Micros
Multicore microcontrollers enable AVB functionality
A four and eight-channel wireless microphone system, featuring Audio-Video-Bridging (AVB) functionality powered by XMOS' xCORE multicore microcontroller, has been released. Comprising a range of microphones and supporting units, the Executive Elite system from Revolabs is designed for easy installation and set up, as well as high audio quality.
MCUs integrate ESI, differential ADC & LCD controller
Scalable up to 128KB non-volatile FRAM memory, the MSP430 FRAM MCU family has been expanded with 46 new devices. With integrated features such as ESI and a differential input ADC, the MSP430FR69x MCUs reduce power consumption and minimise product size by eliminating redundant components in systems.
MCU improves efficiency & reduces development costs
Expanding Toshiba Electronics Europe's TX00 series of ARM Cortex-M0 core-based microcontrollers, the TMPM037FWUG has been announced. Featuring a low pin count of just 64 pins in a 10x10mm LQFP with 0.5mm pin pitch, the MCU is designed for motor control applications in equipment such as multifunction printers, printers, consumer electronics, digital equipment and factory automation equipment.
Support tools aid Human Machine Interface design
Engineers designing Human Machine Interfaces can now turn to Alpha Micro Components which is offering a comprehensive suite of additional support tools using FTDI Chip Embedded Video Engine (EVE) technology. Both the FT800 graphic controller IC and the newly announced FT801, with capacitive touch enabled interface and multi-touch capabilities are available.
MCU facilitates energy calculation for smart meters
Expanding the company's TX04 series of ARM Cortex-M4F microcontrollers, Toshiba Electronics Europe has announced the TMPM411F20XBG. This MCU facilitates secure electric power calculation and communication in smart meters, as well as sensing and communications in other measurement applications.
Digital Power MCUs improve cloud efficiency
The STM32F334 series of Digital Power microcontrollers from STMicroelectronics could enable the cloud supporting the digital economy to become significantly more energy-efficient. By providing all major power-control functions in a single chip, the MCUs simplify the transition to energy-efficient digital power supplies, such as multi-phase interleaved or resonant soft-switching.
Wearables and the IoT boost MCU sales
Since losing momentum in the last three years due to economic uncertainty, the microcontrollers market appears to be on the verge of another substantial growth cycle. With the global economy expecting modest growth in the next few years, MCU sales are predicted to increase 6% in 2014 to a record high of $16.1bn, according to IC Insights’ Mid-Year Update to the 2014 McClean Report.
Intel’s 80960 32-bit MPU re-introduced by Rochester
Designed for commercial and military embedded applications, the 80960MC is a 32-bit microprocessor with 512-byte instruction cache, a built-in interrupt controller, an integrated floating-point unit and a memory management unit.
Rochester re-introduces Freescale MC68000 32-bit MPUs
Authorised to continue manufacturing Motorola/Freescale’s MC68000 family of 32-bit microprocessors, Rochester Electronics offers the MC68020/MC68EC020, MC68030/MC68EC030, and MC68040/MC68EC040/MC68LC040 devices in a variety of packages and frequencies to meet commercial through military application requirements.
IMAGIS uses Cortus' APS1 processor core for touchscreen designs
Cortus and IMAGIS have announced that they are working together to develop touchscreen designs based on Cortus' APS1 processor core. This 32-bit processor core has been designed to replace the 8-bit microcontroller core, with Cortus claiming it saves silicon area and reduces code size, making it more cost effective. The APS1, which has 64kB of program and data memory, features Ethernet 10/100 MAC, USB 2.0 and USB 2.0 OTG interfaces.