Micros
MCU series extensions enhance storage & performance
Adding larger memory densities up to 512KB Flash and 80KB SRAM, as well as richer peripherals for high-speed control and off-chip storage, STMicroelectronics has extended its STM32F3 MCU series for high-performance, low cost applications. The STM32F3 series defines the entry point to ST’s ARM Cortex-M4 microcontroller portfolio.
MCUs can operate two BLDC motors simultaneously
Expanding its ARM Cortex-M4F based TX04 series, Toshiba Electronics Europe has introduced two MCUs which can operate two BLDC motors simultaneously. The TMPM470FDFG and TMPM475FDFG incorporate two modules, each containing a programmable motor drive, 12-bit ADC and vector engine, ensuring efficient and simultaneous operation.
32-bit MCUs provide 240MHz for real time operation
Doubling CPU operating frequency from 120 to 240MHz, Renesas has extended its RX Family of 32-bit MCUs with the RX71M Group. Developed for use in industrial equipment and described by Renesas as the ‘flagship’ product of the series, the group is available with up to 4MB of on-chip flash memory.
In the driving seat
The use of MCUs in automotive applications is growing, but Steve Rogerson found there were differences in how the chip makers see the market evolving.
MCUs support smart-energy & IoT applications
To enhance support for cost-sensitive consumer, smart-energy, communication-gateway and IoT applications, STMicroelectronics has added MCUs with USB connectivity and larger Flash options to its STM32F0 ARM Cortex-M0 series.
MCUs offer industry's lowest power consumption at 1MHz
Claimed to realise the industry’s lowest power consumption at 1MHz, Renesas Electronics has announced the RL78/I1D MCUs. Integrating analogue functions for various sensing applications, the MCUs are optimised for detectors that sense minute variations in the output of sensors used to monitor for smoke, gas and motion or vibrations.
Low power, mixed-signal MCU targets smart meters
The MSP430i202x Mixed Signal Microcontroller Family from Texas Instruments (TI) is on sale at Mouser Electronics. The low power 16MHz 16-bit RISC microcontroller has up to four 24-bit sigma-delta analogue to digital converters (ADCs) with differential programmable gain amplifier (PGA) Inputs. Additional features include a hardware multiplier, 75nA shutdown mode, and a temperature sensor.
Low power MCUs target wearable applications
A family of 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4F MCUs, which are particularly suitable for wearable applications, has been released by Ambiq Micro. According to the company, it’s featured Subthreshold Power Optimized Technology (SPOT) platform allows the Apollo MCUs to consume five to ten times less energy than competing MCUs.
PlayStation MIPS chip reaches Pluto after nine years
Conducting the first mission to Pluto and the Kuiper Belt, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft recently came out of hibernation for its long-awaited encounter with the world’s most famous dwarf planet. Traveling across the solar system, the $650m New Horizons spacecraft is now approximately 3.5bn miles from the Sun, nine years after its launch from Cape Canaveral.
MCU, sensors & PM components used to monitor bees
With the aim of eliminating parasites that contribute to honeybee Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), STMicroelectronics and Eltopia Communications have announced that Eltopia’s Intelligent Foundation, codenamed ‘MiteNot’, uses an STM32F0 MCU, multiple sensors, and power-management components from ST to monitor and collect data on environmental conditions.