New ARM-based 32-bit MCUs have enhanced communication features

DSP, Micros & Memory

14 July 2004 DSP, Micros & Memory

Royal Philips Electronics has added nine new members to its popular LPC2000 family of high performance, ARM7-based microcontrollers. These devices are designed for use in realtime embedded applications, ranging from industrial control, automotive and consumer applications, as well as any embedded application that requires high performance and low power consumption in a cost-effective 32-bit MCU.

The latest members - the LPC2119/2129, LPC2210, LPC2290, LPC2212/2214, LPC2194 and LPC2292/2294 - are optimised for both high performance and low power, operating at 60 MHz (54 Dhrystone MIPs). The devices feature a 16/32-bit ARM7TDMI-S core, up to 256 K on-chip Flash program memory and up to four interconnected CAN interfaces. The nearly zero wait-state Flash enhances performance because it is enabled to run as fast as SRAM memory, unlike conventional solutions where performance is limited due to multiple wait-state Flash. The on-chip, six-channel PWM unit also makes these devices ideal for sophisticated motor control applications.

VIPA, a specialist in automation solutions, already uses the LPC2000 family in its systems with great success. Managing director Wolfgang Seel: "The 32-bit microcontrollers from Philips provide the performance that allows our SPEED7 automation system - the fastest of its kind worldwide - to run applications up to 16 times faster than comparable devices. As a result, our customers, primarily in the automotive, logistics and food industries, can increase their productivity by up to 25% in some instances."

"With the 32-bit MCUs one of the fastest growing markets at more than 20% according to Dataquest, it is important to continue to quickly deliver products that satisfy customer and system demands. Customers like VIPA need high performance microcontrollers that provide higher levels of integration and increased functionality to meet their needs as well as their customers," said Geoff Lees, general manager, microcontrollers, Philips Semiconductors.

Devices with on-chip CAN are an important part of Philips' 32-bit portfolio as CAN provides the on-chip serial communication increasingly demanded by automotive and industrial applications. CAN has gained widespread use in industrial automation and motor control; it is also the industry standard for vehicle powertrain networks. Philips' on-chip CAN channels can be used as a very low cost implementation of a high performance CAN bridge from higher-to-lower or from lower-to-higher speed, or as a CAN repeater for long distance transmission at high baudrates.

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New ARM-based 32-bit MCUs have enhanced communication features

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