Microcontroller units (MCUs) have a computer processor unit (CPU) core, various types of memory, input/output (I/O) functions, and a range of integrated peripherals. Field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) don’t have any of these features and consist of many configurable (or programmable) logic blocks, with a programmable interconnect overlay surrounded by numerous general purpose I/Os (GPIOs). […]
microcontroller
Factors to consider when selecting an MCU
Selecting the MCU is an important activity when starting a new project. Underspecify the MCU, and performance suffers; over-specify it, and the budget suffers. In either case, suffering is unwanted and unnecessary. It’s prevented by taking a thoughtful and thorough approach to MCU selection. This FAQ begins with a review of the baseline performance numbers […]
Board speeds RISC-V MCU prototyping tasks
MikroElektronika has launched a new SiBRAIN add-on board, SiBRAIN for GD32VF103VBT6, enabling embedded designers to start prototyping with the GigaDevice RISC-V microcontroller immediately. SiBRAIN is a standardized microcontroller add-on board, which allows very simple installation and replacement of the microcontroller unit (MCU) on a development board equipped with the SiBRAIN Card socket. By introducing the new […]
Arm cortex-M0+ core MCU features functional safety, cybersecurity, AUTOSAR compatibility
Microchip Technology Inc. announces the PIC32CM JH microcontroller (MCU). This is the industry’s first MCU based on the Arm Cortex-M0+ architecture with AUTOSAR support, Memory-Built-In Self-Test (MBIST), and secure boot. The PIC32CM JH is compatible with AUTOSAR, an open software architecture, providing suppliers with the ability to change to lower-level hardware but keep the original application code, […]
Microcontroller boosts automotive security
NXP Semiconductors has announced the NCJ37x Secure Element (SE), an automotive-qualified secure microcontroller with advanced cryptographic accelerators and physically built-in electrical attack resistance for various security-critical automotive applications such as smart access key fobs, Qi 1.3 authentication, or car-to-cloud communication. The device supports the protocols from the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) and its passive NFC […]
MCUs for industrial Ethernet support TSN
Renesas Electronics Corporation announced the RZ/N2L microprocessor units (MPUs) for Industrial Ethernet communication that make it easy to add network functionality to industrial equipment and devices. The RZ/N2L complies with many industry-standard specifications and protocols to facilitate the development of industrial automation devices that require real-time capabilities. The new products support the increasingly popular Time-Sensitive […]
Advanced graphics accelerator added to 32-bit MCUs
STMicroelectronics has released version 4.20 of its TouchGFX user-interface design software for STM32 microcontrollers. The latest updates include support for ST’s new NeoChrom graphics accelerator, which is integrated into advanced MCUs such as the new STM32U5 series. Developed from ST’s Chrom-ART Accelerator that manipulates pixels and shapes, NeoChrom allows full-screen rotation at any angle and supports […]
RX family 32-Bit MCUs boast superior noise tolerance for home appliances, industrial apps
Renesas Electronics Corporation announced a new addition to the RX 32-bit MCU Family, the RX660 Group of microcontrollers (MCUs) that supports operating voltages of up to 5V, offering superior noise tolerance for home appliances and industrial equipment exposed to high electromagnetic interference. The RX660 is the first in Renesas’ higher-end RX general-purpose MCU devices to […]
Development tools handle multi-core RH850 automotive MCUs
The growing complexity of automotive applications requires real-time control without sacrificing performance. This can only be achieved with modern multi-core RH850 Automotive MCUs from Renesas. IAR Systems is the only tool vendor to deliver development tools for the entire line-up of Renesas MCUs, and the latest releases strengthen the long-standing collaboration. The IAR Embedded Workbench […]
BLE MCUs target economical applications
Texas Instruments expanded its connectivity portfolio with a new family of wireless microcontrollers (MCU) that enable high-quality Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) at half the price of competing devices. Featuring best-in-class standby current and radio-frequency (RF) performance, the SimpleLink Bluetooth LE CC2340 family is built on the foundation of TI’s decades of wireless connectivity expertise. Pricing […]
