Micros
RF4CE solutions support ZigBee Remote Control 2.0
Texas Instruments has revealed that its ZigBee RF4CE hardware and software solutions support the ZigBee Remote Control 2.0 standard, released by the ZigBee Alliance. The SimpleLink RF4CE CC2533, CC2530 and CC2531 wireless MCUs support the new standard through TI’s RemoTI software to enable fast development of new remote controls.
Low power wireless MCU integrates Bluetooth Smart
A highly-reliable, low power wireless MCU, the SimpleLink Bluetooth low energy CC2540T, has been unveiled by Texas Instruments. Operating over an extended temperature range of -40 to +125°C with USB connectivity for industrial applications, the MCU is a complete solution for easier development with TI’s BLE-Stack software and sample applications.
Just connect to a speaker for audio playback
Achieving simple audio playback via connection to a speaker, LAPIS Semiconductor, a ROHM Group Company, has introduced a low power MCU. The ML610Q304 integrates an 8-bit low power MCU core, speech synthesis circuit, high efficiency Class-D speaker amplifier, non-volatile memory and oscillator circuit on a single chip.
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.