Based on the ARM Cortex-M0+ processor, the S1C31W74 microcontroller is sampling. This is Epson’s first in a new series of energy-efficient microcontrollers with integrated 32bit flash memory.
According to the company, the combination of the energy-efficient ARM Cortex-M0+ processor, and the company’s own low leak process and circuit technology helps to enable powerful microcontrollers with modest power requirements, thus extending battery life.
The S1C31W74 consumes only 900nA in RTC mode and 150µA/MHz in run mode, and can operate up to two times longer on battery power than one of the company’s original core 32bit flash microcontrollers. This energy efficiency is a step closer, says the company, to realising smart watches that do not require recharging and IoT terminals for environmental monitoring applications, where power consumption is a critical factor.
The microcontroller is a single chip, housed in a 1mm thick VFBGA8HX-181 package. The IC includes an LCD driver that can directly display up to 2,304 dots, a USB 2.0 full-speed device controller, 512kbytes of flash memory, and 128kbytes of RAM. It is also offered as a bare chip.
An optional evaluation kit includes an evaluation board, debug probe and an IDE, based on IAR Embedded Workbench for ARM.
The microcontrollers are sampling now, with volume production scheduled for July 2016.
http://www.epson-electronics.de
ICs & Semiconductors
Power management chip extends battery and shelf life
Designers can optimise power and battery life for wearable medical/fitness and IoT applications, using the MAX14720 PMIC, says Maxim Integrated. It can be used for non-rechargeable battery (coin cell, dual alkaline) applications where size and energy efficiency are critical. An electronic battery seal also extends shelf life by effectively disconnecting the battery prior to initial power-up.
It also reduces bill of materials with the functionality of five discrete devices – power switch, linear regulator, buck regulator, buck-boost regulator, and monitor, says the company.
Wireless charging ICs offer dual mode power capability for quick charge
Dual-mode Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) Qi 1.2 and AirFuel Alliance (PMA) SR1E medium power 15W capability has been added to the Semtech TS80000 wireless charging portfolio.
The ICs support the increased battery capacity for quick charging smart phones, tablets, phablets, and medical and industrial devices.
The company’s medium power wireless charging technology can be integrated into existing portable devices as well as infrastructure and automotive applications. The TS80K devices can support both receiver and transmitter applications. The company also provides reference designs and evaluation kits to implement the technology.
Key feature are the scalability. According to the company, this is the only product on the market that supports from 100mW low power wearable solutions to 100W high power solutions for industrial tools, medical equipment and “connected” furniture applications.
Multi-mode receiver and output power from 100mW to 20W allow compatibility between all transmitters supporting any of the three industry standards.
Multi-mode transmitter for all power levels, from 100mW to 40W allow embedded charging capability in furniture, vehicles and public venues that can support all three standards based on a single, cost-effective platform, says the company.
http://www.semtech.com
Compact wristwatch form factor FPGA is smaller than MCUs
Based on the iCE40 Ultra FPGA, Lattice Semiconductor offers a development platform for designing low-power wearable devices.
The FPGA uses a package that is 60% smaller than alternative microcontrollers, says the company. It also supports a low power standby mode for always-on functionality, suitable for wearables that need to operate for days between charges.
Hardware features and sensors supported include a 1.54inch display, MEMS microphone, high-brightness LED, IR LED, BLE module and 32Mbyte of flash memory. There is also support for sensors capable of measuring heart rate/SpO2, skin temperature, and pressure as well as an accelerometer and gyroscope.
The wrist watch form factor measures 1.5 x 1.57 x 0.87inches, with a wrist strap and a built in battery.
A user guide and several demos are included to showcase parallel RGB to MIPI DSI bridging, health monitor, pedometer, IR transmitter or flashlight functions.
http://www.latticesemi.com/ultrawearable
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