PR944
Fujitsu Microelectronics Europe
Fujitsu Expands Lineup of Low Pin Count 8-bit Microcontrollers for Consumer Appliances
Dual-operation flash memory reduces total system cost
Langen, Germany, 14th April 2009 — Fujitsu Microelectronics Europe (FME) has expanded its line-up of low pin count (LPC) microcontrollers with three new series in its F2MC-8FX family of high-performance 8-bit microcontrollers featuring 8, 16, and 20 pins. The MB95260H, MB95270H and MB95280H series contain embedded dual-operation flash memory and support E2PROM emulation, which allows a reduction in system cost, as E2PROM does not need to be connected to the microcontroller.
In recent years, there has been rapidly growing demand for low pin count 8-bit microcontrollers for use in home appliances such as white goods, water heaters, electric pots, de-humidifiers, and hair dryers. In response to these needs, Fujitsu Microelectronics has been providing a line-up of 8-pin, 16-pin, and 20-pin low pin count 8-bit flash microcontrollers in its F2MC-8FX family. The new MB95260H, MB95270H and MB95280H series are pin-compatible with previous MB95200 series products, with the addition of embedded dual-operation flash memory. This dual-operation flash provides memory for program data, as well as a memory area for data storage that eliminates the need for external E2PROM, and thus reduces total system cost.
In addition to their use as main microcontrollers, the three new series can be used as sub-microcontrollers. The new series also employ a single-line on-chip debug that uses only one pin on the microcontroller.
Key Features
1. Dual-operation flash memory
The new series include Fujitsu’s proprietary embedded dual-operation flash memory, which emulates E2PROM. The memory contains two regions, one for program storage, and another that can be used for data storage and acts as
a substitute for E2PROM. This allows a reduction in system area and system cost, as an external E2PROM is not required.
2. High-performance flash memory
The microcontrollers incorporate Fujitsu’s high reliability, high-performance embedded flash memory that can be re-written
100,000 times and guaranteed to hold data for 20 years. A flash security function protects customers’ software from being
read by unauthorised external programmes.
3. Reduced system cost due to integration of external components
Because the internal CR oscillating circuit and the low-voltage detection circuit are built into the microcontrollers, the
need for an external oscillator and reset IC is eliminated, thus contributing to a reduction in overall system costs.
4. ‘Composite timer’ provides flexibility for system requirements
For the timer function in the embedded ‘composite timer’, depending on the program, a channel can be selected from any one
of the following: pulse width modulation (PWM), pulse width counter (PWC), interval timer or input capture which measures
interval times. This provides the flexibility to handle customers’ varying system requirements.
Availability
Samples of the new series will start shipping from April 14th 2009. A starter kit, MB2146-420A-01-E, which includes the product
development environment Softune Workbench, is also available.
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About Fujitsu Microelectronics Europe
Fujitsu Microelectronics Europe (FME) is a major supplier of semiconductor products. The company provides advanced systems
solutions to the automotive, digital TV, mobile telephony, networking and industrial markets. Engineers from design centres
dedicated to microcontrollers, graphics controllers, mixed-signal, wireless, multimedia ICs, ASIC products and software development,
work closely with FME's marketing and sales teams throughout EMEA to help satisfy customers' systems development requirements.
This solutions approach is supported by a broad range of advanced semiconductor devices, IP, building blocks and software.
For more information, please see: FME Homepage
Company and product names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Information provided in this press release is accurate at time of issue and subject to change without advance notice.
