Microcontroller Tips

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Secure device management incorporates pre-validated security firmware

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PSoC 64 Standard Secure Amazon Web Services (AWS) microcontroller units (MCUs)Cypress, an Infineon Technologies company, today announced production availability of its PSoC 64 Standard Secure Amazon Web Services (AWS) microcontroller units (MCUs). The new MCUs incorporate Trusted Firmware-M embedded security firmware, are PSA Certified Level 1, and FreeRTOS qualified, delivering seamless integration with AWS IoT Core and device management services. PSoC 64 secure MCUs enable designers to significantly reduce R&D costs and accelerate time-to-market by incorporating pre-validated security firmware eliminating the need to create, test, and certify their own security software. ISO-certified secure provisioning services for the PSoC 64 Standard Secure AWS MCU is offered by Arrow Electronics for both AWS IoT Core and OEM credentials, enabling OEMs to securely deploy Internet of Things (IoT) applications at scale.

Cypress’ PSoC 64 Standard Secure AWS and PSoC 64 Secure Boot MCUs are one part of the company’s IoT-AdvantEdge, a comprehensive set of building blocks that enable IoT solutions to get to market faster and more cost effectively. Cypress’ IoT-AdvantEdge drastically simplifies the design experience by delivering unfailing connectivity combined with security and local processing in an integrated solution.

The PSoC 64 Standard Secure AWS MCU and PSoC 64 Secure Boot MCU have reached production status and are available for immediate design-in.

The PSoC 64 Standard Secure AWS Wi-Fi BT Pioneer kit (CY8CKIT-064S0S2-4343W) is available to order today. It features a PSoC 64 Standard Secure AWS MCU with 2MB of Flash and 1MB of SRAM and a Murata 1DX Wi-Fi/Bluetooth® module (IEEE 802.11n with Bluetooth 5.0). This kit is supported with FreeRTOS software.

In addition, the PSoC 64 Secure Boot Wi-Fi BT Pioneer kit (CY8CKIT-064B0S2-4343W) is available to order today. It features a PSoC 64 Secure Boot MCU with 2 MB of Flash and 1 MB of SRAM along with a Murata 1DX Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module. This kit is supported in Cypress’ ModusToolbox software environment and Arm MBed™ OS development tools.

IoT products and resources available for secure, reliable IoT device design

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Cypress Semiconductor Corp. unveiled solutions that give IoT product developers a simplified path to build high-quality, secure, and reliable IoT products. The solutions, branded IoT-AdvantEdge, include connectivity devices and microcontrollers, software, tools and support, and capabilities from ecosystem partners to slash development complexity by solving critical IoT product design problems. With IoT-AdvantEdge, companies can overcome the challenges of wireless connectivity, device and cloud security, power consumption, device management and maintenance, component integration, consumer ease-of-use, human-machine interfaces, and platform monetization, to quickly bring reliable, secure, high-quality products to market.

Cypress’ IoT-AdvantEdge solutions include:

  • Devices: Cypress has a unique portfolio of microcontrollers, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth/BLE devices that work in concert to support a broad range of IoT product requirements from battery-operated cameras to healthcare products. It integrates security and robust communication technologies and is used in many of the world’s most-sophisticated IoT products
  • Software: Robust software is fundamental to building high-quality, secure, and reliable products, and Cypress’ software is built for the IoT. Cypress’ ModusToolbox® development toolchain dramatically simplifies the development of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth/BLE IoT products with RTOS system MCUs like Cypress’ PSoC® ModusToolbox includes middleware empowering companies to connect their products to leading cloud-software platforms or to proprietary cloud services on public or private cloud infrastructure. In addition, Cypress’ open-source contributions into the Linux kernel are one of the reasons its Wi-Fi and Bluetooth products are so broadly used by IoT developers.
  • Tools & Support: A comprehensive set of tools and support are critical to effectively address the unique challenges of IoT product design. Cypress’ tools – including low-power assistant, multi-radio smart coexistence, secure authentication, and over-the-air updates – substantially reduce the time and cost required to bring high-quality products to market. Cirrent (a Cypress subsidiary) provides IoT Network Intelligence (INI), a cloud-based analytics platform that delivers unprecedented insights into connectivity, networking, and other product-performance parameters for fleets of products in the field. Cypress engineers passionately support the IoT community and customers in tackling the challenges of building IoT products.
  • Ecosystem Partner Capabilities: Building IoT products often requires capabilities from a broad ecosystem of suppliers. Cypress pre-integrates capabilities from a broad range of partners – including cloud service providers, application-specific semiconductor products, and applications developers – to help companies bring their IoT products to market faster.

As part of the launch of IoT-AdvantEdge, Cypress announced several new IoT products and resources:

  • New Microcontrollers: Cypress expanded the PSoC 6 MCU family with two new memory configurations for the PSoC 62 and PSoC 64 Secure MCU lines: a high-performance, dual-core M4F/M0+ platform with 2MB flash and 1MB SRAM, and a cost-effective MCU with 512kB Flash and 256kB SRAM. These two new configurations give product companies more flexibility to choose the right configuration for their application.
  • New Development Kits: Cypress’ new kits include low-power solutions that help designers tackle the challenges of complex connectivity, secure provisioning, secure firmware management, and cloud security. These integrated solutions are powered with ModusToolbox software and validated for AWS IoT Core and Pelion™ cloud applications, easing development of home automation and portable consumer devices.
  • PSoC 62 2M with 43012 Pioneer Kit: ultra-low power M4/M0+ MCU with dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth®0
  • PSoC 62 512K with 4343W Prototyping Kit: cost-effective HMI MCU with 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0
  • PSoC 64 2M Secure Boot with 4343W Pioneer Kit: enables secure cloud connectivity and provisioning, and secure firmware management
  • Cypress-Azurewave Module Pioneer Kit: pre-certified module delivers a turnkey connected MCU platform that is easily integrated into any product
  • New Software: ModusToolbox combines Cypress’ secure compute and connectivity expertise in a common software tool, making it easier for IoT developers to bring successful products to market and to support them through the lifecycle. Cypress released ModusToolbox version 2.1, which expands its cloud support beyond AWS IoT Core and Pelion services to include specific support for customers that have built their own cloud backends. In addition, ModusToolbox now supports five popular IDEs so developers can use the environment of their choice.
  • New Web Resources: Cypress launched IoT-AdvantEdge on Cypress.com and a new IoT Developer Zone for its online developer community. The Cypress Community offers robust discussion forums, technical blogs and a resource library for visitors around the globe. The Cypress Community also helps customers, developers, and partners connect with their peers, access a vast depth of resources, and ultimately bring high-quality, secure, and reliable products to market faster.

Microcontroller Top Talks in May 2019 on EDABoard.com

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Peer-to-peer, engineer-to-engineer questions and answers from the EDABoard.com engineering community around microcontrollers. Click the “Read more” link and follow the entire conversation and maybe add your two cents by logging in to EDAboard.com.

Smart agriculture with Arduino – I have a tree, and I want to sense the soil moisture from the surface up to 1-meter depth. I found this here: soil-moisture-sensor https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials…r-hookup-guide. But it does not go up to 1-meter depth. Any solutions? Read more

Solve the problem of noise – I  use external interrupt pin on ATMega 8(INT1) to do action, but there is a relay and motor in my circuit which activated the interrupt and execute the action. I used switch debounce but no vain how to solve this problem? Read more

PID control of converter using PIC16f877a – I have to control my converter voltage using a PID controller. I am using PIC16f877a for programming PID loop. Can anyone help me by providing the code? Read more

Input impedance to ADC pin on PIC16F18856 – Concerning an ADC pin on a PIC16F18856, the maximum input impedance is stated as 10k into the ADC PIN. However, supposing I have 100k into an ADC pin, but with a 470n capacitor on the ADC pin…in that case, would you agree that as long as the rate of ADC sampling of the 470n capacitor voltage is not too high, then the 100k is fine? Read more

Max internal ADC CLK in ARM processors – I’m designing a simple oscilloscope. For cost considerations, I prefer to use an ARM-Based micro-controller with an internal ADC. I need a single channel ADC with 48 MSPS sample frequency. Is there a proper ARM-Based micro-controller to satisfy this? In other words, is there an ARM-Based microcontroller that has an internal 48 MSPS ADC? Read more

S25FL128S single byte write not working – I’m using S25FL128S Cypress flash chip and in that single byte programming not working. Only the sector is working. Sector write working flow. Sector size is 4096. Read more

Can’t get digits other than ‘zero’ – While simulating in Proteus 4-digit 7-segment display in xc8 (v2.0), the counting not incrementing. Only getting 0 at each of every 4 digit segments at startup and after few seconds all are going to 8 8 8 8 and again 0000. What is the problem? Read more

microcontroller may 2019

Need DAC simple modifiable example – I have to test a board which is designed containing STM32f429zg core, I want a simple example to configure and set value (whether dc or sine signal). I am very newbie here and Cube example or other sources didn’t work properly. Also, I couldn’t find any part inside that codes to let me modify DAC output. Read more

Remote programming, read back and default program setting – I have a task to remotely program frequency selection bits of an RF transmitter. The transmitter provides a 16-bit selection pins interface. I accomplished this task by making a serial to parallel bit converter circuit using some general purpose digital ICs. I send a 16-bit frequency select command along with a clock and enable pulses. This works just fine. But my supervisor is asking to put some more features in this project. Read more

RTC with 7-segments to display seconds – I am trying to display time (only seconds) after extracting from rtc-ds3231, code and header attached written in xc8 for 16f877a and also Proteus. With all the header files, this was working well in 16/2 LCD, but problems is — it is not able to display in 7-segments. Why is it behaving like this? Read more

Key factors to consider when choosing a microcontroller

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When designing an embedded system with an MCU, which one should you pick? This guide provides you with a quick overview to help you narrow down your choices.

A microcontroller (MCU), is the smallest and most basic computer. Running on a single chip, it has a CPU, memories (RAM and ROM), and interfaces (input/output ports) for additions like video, audio, USB, and cameras. Unlike a microprocessor, which serves more generalized applications, a microcontroller aims at more specific applications.

A microcontroller has many uses: in consumer electronics like toys and appliances, in communication devices like cell phones and computers, and in medical instruments like ECG machines and monitors. Also, in industrial settings, it can be used to control temperature or pressure, count time, measure speed, or activate the braking system. Because microcontrollers are suitable for specific tasks, it is essential to choose a microcontroller that is most appropriate for a project. There are many factors to consider.

Power efficiency.  There is a trade-off between processing performance and power consumption: a device with higher processing power will consume more energy.  Therefore, if your microcontroller is wireless and running on a rechargeable battery, you need to weigh sacrificing power efficiency against getting more processing power, or vice versa. Some power-efficient microcontrollers include STMicroelectronics’ STM32 series, NXP’s Kinetis L series, Renesas’ H8 Super Low Power series, Cypress’ PSoC 6 series, Microchip’s eXtreme Low Power PIC series, and Texas Instruments’ MSP430 series.

Temperature tolerance.  Depending on the environment in which your microcontrollers operate, you may want devices that withstand extreme temperature. There will be a trade-off between temperature tolerance and cost. Some temperature-tolerant microcontrollers include STMicroelectronics’ STM32F103 series, NXP’s Kinetis EA series, Renesas’ RX24T and RX24U, Infineon’s XMC series and AURIX™ series, Microchip’s: PIC and AVR microcontrollers, and Texas Instruments’ MSP430F2619S-HT.

Security.  Hacking which targets  IoT devices is rising, a threat that is especially relevant to microcontrollers used in automobiles.  In response, microcontroller makers are implementing layers of security such as cryptography and physical security. Now, users can purchase microcontrollers that have been certified to the latest security standards or use MCUs with on-chip secure hardware.  Companies that offer stand-alone security MCUs include STMicroelectronics (ST33 series), Renesas (AE-5 and RS-4 series), Infineon (OPTIGA Trust and OPTIGA TPM), Cypress (PSoC 64), Microchip (32-bit and 16-bit MCUs for Security), and Texas Instruments (MSP430 series).  Companies that offer on-chip security hardware include NXP (Kinetis series) and Infineon (AURIX).

Hardware architecture. A microcontroller’s packaging directly influences its size and performance.  Dual in-line packaging is the most common type. Small-outline transistors have a small footprint, and quad flat packs take up more areas but less vertical space.  Wafer level chip-scales are much smaller and pack in more processing power but are more expensive to manufacture.  Flat no-lead packages are better in heat diffusion. Ball grid arrays (BGAs) have high performance due to the compact package but also cost more to fabricate.

Some of the smallest footprint microcontrollers include Microchip’s (formerly Atmel’s) ATtiny20-UUR, Cypress’ PSoC 4000, NXP’s LPC1102UK, STMicroelectronics’ STM32F042T6Y6, and Texas Instrument’s MSP430G2252.

Processing power.  How much processing power do you require for the task, will a single core processor suffice, or do you need a dual-core? A multicore processor will be significantly faster, but it will also consume more energy. Also, will a graphics processing unit (GPU) be necessary?

Memory. The amount of memory (RAM and ROM) you need will depend on the programs you will be running. More programs need more random access memory (RAM). In addition, a GPU will require not only more RAM but faster read/write time as well.

Hardware interface. The nature of the task will dictate the need for hardware interfaces such as USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, audio, video, or camera.

Software architecture.  Some microcontrollers are operable on multiple OSs, and others are not. If you need to scale, it is better to use the same software architecture to increase interoperability.

Cost.  Microcontrollers fall within a wide price range, from a hundred units for a few dollars to a few dollars per unit. If you want to scale, you need to consider the overall cost versus the individual performance power of a microcontroller.

Here are examples of specialty microcontrollers from different manufacturers:

Company Power Efficiency Temperature Tolerance Security Small Size
STMicroelectronics STM32 series STM32F103 series ST33 MCUs STM32F042T6Y6
NXP Kinetis L series Kinetis EA series Kinetis LPC1102UK
Renesas H8 Super Low Power series RX24T and RX24U AE-5 and RS-4 
Infineon XMC series and AURIX series OPTIGA™ Trust, OPTIGA™ TPM, and AURIX™
Cypress PSoC 6® series PSoC® 64 PSoC 4000
Microchip eXtreme Low Power PIC® series PIC® and AVR® 32-bit and 16-bit MCUs ATTiny20-UUR
Texas Instruments MSP430 series MSP430F2619S-HT MSP430 MCUs MSP430G2252

LoRaWAN security design tips, Part 2: Taking the integrated approach

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Part 1 of this two-part series on security design discussed using a stand-alone security chip. Here in Part 2, we’ll cover solutions that use an integrated chip and module, combining security and microcontroller (MCU) functions in a single chip.

Integrated chip

Cypress’ PSoC 6 MCU single-chip, dual-core architecture comprises the Arm Cortex-M4  and the Arm Cortex-M0+. Based on 40nm technology, the chip draws 22 microamps per Megahertz (M4) and 15 microamps per Megahertz (M0+). The security functions such as authentication are built-in. Additional security is implemented with hardware isolation using memory and peripheral protection.

As with a submarine, when one compartment is damaged with water rushing in, another compartment can be sealed off to keep the water out.  Similarly, hardware isolation within the PSoC 6 MCU  prevents malware from spreading, even when one segment is successfully attacked. (Figure 1).

LoRaWAN security design
Figure 1: The Cypress’ PSoC 6 MCU architecture provides hardware isolation to protect malware attack from spreading. (Source: Cypress)

Modular approach

Designing digital circuitry is one thing. Working with RF signals is an entirely different challenge. That is why some OEMs or developers prefer taking a modular route. OneThinx has integrated the Cypress PSoC 6 and the Semtech radio chip on one module. Measuring 24.5 x 20 x 2.4 mm, the Onethinx Core LoRaWAN™ Module has been pre-certified by the LoRa Alliance. When the module is incorporated into a final system, the OEM or integrator is not required to go through the LoRa Alliance certification process again. This potentially saves time and resources. (Figure 2).

Figure 2: Measuring 24.5 x 20 x 2.4 mm, the Onethinx Core LoRaWAN Module has been pre-certified by the LoRa Alliance. (Source: OneThinx)

Implementing the Cypress’ PSoC 6 protects the root keys in the following manner.

  • The Cypress chip provides a mechanism to securely transfer the root keys from the key management system (KMS) to the device at manufacturing time (for example by using a TLS communication channel between the KMS and the end-device). TLS refers to transport layer security, a protocol that protects communications between client/server applications.

2)   The Cypress chip securely isolates the LoRaWAN stack, which has access to the keys, from the user code, which may potentially contain paths to exploit the root keys.

Figure 3: The Cypress PSoC 6-based module will perform all the security functions including the over-the-air activation (OTAA). (Source: OneThinx)

As shown in Figure 3, the Cypress PSoC 6-based module will perform all the security functions including the over-the-air activation (OTAA) and securely perform the authentication through the gateways and network servers and then to the join servers. The join server will finish the key provisioning tasks.

Conclusions

Part 1 and Part 2 of this series survey two different approaches to security. With one approach, the use of a stand-alone security chip gives designers more flexibility, in that individual MCUs can be selected from STMicroelectronics, NXP, Renesas or others. On the other hand, with the modular approach, many design decisions and integration choices have been determined, which shortens development and test time with proven results. Additionally, with the LoRa Alliance pre-certified module, developers can avoid going through a potentially lengthy certification process.

WiFi/Bluetooth module cuts power use, provides 78Mbps data rate

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CYW43012Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. announced that it collaborated with Cypress Semiconductor Corp. to develop the Type 1LV (CYW43012) solution that is the lowest power, small form factor Wi-Fi and Bluetooth module. This product improves battery life in wearables, smart home products, and portable audio applications. When comparing Type 1LV (CYW43012) to the Type 1DX (CYW4343W), power usage in the previous is approximately 54 percent lower in DTIM 1, 60 percent in DTIM 3, up to 50 percent for 2.4 GHz RX, and 28 percent for 2.4 GHz TX.

Based on the Cypress CYW43012 combo chipset, the ultra-small dual-band Wi-Fi 11a/b/g/n/ (11ac Friendly) +Bluetooth 5.0 module provides data transference rates up to 78Mbps on Wi-Fi and 3Mbps on Bluetooth. The Type 1LV supports a broad range of popular processors including PSoC6, i.MX RT, STM32, i.MX, and IP Camera platforms, as well as Linux and RTOS based applications.

The Type 1LV uses highly sophisticated and enhanced hardware mechanisms and algorithms to ensure that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth coexistence is optimized for maximum performance. An embedded Ipv6 network stack can be used to keep the host processor in sleep mode while maintaining network connections. The module also supports BLE 2Mbps, LE Secure Connections, LE Privacy 1.2, and LE Data Packet Length Extension. The device operates seamlessly in dual-band networks with increased energy efficiency and enhanced security providing optimal performance in Wi-Fi 5 networks. The module size is 10.0mm(L) x 7.2mm(W) x 1.4mm(H). It will have a reference antennae design for FCC/IC certifications and CE conducted test to provide a lower development cost and faster time to market.

 

Suite of IoT software tools harmonizes hardware, open-source software, PSA Security and cloud services

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The ModusToolbox suite will now provide support for complete device-to-cloud application development flows based on the IoT industry’s most popular open-source IoT platforms. In collaboration with Arm, the Mbed IoT platform is the first supported application development flow in the Cypress IoT ecosystem.

The ModusToolbox suite provides flexibility for developers to access Cypress’ industry-leading IoT cypressmicrocontroller (MCU) and wireless connectivity devices for the IoT. The suite also provides an open architecture that allows IoT development professionals to choose their preferred development environment. By bringing these elements together, ModusToolbox addresses the complexities that device designers face when developing IoT applications that require seamless integration across compute, connectivity and cloud domains.

Arm Mbed OS is a free, open-source operating system that helps developers build connected devices featuring security and connectivity. The integration with ModusToolbox is an important step in Cypress’ drive to make the tool completely RTOS agnostic, open-source compatible, and cloud-ecosystem friendly. All tools and development flows are available cross-host on Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. And, the Mbed development experience is delivered through the Mbed CLI tools, online compiler, Mbed Studio, and via export to the ModusToolbox IDE.

“Developers are under extreme pressure to scale and evolve IoT devices with uncompromised quality and security,” said Dipesh Patel, president of the IoT Services Group at Arm. “Through well-structured open-source IoT platforms, such as Arm Mbed, offered in the ModusToolbox suite, Cypress delivers the latest Cloud capabilities, seamlessly integrated with Cypress’ MCU, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth devices.”

Cypress’ ModusToolbox suite brings best-in-class connectivity, computing, security, and sensing together in a single platform. It combines the rich design resources of Cypress’ wireless libraries and the analog and digital peripheral libraries of its PSoC microcontrollers with an open-source, Eclipse-based Integrated Design Environment (IDE). Purpose-built hardware, multi-vendor RTOS support, and standards-based security solutions provide a solid foundation, that is validated by various cloud services. ModusToolbox unifies Cypress’ offerings, providing open access to third-party solutions, and freeing engineers to focus on delivering high-value, differentiated products. The IDE is available for download at www.cypress.com/modustoolbox.

The latest version of ModusToolbox is available for download and supports platforms including Cypress’ PSoC 6 MCUs, CYW43438 and CYW43012 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth combos, and CYW20819/20 Bluetooth MCUs.

MCUs with built-in system layer security fortify IoT application design

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A new line of PSoC 64 Secure MCUs integrate robust, standards-based system layer security software with the hardware layer features available in the ultra-low-power PSoC 6 architecture. Specifically, PSoC 64 Secure MCU devices provide an isolated root-of-trust with true attestation and provisioning services. In addition, the line includes devices that deliver a pre-configured secure execution environment supporting the system software of various IoT platforms, providing TLS authentication, secure storage, and secure firmware management. The MCUs also include a rich execution environment for application development, with an embedded RTOS from Cypress’ ModusToolbox™ suite that manages communication with the secure execution environment.

PSoC 64 Secure MCUs are one of the first Arm Cortex-M processors to be certified as Level 1 cypresscompliant within the Arm Platform Security Architecture (PSA) certification scheme, PSA Certified, utilizing a secure Trusted Firmware-M (TF-M) implementation integrated into the Arm Mbed OS open-source embedded operating system. Combined with the Arm PSA holistic set of threat models, security analyses, hardware and firmware architecture specifications, designers can use PSoC 64 Secure MCUs with confidence in their secure applications. The line targets cloud-connected products that require protection of user data and trustworthy firmware updates, including personal healthcare devices, medical and chronic disease management equipment, and home security solutions.

The line of PSoC 64 Secure MCUs is supported in Cypress’ ModusToolbox™ suite, which will allow designers to select the system firmware of secure IoT platforms—such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Arm Pelion and Alibaba—to develop their application, and then configure and verify their secure boot images. The MCUs include a hardware-based root-of-trust consisting of secured storage and firmware, establishing a command-based set of trusted services. The root-of-trust includes hardware accelerated cryptography, as well as true random number generation (TRNG). The ModusToolbox suite brings best-in-class connectivity, processing, sensing, and security together in a unified environment, providing open access to third-party solutions, freeing engineers to focus on delivering high-value, differentiated products.

The PSoC 6 architecture is built on an ultra-low-power 40-nm process technology, and the MCUs feature low-power design techniques to extend battery life up to a full week for wearables. The dual-core Arm Cortex-M4 and Cortex-M0+ architecture lets designers optimize for power and performance simultaneously. Designers can use the MCU’s software-defined peripherals to create custom analog front-ends (AFEs) or digital interfaces for innovative system components such as electronic-ink displays. The PSoC 6 MCU features the latest generation of Cypress’ industry-leading CapSense® capacitive-sensing technology, enabling modern touch and gesture-based interfaces that are robust and reliable.

Cypress’ PSoC 64 Secure MCUs with SecureBoot will be sampling the first quarter of 2019, and additional variations are planned for the second quarter of 2019. More information on the line of PSoC 64 Secure MCUs is available at www.cypress.com/psoc6security.

Low-power Bluetooth MCUs deliver mesh networking with smartphone connectivity

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Two low-power, dual-mode Bluetooth 5.0 and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) microcontrollers include support for Bluetooth mesh networking for the Internet of Things (IoT). The new CYW20819 and CYW20820 MCUs each provide simultaneous Bluetooth 5.0 audio and BLE connections, delivering low-power wireless solutions that enable music and voice commands for battery-powered fitness bands, health monitoring devices, and voice remotes. Designers can also use the solution to develop low-cost, low-power Bluetooth mesh network devices that can communicate with each other—and with smartphones, tablets and voice-controlled home assistants—via simple, ubiquitous, and hub-free Bluetooth connectivity.

The CYW20819 Bluetooth/BLE MCU has the ability to maintain Secure Simple Pairing (SPP) protocol Bluetooth MCUsconnections and Bluetooth mesh connections simultaneously. The CYW20820 offers the same features and integrates a power amplifier (PA) with up to 10 dBm output power for long-range applications up to 400 meters and whole-home coverage. This provides classic Bluetooth tablet and smartphone connections while enabling a low-power, standards-compliant mesh network for sensor-based smart home or enterprise applications. The MCUs offer up to 125 MIPS of performance with an Arm Cortex-M4 core and enable operation at 60% lower active power for connected 200ms beacons compared to current solutions—delivering up to an industry-leading 123 days of battery life from a CR2032 coin cell battery. The MCUs are ideal for wearables, sensors, remote controls, smart home lighting and medical devices, and they are forward and backward compatible for dual-mode mouse and keyboard HID applications.

Previously, users needed to be in the immediate vicinity of a Bluetooth device to control it without an added hub. Using Bluetooth mesh networking technology, combined with the high-performance integrated PA in the CYW20820, the devices within the network can communicate with each other to easily provide coverage throughout even the largest homes, allowing users to conveniently control all of the devices via apps on their smartphones, tablets, and smart-speakers.

The CYW20819 and CYW20820 MCUs are supported by Cypress’ ModusToolbox development tools, which provide sample code and applications for Bluetooth Mesh and sensor kits.

More information on Cypress’ Bluetooth Mesh solutions is available at www.cypress.com/ble-mesh. Additionally, Cypress offers a CY20819-based certified Bluetooth module (CYBT-213043-02) and two evaluation kits which are now open for pre-ordering:
• The Cypress CYW20819EVB-02 Evaluation Kit for evaluation and development with the CYW20819 MCU will be available in March 2019
• And the Cypress Mesh Evaluation Kit (CYBT-213043-MESH), featuring a Bluetooth 5.0-qualified and regulatory certified module based on the CYW20819 MCU for development of Bluetooth mesh applications will be available in the second quarter of 2019.

Cypress’ Bluetooth solutions share a common, widely-deployed Bluetooth stack and are supported in the latest version of Cypress’ Wireless Internet Connectivity for Embedded Devices (WICED) software development kit (SDK), applied in the ModusToolbox suite, which streamlines the integration of wireless technologies for developers of smart home lighting and appliances, as well as healthcare applications. More information on Cypress’ wireless solutions can be found at www.cypress.com/wireless.

Memory controller boasts advanced ASIC with encryption

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AGIGARAM 4 Memory ControllerAgigA Tech, Inc., a developer of Non-Volatile DIMM (technology and solutions, and a subsidiary of Cypress Semiconductor Corp., introduced the AGIGARAM 4 Memory Controller. The innovative ASIC targets JEDEC-standard NVDIMM-N products enabling significantly lower cost and power versus existing solutions, while offering advanced features such as encryption. During backup and restore operations, AGIGARAM4 manages the transfer of critical data between the on-board DRAM and NAND Flash. The highly configurable memory controller supports a number of memory vendors and specifications, allowing considerable flexibility for customers and partners.

Key features offered by AGIGARAM4 include:

  • Integrated DDR4 DRAM Controller: supports multiple DRAM configurations, including single-rank, dual-rank, 3DS and integrated mux devices
  • Integrated NAND Flash Controller: advanced ECC engine with support for up to 4-channels of ONFI 4.0 or Toggle 3.0
  • High-Speed DMA: supports up to 1.2GB/s transfer rates enabling 30 second backup time for a 32GB NVDIMM-N, over 3 times faster than existing solutions
  • AES256 Encryption: optional feature for secure backup

AGIGARAM4 can significantly lower the total solution cost of NVDIMM-N products by eliminating the need for complex FPGAs and/or managed NAND/SSD controllers, while also shrinking the size of the energy source required to perform a backup operation. And with support for DRAM with integrated muxes, this helps to reduce cost and board space, while enhancing signal integrity and, most importantly, system performance. This all culminates in a more attractive NVDIMM-N solution for mainstream adoption by driving down the cost per IOPs.

Samples and Reference Design Files for the AGIGARAM4 will be available to participants in AgigA’s Early Access Program (EAP) later this quarter.