Just introduced by the Electronic Device Group of Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, the StarterKit Plus for its 8- and 16-bit microcontroller units (MCUs) is aimed at allowing customers to quickly evaluate the company's MCUs in embedded system applications. "The first 120 days of an embedded system project are the most critical," says Richard Sessions, director of the Embedded Systems Dept. in Mitsubishi's Integration, Communications, and Imaging Div. "Here's where the choices of hardware and software are made and the time-to-market determined," he emphasizes. "Thus starter kits, simulators, and emulators can give a fast start to making design choices," understanding a microprocessor's capability, and writing code. At $99.99, StarterKit Plus includes the correct power supply, cables, software, manuals, sample code, and CD-ROM data book. The kit's compiler and debugger come with a 120-day license, renewable for free. The company's M16C 16-bit core microcontroller family uses the same architecture in applications from high-end 8-bit (where it is cost competitive), through 16-, into 32-bit applications, making it easy to migrate designs upward. Mitsubishi Electric:
Enter 563
Microcontrollers get small, offer back compatibility
The PIC18F010 and F020 flash microcontrollers from Microchip Technology offer 10 MIPS performance with 4 kbytes of program memory, 256 bytes of user RAM, and 64 bytes of EEPROM data memory, all in a compact 8-pin package. The company's 0.5-micron process technology allows it to use the 8-pin package, which takes up reduced board space, and, because it requires fewer instructions, RISC architecture makes it easier to use. Flash reprogrammability allows field upgrades. The microcontroller units (MCUs) complement Microchip's existing PICmicro line—with pin compatibility decreasing prototyping time and permitting existing PC board configurations to be used with new features. Software can also be reused because of code compatibility across all 8 to 84 pins of the PICmicro architecture. Low-voltage operation (EEPROM write down to 2V) is suited to battery operation. "The PIC18F010 and F020 continue Microchip's 8-pin, 8-bit MCUs with the flexibility of flash program memory and the performance of the PIC18 architecture," according to Fanie Duvenhage, product manager. Applications include use in the automotive, motor control, industrial telecommunications, and appliance markets. Microchip Technology:
Enter 564
Controller's integrated sensors prolong battery life
The Motorola 68HC908SR12 8-bit microcontroller uses on-chip current and temperature sensors to cut the need for additional components and thus reduce board size. Targeted applications include "smart" batteries and chargers, home appliances, security systems, and other sensing applications. Kevin Kilbane, market development manager for 8- and 16-bit MCUs (microcontroller units), highlights the high level of sensor integration and special algorithms that monitor temperature to speed charging and protect the battery from over-temperatures. "Charging is optimized based on temperature," he says, "and pulsing charge current allows a fast charge and safety," while prolonging battery life. "Users can customize the charging algorithms," Kilbane adds, and thus have several product versions using the same hardware. The chips can be on board batteries or separate in stand-alone charging units. Security system applications involve ensuring battery backup and sensor interface integrity, while industrial control uses are geared to advanced interfacing with processing and temperature sensors. Motorola SPS:
By refining topologies and using new fluid technology, Moog's new peak sine drive controller increases available power without increasing controller volume.
Lantronix Inc. has expanded its line of controllers for sensor networks with the release of a rugged controller that improves management of automation systems used in a number of industries, including manufacturing, oil and gas, and chemicals.
Inspired by the hooks a parasitic worm uses to penetrate its host's intestines, the Karp Lab has invented a flexible adhesive patch covered with microneedles that adheres well to wet, soft tissues, but doesn't cause damage when removed.
From Dell / Intel® New Paradigms in Design Work Scott Hamilton, vertical market strategist for Dell Precision workstations, 5/2/2013 3
Early in my career, I worked as a draftsman and remember the days of drawing on vellum with numbered pencils and Mylar with plastic lead. This was a fun experience in the sense that I ...
I've been using workstations for more than 10 years and love finding ways to get more performance from my system. With demanding professional applications that require more power each ...
A lasting memory from my first job as an engineer in an auto assembly plant is standing on hard concrete at six in the morning, vending-machine coffee clutched in hand, listening to ...
A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
To save this item to your list of favorite Design News content so you can find it later in your Profile page, click the "Save It" button next to the item.
If you found this interesting or useful, please use the links to the services below to share it with other readers. You will need a free account with each service to share an item via that service.
Tweet This
7 
