Exceptional Analog Integration Makes C8051F39x/7x MCUs Ideal for
Optical Transceiver Modules, Motor Control and Sensor Interfaces
AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Silicon
Laboratories Inc. (NASDAQ: SLAB), a leader in high-performance,
analog-intensive, mixed-signal ICs, today introduced a family of
high-performance 8-bit microcontrollers (MCUs) featuring the company's
latest mixed-signal breakthrough, an integrated temperature sensor with
best-in-class accuracy over an extended temperature range and without
the need for calibration. Offering a unique mix of integrated
high-performance analog peripherals and a very fast 8051 CPU in a
compact package, the new C8051F39x/7x MCU family provides an optimal
solution for optical transceiver modules, sensor interfaces and
brushless dc motor applications for fans, dryers, vacuum cleaners and
remote control toy vehicles.
Many consumer and industrial applications require highly accurate
temperature sensors to adjust for behavior shifts over temperature for
on-board components such as sensors, lasers or power sources. The
C8051F39x/7x MCUs' on-chip temperature sensor provides ±2 oC
accuracy through an extended temperature range (up to 105 oC)
without the need for calibration. Providing five times higher accuracy
than competing in-class MCUs, the C8051F39x/7x family improves
temperature compensation routines, resulting in better end-product
reliability. In addition, the temperature sensor reduces manufacturing
cost by eliminating the need for the factory calibration step required
by competing MCUs.
C8051F39x/7x MCUs are more than 30 percent smaller than competing
solutions, making them an excellent choice for space-constrained
applications such as optical transceiver modules. The MCU family's
exceptional integration eliminates the need for external components such
as a temperature sensor, a crystal, a differential analog-to-digital
converter (ADC), a voltage reference and two digital-to-analog
converters (DACs), further reducing bill-of-materials (BOM) cost and PCB
footprint. These on-chip analog peripherals enable developers to
minimize discrete components and reduce the BOM cost by more than $0.30
(USD). In addition, the MCU family's innovative crossbar technology
gives developers the flexibility to assign peripherals to specific pin
locations, thereby easing system layout and eliminating pin conflicts.
The C8051F39x/7x MCUs are based on a patented, pipeline 8051 core that
provides 2.5x faster CPU performance (up to 50 MIPS) than competing
devices. Finer resolution pulse-width modulation (PWM) offers the
ability to execute more complex algorithms, enabling a greater range of
motor speeds and higher efficiency in motor control applications.
Support for four interrupt priorities allows fast interrupt handling for
real-time applications.
Addressing the industry need for low-power operation and green energy
compliance, the C8051F39x/7x MCUs are designed to consume an ultra-low
160 µA/MHz in active mode, enabling up to an 80 percent power savings
compared to competing devices. Low-power active mode is vital for
portable applications to extend battery life and for space-constrained
and enclosed applications such as optical transceiver modules to
minimize self-heating.
The C8051F37x devices are the first Silicon Labs MCUs with 512B of
EEPROM, supporting ten times more write/erase cycles (1M vs. 100k
typical) and faster programming times (3.5 ms vs. 112 ms) compared to
standard flash implementations. These increased write/erase cycles are
useful for applications such as wireless sensor nodes and data loggers
that must constantly write to memory. The faster programming times often
are needed for applications such as industrial controls and optical
modules that require tight calibration loops.
"The new C8051F39x/7x MCUs leverage our mixed-signal capabilities to
provide enhanced on-chip analog peripherals such as our high-precision
temperature sensor without compromising product cost, performance or
size," said Mike Salas, vice president and general manager of Silicon
Labs' microcontroller products. "Our customers are faced with the need
to pack more functionality in smaller footprints, and we excel at
architecting MCUs that deliver the utmost in computational throughput,
integration, power efficiency and analog performance."
Comprehensive Development Kits
Silicon Labs' development kits for the C8051F39x/7x MCU family provide
everything embedded developers need to evaluate hardware and develop
code including C8051F390 or C8051F370 target boards, USB debug
adaptor/programmer, power supply, cables, quick-start guide and
complimentary downloadable software tools. Silicon Labs'
TOOLSTICK370-A-DC daughter card provides a cost-effective, easy-to-use
development system that enables designers to develop and debug
application firmware directly on the target C8051F39x/7x MCU using the
Silicon Labs Integrated Development Environment (IDE).
Pricing and Availability
Production quantities of Silicon Labs' C8051F39x/7x MCUs are available
now in 4 mm x 4 mm 20-pin and 24-pin QFN packages with 4 to 16 kB flash
sizes, as well as 1 kB RAM. The F39x/7x devices are footprint and code
compatible with Silicon Labs' C8051F33x MCUs. Product pricing for the
C8051F39x/7x family in 10,000-unit quantities begins at $0.98 (USD). The
C8051F390-A-DK and C8051F370-A-DK development kits are available for
$69.00 (USD MSRP). The TOOLSTICK370-A-DC is available for $9.90 (USD
MSRP).
For additional C8051F39x/7x MCU product information, samples and
development tools, please visit www.silabs.com/8bit-mcu.
Silicon Laboratories Inc.
Silicon Laboratories is an industry leader in the innovation of
high-performance, analog-intensive, mixed-signal ICs. Developed by a
world-class engineering team with unsurpassed expertise in mixed-signal
design, Silicon Labs' diverse portfolio of patented semiconductor
solutions offers customers significant advantages in performance, size
and power consumption. For more information about Silicon Labs, please
visit www.silabs.com.
Cautionary Language
This press release may contain forward-looking statements based on
Silicon Laboratories' current expectations. These forward-looking
statements involve risks and uncertainties. A number of important
factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in
the forward-looking statements. For a discussion of factors that could
impact Silicon Laboratories' financial results and cause actual results
to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements,
please refer to Silicon Laboratories' filings with the SEC. Silicon
Laboratories disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise
any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information,
future events or otherwise.
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Silicon Laboratories Inc.
Dale Weisman, +1-512-532-5871
dale.weisman@silabs.com
Source: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
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