Expanded MCU range has integrated data conversion features for consumer electronics

DSP, Micros & Memory

29 June 2005 DSP, Micros & Memory

Philips is expanding its successful LPC900 microcontroller family with a range of new devices featuring integrated data conversion options to help designers cut system size and component count while maximising performance. A fraction of the cost of competing solutions, these latest devices are designed for a variety of consumer applications from coffeemakers and washing machines to intelligent toys.

With technology playing an increasingly important role in all aspects of everyday life, manufacturers need to adopt more cost-effective solutions in their systems in order to make an impact on the market. In response, Philips is increasing the functionality and range of options within its low-cost LPC900 8-bit microcontroller family, to help manufacturers deliver attractive products at consumer-friendly prices.

The highlight of the new range is the LPC935, which boasts two 4-input multiplexed 8-bit ADCs. Capable of converting both channels at the same time, it enables designers to leverage the benefits of realtime data analysis such as simultaneous voltage and current measurements. It is complemented by eight other new devices - the LPC904, LPC915/916/917, LPC924/925 and LPC933/934 - offering customers an extensive choice of high-speed ADC and DAC options. As well as removing the need for external data converters, the new devices allow designers to define data reading boundaries for when a response is necessary, freeing up the CPU for other tasks.

"With the LPC900 family, Philips demonstrates its strong position in the home appliance semiconductors market," said Wu Jie Huang, CEO, Ningbo Xiyu Electronic Developing Co. "The LPC935's unique features allow us to differentiate our products from those of our competition. These microcontrollers offer a very cost-effective solution for our home appliance protection products. Our partnership with Philips has allowed us to improve design efficiency and respond quickly to market demands."

"Although our existing LPC900 family is successful in the market, we knew that expanding the family with ADC/DAC capabilities would benefit our customers as they continue to demand more functionalities and lower component count," said Joe Yu, a strategic marketing manager at Philips. "With devices such as these, Philips provides its customers with a complete range of microcontroller options from 8-pin upwards to meet all design needs."

Armed with high-speed, byte-erasable Flash memory for enhanced flexibility and performance, Philips' LPC900 family is based on a high-performance architecture that executes instructions up to six times faster than traditional 80C51 devices (just 167 ns per instruction at 12 MHz). Each device incorporates a realtime clock and three other 16-bit counters/timers for enhanced timing functions. Additional features include a 400 kHz, byte-wide I2C bus, enhanced UART, SPI and flexible power capabilities to extend battery lifetimes in handheld applications.

Share this article:

Categories

DSP, Micros & Memory

Expanded MCU range has integrated data conversion features for consumer electronics

Further reading:

Publications by Technews