Microcontrollers to save energy in industrial control applications

DSP, Micros & Memory

8 February 2006 DSP, Micros & Memory

Infineon is sampling the first two members of its new TC116x series of 32-bit microcontrollers based on its TriCore architecture.

In addition to a high-performance 66 MHz CPU, the new TC1161 and TC1162 microcontrollers integrate 1 MByte of embedded Flash memory and a comprehensive set of peripherals in a low-cost package. Compared to conventional solutions with separate microcontroller, DSP and PWM ASIC, Infineon says that these highly integrated microcontrollers can reduce system level costs by up to 40%.

The TC1161 and TC1162 address demanding industrial applications such as high-performance AC and DC drives or servo-drives for the precise control of electric motors in machines and manufacturing processes, generic industrial control such as factory automation equipment and robotics.

"It is Infineon's goal to provide microcontroller solutions with scaleable performance at competitive costs to meet the specific industrial system requirements supporting advanced realtime control applications. Industrial applications are a strategic focus area for Infineon where we strive to offer most competitive system solutions ranging from sensors to microcontrollers and power." said Dr Christopher Hegarty, vice president of the Microcontroller Business Unit at Infineon. "Using the TC116x microcontrollers in motor drive applications system costs can be reduced up to 40%, compared to solutions with separate processor, DSP and PWM chips."

There is a high growth potential for electronic motor drives as worldwide still more than 80% of today's small motors run without electronic control (according to iSuppli). In future, more and more motors will be electronically-controlled to increase power efficiency and performance. The new TC116x microcontrollers enable the development of highly efficient motor drives with reduced power consumption. Adding electronic drives to motors can save up to 20% of all of the electrical energy consumed today, while in the same time increasing performance.

The new TC1161 and TC1162 operate at a 1,5 V core supply voltage (3,3 V I/O) and are offered in PG-LQFP-176 package for operation from -40 to +85°C.

For more information contact Jose Machado, Siemens Southern Africa, +27 (0)11 652 2000, [email protected]

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Microcontrollers to save energy in industrial control applications

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