FROM EDN EUROPE: Die shrink boosts 16-bit options for automotive microcontrollers

A new series of microcontrollers from Fujitsu targets automotive-system designers who need to control overall systems costs while achieving the highest possible level of processing power. Although remaining at 16 bits to maintain code efficiency and low hardware overhead, the 16LX series has a 3V core with on-chip voltage regulation from 5V and a clock PLL in the core, allowing external clocks as large as 5 MHz to be multiplied to a core frequency of 20 MHz. The core will be available with mask-ROM options of 32 to 512 kbytes and flash-memory options of 64 to 512 kbytes.

Two of the first chips to use the core are at opposite ends of the range. For minimum system cost in body-electronics functions, the MB90F497G fits a 16-bit, flash-based CAN (controller-area-network)-equipped controller into a 48-pin, 7-mm-sq package. In contrast, the MB90390 family for applications such as dashboard control incorporates an extensive peripheral set, as well as employing a clock-modulator circuit that reduces EMI emission peaks by spreading the noise energy over a wider spectrum. It also includes a sound generator for dashboard use. The flash memory has its own on-chip programming voltage generator. An evaluation chip for the family is now available.

Another 16-bit microcontroller provides you with three separate, full-CAN interfaces on one chip in the form of the 100-pin MB90F443G (Picture). The 16LX core finds use in a growing range of devices with a range of memory options.

Fujitsu, +49 6103 690257, www.fme.fujitsu.com.