NEC Electronics Expands Portfolio of 8-Bit 78K0S/Kx1+ All Flash Microcontrollers


New Devices Feature Flexible Programmability and Low-Pin-Count Packages, Including the Industry's Smallest Package in Class

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Aug. 8 / -- NEC Electronics America, Inc. today announced the expansion of its 8-bit 78K0S/Kx1+ microcontroller (MCU) series to include 10 new devices that complement the company's all flash portfolio and provide seamless coverage of system requirements for multiple MCU applications. Three new 10-pin 78K0S/KU1+ MCUs are available in the industry's smallest package in class, a plastic shrink small-outline package (SSOP) that measures 4.4 x 3.72 millimeters (mm). The company is also adding to its existing low-pin-count series devices seven new 78K0S/KB1+, 78K0S/KA1+ and 78K0S/KY1+ MCUs that are available with pin counts ranging from 16 to 30 and on-chip flash memory ranging from 1 to 8 kilobytes (KB). With small form factors, fine-grained on/off control and high reliability, all 10 of the new MCUs are ideally suited for cost-sensitive white goods applications that require only on/off sequence control services, for example vacuum cleaners, refrigerators, coffee makers, microwave ovens, electric tools, smoke detectors, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), heaters, motors and pumps.

"We are seeing an increased demand for general-purpose MCUs with reprogramming capabilities that can help system developers meet demanding targets for performance, time to market and costs," said Bart Ladd, general manager, Standard Solutions Strategic Business Unit, NEC Electronics America. "With the addition of these 10 new devices, NEC Electronics America is offering one of the industry's most comprehensive general-purpose all flash MCU lineups, with the high performance, flexible programming capability and low power consumption that will allow designers to bring their applications to market quickly and cost effectively."

The new 10-pin 78K0S/KU1+ MCUs have flash memory capacities ranging from 1 to 4 KB. Designers using these devices, available in the industry's smallest package in class, can reduce on-board footprints by about 30 percent compared to footprints housing current 16-pin packages, thereby reducing the size, weight and cost of final products.

Available in a variety of pin counts and memory sizes, the seven new 78K0S/KB1+, 78K0S/KA1+ and 78K0S/KY1+ MCUs have low-cost semiconductor switching functions that can be used as replacements for dedicated switches to reduce the size and weight of switching control and data transfer mechanisms. The devices also offer finer-grained on/off control and higher reliability.

The 30-pin 78K0S/KB1+ MCUs feature 4 and 8 KB of flash memory, the 20-pin 78K0S/KA1+ MCUs 2 to 4 KB, and the 16-pin 78K0S/KY1+ MCUs 1, 2 and 4 KB. The omission of an A/D converter in these seven devices allows designers to select only the functions they need, making these MCUs a cost-effective choice for applications in which analog data (such as temperature or weight data obtained from sensors) need not be converted into digital data by the MCU.

For more information go to, http://www.am.necel.com/micro/documentation/specsheets/78k0s-ku1specsheet.pdf

Tools Support
NEC Electronics provides an array of hardware and software development tools to support efficient development of all of its MCUs, including the new 8-bit products. These tools include the MINICUBE2(R) on-chip debugger/flash programmer combination and the Applilet device driver, which supports the development of initialization programs for MCU peripheral functions. Together, these tools provide an easy-to-use development environment to help designers focus their efforts on developing application software. More information about NEC Electronics America's all flash 8-bit MCUs can be found at www.am.necel.com/micro/promotion/allflash/newdevices8bit.html .

About NEC Electronics' All Flash Microcontrollers

Traditional MCUs manufactured with mask ROM methods are limited to one-time programming. Although these methods are effective for high-volume manufacturing, many industries that require high performance and faster time to market are now leaning toward the production of a wider array of products in smaller quantities. Based on SuperFlash(R) technology from Silicon Storage Technology, Inc., NEC Electronics' 8-bit all flash MCUs give designers the ability to rewrite software multiple times, even after manufacturing and implementation. When specifications change, this reprogramming capability makes it possible for designers to dramatically shorten development and manufacturing times and reduce total system cost.

On a worldwide basis, NEC Electronics Corporation was ranked the number one supplier of 32-bit MCUs according to the March 2006 Gartner Dataquest report. The company's all flash product line now includes 189 MCUs with bit widths ranging from 8 to 32, memory capacities in an extensive variety of sizes and package options optimized for wide array of applications. Simple software programmability based on a single architecture enables customers to minimize the equipment necessary to manufacture their products.

Pricing and Availability

The 78K0S/KU1+ MCUs are in volume production now. Sample shipments of the 78K0S/KB1+, 78K0S/KA1+ and 78K0S/KY1+ devices are available now. Volume production for these MCUs is scheduled to begin in October 2006. Sample pricing is expected to range from US$1.30 to $2. Pricing and availability are subject to change.

About NEC Electronics America, Inc.

NEC Electronics America, Inc., headquartered in Santa Clara, California, is a wholly owned subsidiary of NEC Electronics Corporation , a leading provider of semiconductor products encompassing advanced technology solutions for the broadband and communications markets; system solutions for the mobile, PC, automotive and digital consumer markets; and multi-market solutions for a wide range of customer applications. NEC Electronics America offers a local manufacturing facility in Roseville, California, and the global manufacturing capabilities of its parent company. NEC Electronics America also is the marketing and sales channel in the Americas for industrial-type, active-matrix LCD modules from NEC Technologies, Ltd., a global leader in innovative display technologies. More information about NEC Electronics America's products can be found at http://www.am.necel.com/.

NOTE: NEC Electronics, NEC Electronics America and are either trademarks or registered trademarks of NEC Electronics Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Other product or brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

CONTACT: Klaudeen Shemirani of NEC Electronics America, Inc.,
+1-408-588-5402, or klaudeen.shemirani@am.necel.com

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