sources transfer information into aggregation points and gateways that can funnel through limitless paths with varied levels of complexity.
Kit demonstrates four common security/fire detectors
Renesas has announced the availability of its Detect it! solution kit. The Detect it! kit is designed for detector applications and provides ready to use demonstrators for the most typical detectors used in security and fire protection systems. Detect it! has four demonstrator hardware boards, a motion detector, smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector and a glass-break detector.
Lenovo smartphone utilises NXP's ultra-low-power MCU
The Lenovo VIBE X2 Pro smartphone, due to be released in April this year, will use the LPC54100 series of MCUs from NXP Semiconductors for always-on sensor processing applications. Lenovo selected this MCU for its processing power and power efficiency to maximise battery life while supporting today's popular and innovative always-on sensor-based features.
MCU family supported by choice of free IDEs
STMicroelectronics says that choosing one of its STM32 MCUs is the easiest way for innovators to bring products to life, now that designers can choose from three IDEs from leading vendors, which are free of charge and deployed in close co-operation with ST. Users can choose between Eclipse-based IDEs such as CooCox CoIDE or Ac6 System Workbench for STM32, and the MDK-ARM environment.