Toshiba ApP Lite(TM) High-Performance IoT Platform Features Analog Front End for Faster, More Efficient Wearables
TZ1200 ARM® Cortex®-based processors omit need for external graphics controller, enabling 2x CPU speedup while maintaining small footprint
LAS VEGAS - CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW (CES) -- Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. (TAEC)*, a committed leader that collaborates with technology companies to create breakthrough designs, today introduced the TZ1200 series of ApP Lite™ processors for Internet of Things (IoT) applications. The first product, the TZ1201XBG, is a high-performance processor for next-generation consumer Internet of Things (IoT) applications, which not only have extremely low-power requirements, but also need the latest graphics features to drive a high-resolution display, while occupying a very small footprint.
The TZ1201XBG integrates an ARM® Cortex®-M4F processor with a high-performance 2D graphics engine and 2.2 megabytes of embedded SRAM([1). It comes with an integrated high-precision analog front end (AFE), which has a 24-bit delta-sigma analog-to-digital converter (ADC), eliminating the need for an external ADC or graphics controller. This makes the processor well suited for such IoT applications as smart watches, health and fitness wearables, home automation and virtual/augmented reality, to name a few.
"Manufacturers need a processor solution that can meet the power, performance and memory requirements associated with the growing number of mid-range consumer IoT applications," said Deepak Prakash, senior director of marketing, Logic LSI Business Unit, System LSI Group at TAEC. "Toshiba has a proven strong commitment to enabling IoT devices, and our newest line of ApP Lite processors was specifically designed to target this burgeoning area of the market."
The high-precision AFE measures extremely weak signals (about 10 microvolts), such as EEG or EMG (brain or muscle scans), as well as impedance, which can be used to determine stress level index by calculating skin resistance. The AFE also supports up to 4-channel voltage/current/impedance multi-sensing with only a minimal addition of external components. By integrating the software and various services, the data measured by the AFE can be utilized to create new applications as well as target new markets.
The ARM Cortex-M4F at the heart of the TZ1201XBG was developed to target active current consumption of 78 microamps per megahertz (MHz) in normal operation mode. It works with the power management software for about one week in pulse measurement applications or for about one month in watch applications with a 200mAh battery.
The new ApP Lite processor can run at 120MHz in overdrive mode at maximum working frequency. Its dedicated 2D graphics accelerator reduces CPU utilization and power dissipation, enabling smooth functioning of the graphical user interface (GUI). Together with the embedded data compressor, the TZ1201XBG enables large-capacity data storage for long periods of time without frequent uploading of data.
Availability
Samples of the TZ1200XBG ApP Lite processor will begin shipping in April. Mass production is scheduled to begin in summer 2016.
   1. Product density is identified based on the density of memory chip(s)
      within the product, not the amount of memory capacity available for data
      storage by the end user. Consumer-usable capacity will be less due to
      overhead data areas, formatting, bad blocks, and other constraints, and
      may also vary based on the host device and application. For details,
      please refer to applicable product specifications.
ApP Lite is a trademark of Toshiba Corporation. ARM and Cortex are trademarks or registered trademarks of ARM Limited (or its subsidiaries) in the EU and/or elsewhere.
*About TAEC
Through proven commitment, lasting relationships and advanced, reliable electronic components, Toshiba enables its customers to create market-leading designs. Toshiba is the heartbeat within product breakthroughs from OEMs, ODMs, CMs, VARs, distributors and fabless chip companies worldwide. A committed electronic components leader, Toshiba designs and manufactures high-quality flash memory-based storage solutions, solid state drives (SSDs), hard disk drives (HDDs), solid state hybrid drives (SSHDs), discrete devices, custom SoCs/ASICs, imaging products, microcontrollers, wireless components, mobile peripheral devices, advanced materials and medical tubes that make possible today's leading smartphones, tablets, cameras, medical devices, automotive electronics, industrial applications, enterprise solutions and more.
Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. is an independent operating company owned by Toshiba America, Inc., a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, Japan's largest semiconductor manufacturer and the world's sixth largest semiconductor manufacturer (Gartner, 2014 Worldwide Semiconductor Revenue Estimates, December 2014). Founded in Tokyo in 1875, Toshiba is at the heart of a global network of over 590 consolidated companies employing over 200,000 people worldwide. Visit Toshiba's web site at www.toshiba.co.jp/index.htm.
© 2015 Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. All rights reserved.
Information in this press release, including product pricing and specifications, content of services and contact information, is current and believed to be accurate on the date of the announcement, but is subject to change without prior notice. Technical and application information contained here is subject to the most recent applicable Toshiba product specifications.
COMPANY CONTACT:
Deborah Chalmers
Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc.
Tel.: 408-526-2454
deborah.chalmers@taec.toshiba.com
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Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc.
Web Site: http://www.toshiba.com/taec
