MCU designed for high speed, computational intensive tasks

Based on FTDI's RSIC core, the proprietary FT32, the MCU features a 256kB capacity program memory and 64kB of data memory. Further to this, the device incorporates a USB 2.0 480Mb/s capability and a camera interface for carrying VGA (640x480 pixels) resolution video imaging data.  By executing instructions from shadow RAM, rather than Flash memory, the device can operate at true zero wait states up to 100MHz and 293DMIPS performance. The MCU’s data streaming domain eliminates the need for complex DMA interfacing to transfer data internally.

The device also features 10/100 Ethernet support with built-in physical layer and CAN bus support, as well as numerous DACs and ADCs. These incorporated converters include a 10-bit, 1MHz DAC and a 7-channel multiplexed 10-bit, 1MSample/s ADC. System interface provision includes I²C slave and master, I²S for external audio, SPI slave and master, SD card interface (2.0) and a variety of PWMs for standard and audio support. The FT900 and FT901 are both supplied in QFN100 packages and support an operational temperature range of -40°C to +85°C.

“At FTDI Chip we try to put ourselves into hardware designers’ shoes, so that every device not only delivers industry-leading performance but also has unique merit in terms of ease of implementation and minimising engineering overhead,” Fred Dart, CEO and Founder of FTDI Chip explains. “The FT900 series is flat-out blazing fast. When paired with our EVE product, it can enable the realisation of video, audio and control functions that simply can’t be matched by alternative solutions on the market. Furthermore, the Ethernet and CAN bus interfaces mean that is highly suitable for commercial, residential and automotive design projects.”

The device is suitable for applications requiring the levels of processing needed to make considerable impact in video over IP, surveillance, quality audio, industrial inspection and door entry intercom system deployments. Pricing for the FT900 (including CAN controller) is $4.25 per unit for 10K quantities. This 32-bit MCU is one of two initial devices in the company’s new AOC product lines.