Design Automation


Evaluation kit for Hercules MCUs

21 August 2013 Design Automation

Texas Instruments launched a new LaunchPad evaluation platform for its Hercules microcontroller (MCU) family, providing an entry-level option for developers to gain familiarity with the devices and evaluate their performance and safety features.

The Hercules LaunchPad is a modular, quick-launch evaluation kit that contains the development board, USB cable and documentation. Onboard emulation and included Hercules MCU demos allow exploration of advanced safety features integrated in the devices.

The kit is available in two models – one based on the Hercules TMS570LS04x MCU and another based on Hercules RM42x MCU. Dual lockstep ARM Cortex-R4 based Hercules MCUs are intended for use in safety-critical automotive, industrial and medical applications needing to adhere to industry safety standards such as ISO 26262 and IEC 61508.

The LaunchPad allows for expansion with a 40-pin BoosterPack header that brings out MCU pins for design flexibility. It also provides a footprint for an additional header with complete access to all MCU pins. The kit contains the development board with a features demo, USB cable and quick start guide.

Powered by USB, the board integrates an onboard XDS100v2 JTAG emulator, LED lights, a light sensor and SCI to PC serial communication port for design flexibility. It includes software for evaluation, including Hercules MCU safety demos with downloadable host graphical user interface (GUI) to select and run the demos.

For more information contact Jeva Narian, Arrow Altech Distribution, +27 (0)11 923 9600, [email protected], www.arrow.altech.co.za



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