Low power consumption MCUs for metering
22 August 2007
DSP, Micros & Memory
As utility companies adopt electronic-based meter reading technology to reduce costs while offering new services and energy-saving consumer options, Texas Instruments has developed its 16 MHz MSP430F47x4 ultra-low power microcontrollers (MCU) for one- and multiphase metering.
By integrating up to four individual 16-bit sigma-delta analog to digital converters (ADCs), a 32 x 32-bit hardware multiplier, a 160 segment LCD driver with contrast control, up to 60 KB of flash memory and a realtime clock (RTC), the F47x4 devices enable a five-to-one reduction in system components. The company's utility metering portfolio also includes devices targeted at water and gas metering, as well as power line communications (PLC) and radio frequency (RF) interfaces for automated meter reading (AMR).
With standby power consumption as low as 1,5 μA, a meter based on these new devices allow utilities to drastically reduce overall system power wastage. The product series features several low-power modes, allowing the meter to sleep with almost no power drain between readings. An extremely fast wake-up brings the device to full clock speed within six microseconds; together with a fast shut-down, this 'instant-on' wake-up minimises time spent in active mode.
Further reading:
High performance SDR design considerations
RFiber Solutions
Editor's Choice DSP, Micros & Memory
As the spectrum gets increasingly crowded, and adversaries more capable, the task of examining wide bands and making sense of it all, while not missing anything, gets harder.
Read more...
Direct RF converters and FPGAs boost EW applications
RFiber Solutions
DSP, Micros & Memory
The latest boost to electronic warfare designs comes from emerging FPGA architectures that combine advanced RF converters and high-performance processing engines in a single package.
Read more...
1-Wire EEPROM with secure authenticator
Altron Arrow
DSP, Micros & Memory
The DS28E54 secure authenticator combines FIPS 202-compliant secure hash algorithm (SHA-3) challenge and response authentication with secured electrically erasable programmable read-only memory.
Read more...
Microchip enhances digital signal controller lineup
Future Electronics
DSP, Micros & Memory
Microchip Technology has added the dsPIC33AK512MPS512 and dsPIC33AK512MC510 Digital Signal Controller families to its dsPIC33A DSC product line.
Read more...
MCX C Series development board
Avnet Silica
DSP, Micros & Memory
The FRDM-MCXC444 is a compact and scalable development board for rapid prototyping of MCX C444 MCU from NXP Semiconductors.
Read more...
Redefining entry-level MCUs
NuVision Electronics
DSP, Micros & Memory
The company positions the GD32C231 series as a ‘high-performance entry-level’ solution designed to offer more competitive options for multiple applications.
Read more...
Microchip enhances TrustMANAGER platform
Altron Arrow
DSP, Micros & Memory
Firmware over-the-air updates and remote cryptographic key management provide scalable solutions for addressing IoT security challenges.
Read more...
MCU for low-power, IoT applications
NuVision Electronics
DSP, Micros & Memory
Silicon Labs recently announced the PG26, a general-purpose microcontroller with a dedicated matrix vector processor to enhance AI/ML hardware accelerator speeds.
Read more...
EEPROMs for industrial and military markets
Vepac Electronics
DSP, Micros & Memory
Designed to ensure the data retention and the secure and safe boot of digital systems, the memory product line includes small and medium density EEPROMs from 16 kb to 1 Mb.
Read more...
PLCnext – Open, IIoT-ready industrial platform
IOT Electronics
DSP, Micros & Memory
PLCnext can be used alongside an existing PLC system, collecting control system data via EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, or MODBUS, and can push this information to a cloud instance.
Read more...