eeProductCenter Ultimate Products 3.2: Processors and Memory
(1) MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY
PIC MCU packs IEEE 802.3–compliant Ethernet comms peripheral eeProductCenter’s Marty Gold says: “The new PIC18F97J60 device packs Microchip’s 10 MIPS PIC18 high–end MCU with a complete Ethernet controller. Designers can now have network connectivity in 64– to 100–pin packages that is more cost effective and easy to use than multi–chip Ethernet alternatives. And, Microchip offers a free TCP/IP software stack to reduce development time.”
Readers say:
» “It combines quality and cost wonderfully.”
» “Its good to see 802.3 connectivity to a lower end micro..(as long as the price is right!)”
» “Nice chip, plenty of i/o ports to handle whatever application i need. The 10 bit a/d are a plus as well as being able to sink a good amount of current.”
» “May have a future use for this.”
» “It is good to have network and controller in one chip so it reduces overall cost in networked devices.”
» “The integrated Ethernet on a small microcontroller and assuming the TCP/IP stack is also available is a very compelling feature.”
» “I have used the other PIC 18F series and with this one it is even better!”
» “Interesting little processor. I don’t see any immediate applications for us, but it might be an interesting fit for some future projects.”
» “The additional on–chip memory should help design better user applications.”
» “A great product for this application.”
» “It is great to have a 10Mbit Ethernet MAC and PHY in a 128kFlash micro. Cool device but market applications could be limited...”
» “I do use the PIC18, but I do have a project integrating a 8051 based micro with a WizNet ethernet controller. I would be interested in comparing the two products.”
» “Able to create versatile single chip embedded systems”
» “I did not know this existed before your email. Nice part!”
» “I’ve been happy with Microchip’s other offerings and would likely use this chip if a project required Ethernet connectivity.”
» “The freely available TCP/IP stack is a great advantage.”
» “Very nice jellybean. Allows easy addition of Ethernet to an embedded product.”
» “TI MSP430 already had a TCP/IP stack, as did others, using an external Ethernet chip...Nice to have it on–board, but not necessarily a revolution. The LON folks did not pull off such a revolution 10 years ago, either. If Microchip had a better architecture (like MSP430), I’d be a lot more excited. Still it has to be cheaper than using a Rabbit processor for low–end Ethernet apps.”
» “Flash seems a little small for TCP/IP and applications.”
» “Nice integration within the package. Might be a good fit future system projects.”
» “Nice that it has a mac, I would like a sample stack for it.”
» “Good for embedded guys. Nice that everything is networked now, not requiring add’l interfaces.”
» “Opens a world of possibilities for easy remote monitoring all kinds of parameters, both at the industrial level and for home appliances.”
» “Significant news. PICs are cheap, easy to use and popular, but most people think of them as very low performance. An integrated Ethernet controller peripheral takes them to a new realm.”
» “Although I need more time to investigate its capabilities, I would consider it for some of my embedded applications.”
» “This product will be considered in my next project!”
» “Some simple encryption technique hardware should be embedded if possible.”
» “Excellent combination of features and low power consumption!”
» “Could this lead to a single–chip web server? Hmmm...”
» “Cost effective, component reduction and memory features should make this a winner.”
» “I wish I had heard about this last week! Would have made several design choices so much easier.”
» “The 16 channels of 16 bit ADC is a nice differentiator.”
» “It looks like an excellent solution for putting Ethernet into an embedded processing application.”
» “If it supported 100 mb Ethernet it would be in a new design concept now.”
» “This adds turnkey possiblities.”
» “Nice feature for a low–price product.”
» “Interesting part, decent price. Difficult to get pricing for the eval board, though.”
» “This a long expected addition to the micro family.”
» “I would need to take a look at the specs and play with it a little. I would like to know if the hardware platform allows multitasking (I/O in parallel with Ethernet comm).”
» “Microchip does it again with built in features to their already easy to use uControllers.”
» “The Microchip MCUs are fairly ubiquitous. The additional ability to communicate via Ethernet makes them very attractive!”
» “PICs are great low–cost uC’s and the 18 seriese is powerful enough to make it a great candidate in a remote sensor application.”
» “I’m impressed that they managed to get the PHY inside the same package!”
» “Great set of peripherals, but why only 10MIPS?”
» “Nice combination of features, but maybe the core is light for handling a secure TCP/IP (ex. encryption required)”
» “Great for general purpose embedded network stuff and remote sensors, but not for something more demanding (like RFID).”
» “I don’t know if this comes with the Pb containing termination finish. We do NOT use Pb–free so that is what would keep me from using this.”
» “Looks like a good product – would like to see version in 40 pin DIP for people still using through–hole.”
» “Great solution for online medium to low complexity devices. Printer Ethernet controller. Simple routers and Ethernet based industrial sensors and control for production line automation.”
» “Integration of the MAC and PHY on chip saves parts count and real estate.”
» “The sample cost shown for this part is very low considering the Ethernet Mac/Phy on-board. Its compelling for many connected embedded control applications.”
» “Looks like an excellent chip for smart devices. I’d be tempted to try it if there was a good, low–cost evaluation kit, w/C compiler, Ethernet stack etc.”
» “Even though it’s fairly standard now, I’m still glad to see a development/demonstration board available. It helps me ‘get into’ a new device.”
» “Ethernet on the chip––this is excellence.”
» “Sweet. Could have used this a year ago at my last job.”
» “For ~$5.00 (in qty.), this device is a marvel.”
» “Where’s the software????”
» “Built–in Ethernet is a great added value!”
» “Excellent feature set. Particularly like the dual SPI/I2C module and dual UARTs. Combined with Ethernet this chip is a winner for embedded apps with multiple communication I/O.”
» “Contains features that are a basic necessity in current applications.”
» “This should work in a 100 volt per meter field modulated 80% with a 1000 Hertz sine wave. How about adding Wireless 802.11 or even Bluetooth?”
» “One–IC solutions are becoming an important part of systems design. Having Ethernet and an uC in one package is very useful in high–level robotics assemblies.”
» “The ultimate chip would have two separate processors––one to independently handle the Comms and one to perform the data processing.”
» “From the buffer size it looks like the part might not support jumbo frames which may be a problem. It would be nice to see examples of all the applications and which apps use which features. Integrated PHY and flash is compelling.”
USABILITY RANK: 1
(2) STMICROELECTRONICS See related image STMicroelectronics’ ARM7 MCUs tout full–spec operation at 3.3V and 5V eeProductCenter’s Marty Gold says: “STMicroelectronics’ newest general purpose 32–bit flash microcontroller based on the ARM7TDMI–S core supports full–spec operation at both 3.3V and 5V. The STR750F family delivers 54 MIPS (at 60MHz) performance while providing low power modes down to 12 microA in STOP or 10 microA in STANDBY modes, making it ideal for battery–operated applications.”
Readers say:
» “Excellent product.”
» “Now you’re talking a low–power ARM chip, oh wait they all are.”
» “I want to operate the I/Os at 1.8V.”
» “I like it. Bound to find a configuration that’s useful.”
» “Auto clocking with a backup and great price makes this a great buy if it fits your needs.”
» “Needs a 12 ro 14b ADC though....”
USABILITY RANK: 2
(3) VIA TECHNOLOGIES HDTV–ready video processor targets embedded apps eeProductCenter’s Marty Gold says: “Designed specifically for the embedded market, VIA Technologies, Inc.’s VIA CX700M integrated video processor for the VIA C7 and Eden CPU platforms integrates premium graphics, audio, video, memory, storage, and HDTV support all in a single chip design. The Integrated Video Processor has Northbridge and Southbridge functions integrated on a single die, which is what enables the device to be used to develop smaller embedded devices.”
Readers say:
» “Very cool – embedded spt for HDTV is nice.”
» “With unified solutions coming, might be limiting.”
» “This is what I want in my living room PC.”
» “Very interesting!”
» “Will enable new classes of embedded media computers.”
» “Broad connectivity options make this a great product.”
USABILITY RANK: 9
(4) MICRON TECHNOLOGY Micron increases speed, density on RLDRAM memory eeProductCenter’s Marty Gold says: “Micron Technology, Inc. has improved the density and speed specs of its reduced latency DRAM (RLDRAM) II memory to meet the growing bandwidth requirements of networking applications that send voice, video and data across the Internet.
The density of its RLDRAM II products have been increased from 288 Megabits (Mbs) to 576 Mbs. The speed has been boosted from 400 MHz to 533 MHz, while reducing the latency from 20 nanoseconds to 15 nanoseconds.”
Readers say:
» “Great technology, good support and documentation.”
» “Enough with the ‘triple play’ nonsense, please.”
» “A faster memory is a good thing, but is hardly a paradigm buster.”
» “Though it may have a small niche, the DIMM market is flooded with so many different technologies that spread everyone out.”
» “Very reliable products from this company.”
» “I would be interested to know which memory controller supports this type of memory.”
» “Always nice to see speed improvement, but hard to judge without a price.”
» “10 Gigabits is where it should be!”
» “Nice market play.”
USABILITY RANK: 4
(5) TOSHIBA AMERICA ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS Toshiba readies TransMemory USB flash drive line eeProductCenter’s Marty Gold says: “Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc., (TAEC) and its parent, Toshiba Corp. (Tokyo) are readying a line of TransMemory USB flash drives that will bring U3 smart technology into the company’s USB lineup.
The four models in the TransMemory U3 smart drive series will be launched on the global market at the end of November. Drives will be offered in 512–MBytes, 1–, 2–, and 4–GBytes capacities. A corresponding line–up of flash drive subassemblies for OEMs will be offered that can be easily customized by adding the outer shell.”
Readers say:
» “I am concerned about the need to keep up with future OS versions.”
» “It will be interesting to see the final pricing.”
» “I have a U3 device, love it...carry–around apps seems so obvious now.”
» “The security and personalization angle is a very innovative extension of the USB Flash drive concept.”
» “Only Toshiba’s name and competitive pricing will bring good numbers for a late entry into this crowded market.”
» “Interesting. Movement toward portable–environment on non–portable hardware.”
» “Not clear what is meant by TransMemory – SanDisk and possibly others are already doing everything that theses devices do.”
» “4–GBytes is great!”
» “Should not need to install extra drivers.”
USABILITY RANK: 3
(6) LUMINARY MICRO Luminary Micro adds thirteen MCUs based on ARM Cortex–M3 Core eeProductCenter’s Marty Gold says: “Luminary Micro has beefed–up its line of ARM Cortex–M3 processor–based microcontrollers with the launching of thirteen Stellaris family members and their associated development kits. The devices are all available now from $3.94 to $5.47 in 10K unit resale quantities.ellaris family members and their associated development kits. The devices are all available now from $3.94 to $5.47 in 10K unit resale quantities.”
Readers say:
» “Not enough Flash.”
» “Nice price point, but otherwise doesn’t come off as a significant breakthrough.”
» “Very good product.”
» “Is wide area networking and In Application Programming (IAP)missing?”
» “Nice.”
» “A 32bit CPU that has accessories built in, for under $5, I’ll buy –em.”
» “Great product, great pricing.”
» “Look like good price points. Addition of QEI is a good for motion control applications.”
» “It’s nice to see the growing umber of ARM options in MCU arena.”
» “Cheap & decent horsepower.”
» “Price is right.”
» “I’d give it a try.”
USABILITY RANK: 6
(7) RENESAS TECHNOLOGY AMERICA 32–bit SuperH–based processor targets telematics systems eeProductCenter’s Marty Gold says: “Renesas Technology America, Inc.’s new SH7397 ‘Euclid’ 32–bit microprocessor has been developed for enhanced telematics and similar types of in–vehicle information systems.
Based on a 300MHz, 32–bit SH–4A SuperH superscalar architecture that achieves processing performance up to 540 million instructions per second (MIPS) and 2.1 giga–flops (GFLOPS), the Euclid processor is said offer a 50 percent improvement over than the previous Renesas ‘Camelot’ SH7760 processor.”
Readers say:
» “This single core device is part of many devices that are starting to become limited in today’s multi–media applications. TI Davinci technology can outperform these devices without breaking a sweat at comparable prices and they also come in automotive flavors.”
» “Looks like they’ve achieved an impressive integration level and cost/performance point. It might be a nice fit for my designs if I were allowed to use it.”
» “It looks nice if you have a Renesas SuperH codebase, and its hard FPU may make it competitive with ARM in some situations.”
» “Excellent product.”
» “Hi priced MCU – lot of peripherals.”
» “Decent performance.”
» “Wrong market again. Plus Reneasas has a perception of having poor development tools.”
» “The enhancements should make this a winner for many designers.”
» “Very powerful and packed with capabilities.”
USABILITY RANK: 8
(8) FREESCALE Freescale adds memory, functionality to 8–bit MCU line eeProductCenter’s Marty Gold says: “Eying applications ranging from security systems to consumer devices to ZigBee wireless designs, Freescale Semiconductor is expanding its GT family of 8–bit microcontrollers, adding more memory and more functionality.
The GT16A and GT8A are introduced as a cost reduction to existing parts, and offer drop–in compatibility with the GT family, as well as seamless software migration. Pin compatibility from 8K to 60K flash provides greater flexibility for design, and allows customers to build their own product lines.”
Readers say:
» “If Zigbee becomes THE connectivity scheme for appliances, then this might be a hot little low–cost chip (even though it’s a glorified 6805). But the Zigbee playing field is a busy one, already split into camps.”
» “Nice upgrade path.”
» “Thanks for allowing flash operation at 1.8V!”
USABILITY RANK: 5
(9) ZILOG ZiLOG’s 16–bit MCU targets security apps eeProductCenter’s Marty Gold says: “ZiLOG Inc.’s ZNEO Z16F family of flash microcontrollers, based on the company’s new ZNEO 16–bit CPU core, targets specific markets such as high–end motor control and domestic security applications.”
Readers say:
» “So, tell me again why this chip is good for ‘security applications’? Sounds like pointless marketing.”
» “Nice to see Zilog climbed back up to 16 bits (long time since Z–180,–280,–380). No mention if it is low–power. Nice to have an external bus for a change. But I think the range of apps well–suited for this is probably pretty narrow unless DSP functions can be implemented very efficiently.”
» “Given many 32 bit offerings at lower price, why use a 16 bit MCU.”
» “Nice, but too low end for my apps.”
» “What about adding a CAN bus?”
» “Run of the mill. Can get an ARM micro with more performance, more tool options for the same price.”
» “I like the choices of operating temp range.”
» “I like the high level of integration.”
» “Looks like an interesting device.”
» “Nothing special here.”
» “Looks good for servo applications.”
» “Useful. Lots of peripherals.”
» “Nice combination of features. I would like to have seen an explanation (other than Flash) for why this MCU targets security apps.”
» “There’s a lot going on in this chip!”
USABILITY RANK: 7
(10) SILICON STORAGE TECHNOLOGY NAND controller targets multi–level cell applications eeProductCenter’s Marty Gold says: “Silicon Storage Technology, Inc.’s SST55LD019M flash–based NAND Controller claims optimized performance for multi–level cell (MLC) NAND flash devices.
The SST55LD019M incorporates SST’s SuperFlash technology that contains a built–in Flash File System. Inclusion of a programmable multi–tasking NAND interface enables rapid support of new NAND flash components through firmware modifications.”
Readers say:
» “Doubling the density is good, but hardly a radical leap forward.”
» “It would be interesting to learn more about the included flash file system.”
» “Targeted for retail market. I need an SLC OEM grade controller.”
» “Interesting, but only to very high end systems.”
» “Industrial device in a small form factor is always a plus.”
» “Good for some embedded systems, If it is the industry’s smallest package that seems significant for hand–held apps. Power info would be nice to have.”
