EDN — 07.04.96 Microprocessors

Microprocessors: July 4, 1996

Automotive microcontroller employs J1850 protocol handler.

Based on the MCS 96 architecture, three 16-bit microcontrollers work in cost-sensitive automotive applications, including antilock braking systems and multiairbag systems. The 87C196LB integrates the SAE Class B J1850 communication protocol for in-vehicle system-data sharing, eliminating the need for a stand-alone J1850 module. The 87C196LB integrates on-chip PLL and oscillator-out circuitry. The other two controllers, the 83C-196LC and LD, offer an enhanced synchronous serial port, but have no on-chip ADC. Respective prices for the 87C196LB, 83C196LC, and 83C196LD are $14.54, $7.87, and $6.56 (10,000). Intel Corp, Santa Clara, CA. (800) 628-8686.

Forecast covers Intel µPs.

The Intel "Microprocessor Forecast: Manufacturing Capabilities, Production Costs, and Prices," a technical library report from the publisher of the Microprocessor Report, provides a road map of Intel's upcoming processors through 1999. The 50-pg report covers die size and estimated manufacturing cost for current and future processors, including the P6 Klamath, Deschutes, and Merced. The report includes tables and charts, a list of Intel's fabrication facilities and estimated capacity, and historical and projected shipments of 486 and Pentium processors. The report costs $850. MicroDesign Resources, Sebastopol, CA. (707) 824-4004.

Dedicated keyboard controller replaces MCS51 microcontrollers.

The 83C51KB keyboard controller maintains code compatibility with MSC51 microcontrollers, such as the NMOS 8051, and provides a migration path with little or no software investment. Re-placing 11 discrete components, the 8-bit 83C51KB includes LED drivers, an RC resonator with an integrated capacitor, power-on reset circuitry, key scan-in with external interrupts for power management, and key scan-out with an integrated pull-up resistor. The controller also provides for Windows 95's three extra-function keys (104 keys total). Operating frequency ranges from 4 to 6 MHz. The part comes in a 40-pin PDIP and costs $1.30 (50,000). Intel Corp, Santa Clara, CA. (800) 628-8686.

Report focuses on PC processors and chip sets.

A market strategy and forecast report from Mercury Research, "PC Processors and Chip Sets," provides estimated shipments and forecasts for major processors and vendors through 2000. The 400-pg document covers the costs and other trade-offs for Pentium-class implementations and breaks down the chip-set market by bus interface, geography, and supported processors. The report analyzes technology trends, including system architectures, multimedia-instruction sets, and memory alternatives. Mercury Research, Scottsdale, AZ. (602) 998-9225.