Embedded 486 processor clocks at 66 MHz. The 66-MHz Am486DE microprocessor delivers the processing power and Windows compatibility needed for embedded applications. A 1× static-clocking mode lets you turn the processor’s PLL off to run at 33 MHz for streamlined debugging. An 8-kbyte write-back cache optimizes embedded performance by reducing or eliminating the need for an L2 cache. The device comes in a 208-pin SQFP and costs $56 (10,000). Advanced Micro Devices Inc, Sunnyvale, CA. (408) 749-5703.

Embedded controllers light vacuum-fluorescent displays. A line of 8-bit embedded controllers provides the high-voltage outputs required to directly drive vacuum fluorescent displays. The H8/3712, 3713, 3714, 3723, 3724, 3725, and 3726 have a set of on-chip peripherals and large on-chip memory (up to 32 kbytes of OTP/ROM and 1 kbyte of RAM). A RISC-like, register-based architecture allows the use of high-level programming languages, such as C++. The controllers operate from a 2.7 to 5.5V supply. Mask ROM versions start at $4 (100,000); OTP versions start at $13 (10,000). Hitachi America Ltd, Semiconductor & IC Division, Brisbane, CA. (800) 285-1601, ext 21.

Floating-point DSP boasts 50-nsec cycle time. The DSP32C fetches two 32-bit numbers from memory, multiplies and accumulates the result, and writes it to memory in one 50-nsec instruction cycle. In key benchmarks, the DSP executes a 1024-point FFT in 2.75 msec (including bit reversal), a FIR filter at 50 nsec/tap, and an adaptive filter at 100 nsec/tap. Peak performance is rated at 40 MFLOPS. A 60-nsec version of the DSP32C is also available. Packaging options include a 133-pin square ceramic PGA and a 164-pin JEDEC-standard bumpered QFP. The device costs less than $40 in large OEM quantities. AT&T Microelectronics, Allentown, PA. (800) 372-2447.

8-bit microcontroller packs an ADC. Housed in a 28-pin package, the PIC16C72 8-bit microcontroller comes with an 8-bit, five-channel ADC that has a sample acquisition time of 16 msec/channel. On-chip program memory consists of 2048 words of EPROM, supplemented by an additional 128 bytes of RAM. The microcontroller draws less than 15 µA from a 3V supply while operating at 32 kHz. A sleep mode and the ability to switch off the ADC circuitry when not in use typically decrease current draw to less than 1 µA. Packaging options include DIP, SOIC, and SSOP configurations. The device costs $4.76 (1000). Microchip Technology Inc, Chandler, AZ. (602) 786-7200.

PowerPC chip zips along at 150 MHz. A 150-MHz version of the PowerPC 604 microprocessor offers an estimated SPECfp92 rating of 200 to 215 and an estimated SPECint92 rating of 215 to 228. (Exact performance depends on the size, type, and speed of the memory and on the L2 subsystem components used.) The device’s performance gains are especially useful in high-end graphics. The processor costs $600 (1000). IBM Microelectronics, Hopewell Junction, NY. (800) 769-3772.