The Fujitsu 16-Bit 16FX Series of MCUs Provide Ultra-Low Power Consumption, 32-Bit Processing Capability for Automotive, Industrial Markets


SUNNYVALE, Calif., March 28 / - A new series of next-generation 16-bit microcontrollers announced today by Fujitsu Microelectronics America, Inc. (FMA) meets the automotive industry's requirements for high computing power and high integration with very low power consumption, saving battery life and reducing the total system cost.

The new Fujitsu 16FX series includes four devices based on a new central processor that significantly increases internal bus bandwidth compared with the Fujitsu 16LX microcontroller series. The 16FX series provides five times the computing power, increases on-chip functionality, and can execute programs approximately three times faster at the same clock frequency. For example, at 24MHz, the 16FX series achieves more than 11 real MIPS (Dhrystone 2.1). The new technology and improved design allow CPU frequencies up to 56MHz, enabling processing performance equivalent to 32-bit processors.

Combination of Factors Enable Major Reductions in Power Consumption, System Cost

While the 16FX series is compatible with the 16LX microcontrollers, the new series reduces power consumption by an impressive 80 percent. This is achieved through Fujitsu's new 0.18mn CMOS process technology, a lower internal CPU voltage of 1.8V, a peripheral clock speed that is selectable independently from the CPU speed, and a reduced number of clocks per instruction (CPI).

"Low power consumption is crucial for battery-operated applications, including many automotive control units that remain active when a vehicle engine is switched off. Reduced power consumption can save on system costs, since potential battery capacities, voltage regulators or buffer capacities can be configured in a smaller format," said Akio Nezu, senior manager of the Embedded Solutions Business Group at Fujitsu Microelectronics America. "Cooling measures can be eliminated and electromagnetic radiation is reduced, so potentially expensive measures such as shielding can also be eliminated or substantially reduced."

Lowering system costs was a focus for Fujitsu. On-chip oscillators enable the devices to be operated at speeds of either 100KHz or 2MHz without external resonators. Applications that require a precise clock supply and an external resonator benefit from the fast (less than 1ms) and safe start-up (guaranteed even if the external resonator strikes). The MCUs can utilize the on-chip oscillator to monitor the external clock source.

The devices also have an extended supply voltage range of 3V to 5.5V. If the supply voltage drops below 3V, the on-chip low-voltage detection reset ensures that the 16FX application will not hang up.

Optional alarm comparators also are available for monitoring analog parameters without disturbing the CPU. If the on-board voltage leaves a defined range, an interrupt is generated, allowing the CPU to take counter-measures, such as deactivating low prioritized loads.

Pin-Compatible with 16LX Series

The 16FX retains pin compatibility with most of the 16LX devices. With the same instruction set, the assembler and C-compiler are unchanged when users move from the LX to the FX CPU, and several peripherals from the LX are available on the FX, simplifying software conversion. The same starter kit, the Flash-CAN-100P-340, can be used. On-chip debugging is supported via USART.

Pricing and Availability
The new devices include the MB96350 in 64-pin FPT packaging and the MB96320 in 80-pin FPT packaging, along with the MB96340 100-pin FPT packages and the MB96386/7 in 120-pin FPT packages. Prices start at $7.00 each in samples. Flash memory incorporated in the new 16FX series ranges from 128KB to 544KB. Fujitsu plans to continue to enhance the new 16FX series, providing devices with between 48 and 144 pins for automotive and industrial control designs.

About Fujitsu Microelectronics America, Inc.
Fujitsu Microelectronics America, Inc. (FMA) leads the industry in innovation. FMA provides high-quality, reliable semiconductor products and services for the networking, communications, automotive, security and other markets throughout North and South America. For product information, visit the company web site at us.fujitsu.com/micro/mcu or address e-mail to inquiry@fma.fujitsu.com.

Source: Fujitsu Microelectronics America, Inc.

CONTACT: Emi Igarashi of Fujitsu Microelectronics America, Inc.,
+1-408-737-5647, or eigarash@fma.fujitsu.com;

Web site: http://www.fma.fujitsu.com/

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