AT32UC3L MCU Features Low-Power Technology

Atmel has introduced the 32-bit AT32UC3L AVR32 microcontroller with Picopower low-power technology and embedded capacitive touch-controller peripheral. The AT32UC3L provides less than 0.48mW/MHz in active mode executing real-life applications. The device is also the first 32-bit microcontroller to feature a built-in capacitive touch interface, making it suitable in a range of embedded applications. Atmel's Picopower technology enables the AT32UC3L to operate on less than 1.5uA with the 32KHz real time clock active, and below 100nA with all oscillators stopped.

The device features Atmel's 1.6V technology, which keeps the device fully operational in systems with supply-voltages ranging from 1.62 to 3.60V. The AT32UC3L's built-in capacitive touch peripheral unit makes capacitive touch as easy as incorporating another peripheral. The device supports capacitive touch buttons and sliders and the hardware support enables the addition of capacitive touch to the application, with no additional software overhead. The capacitive touch hardware also allows the microcontroller to wake up from sleep on touch.

Atmel's QTouch technology provides a robust touch solution with a high signal-to-noise ratio that improves the system's design margin, increases EMC performance and raises ESD tolerance. It is ideal for applications where reliability is required, such as consumer user interfaces, industrial and automotive applications and those where high moisture-levels are present. The AT32UC3L includes a new flash-security technology called Flashvault. Flashvault allows the on-chip flash to be partially programmed and locked, creating secure on-chip storage for secret code and software intellectual property.

Code stored in the Flashvault will execute as normal, but cannot be read, copied or debugged. This allows a device with Flashvault code protection to carry a piece of valuable software such as a math library or an encryption algorithm from a trusted location to a potentially untrustworthy partner where the rest of the source code can be developed, debugged and programmed. The AT32UC3L also introduces Atmel's Peripheral Event System for the first time on a 32-bit microcontroller. The system allows peripherals to send signals (events) directly to other peripherals without involving the CPU.

By offloading to the peripheral event system the repetitive task of forwarding these events, the CPU will drastically reduce the time-consuming handling of interrupts. This will free up more time for the CPU to handle other tasks in the application and often allow the CPU to remain longer in one of the AVR32's many energy-saving sleep modes. The UC3L has a clock system with clock-failure protection, frequency meter, real time clock with calendar mode, a precision crystal oscillator tuner and accurate digital frequency locked loop. The peripherals include a nine-channel 12-bit ADC and eight-channel analogue comparator.

The device is the first microcontroller from Atmel to feature an eight-bit PWM output on every I/O pin. Atmel's AVR32 UC3L is supported by the AVR32 Studio integrated development environment used for Atmel's AVR32 product line. It is available for free on Atmel's website. IAR's Embedded Workbench also supports AVR32 devices. Debugging tools include Atmel's Avrone, STK 600 Starter Kit, and JTAGICE mkII on-chip debugger. Samples of the AT32UC3L are available now.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What is Class I Division 2?

Image
A Class I Division 2 is a location: (1) In which volatile flammable gases, flammable liquid-produced vapors, or combustible liquid-produced vapors are handled, processed, or used, but in which the liquids, vapors, or gases will normally be confined within closed containers or closed systems from which they can escape only in case of accidental rupture or breakdown of such containers or systems or in case of abnormal operation of equipment, or (2) In which ignitable concentrations of flammable gases, flammable liquid-produced vapors, or combustible liquid-produced vapors are normally prevented by positive mechanical ventilation, and which might become hazardous through failure or abnormal operation of the ventilating equipment. Class I Division 2 Classification Class I Division 2 refers to the ANSI/ISA 12.12.01 standard. This standard was previously UL1604 until UL recommended the newer ANSI/ISA standard be used and that all hazardous location products be certified under this standa...
Read more

FUSE SIZING CONSIDERATIONS FOR HIGHER EFFICIENCY MOTORS

Image
When selecting the proper fuse for short circuit protection in motor starting applications, it is important to not only ensure that the fuse will not nuisance open during motor start up times, but also that the fuse will coordinate as required with overload relays. When sizing fuses between 125% and 150% of the motor nameplate current, several advantages, including ease of coordination with an overload device, a smaller disconnect, and increased short circuit protection from a lower fuse rating, can be achieved. However, if sizing at this level prevents the motor from starting, it may then be necessary to increase the fuse ampere rating and it then becomes important to know the NEC sizing limitations. As of June 1, 2016, the US Department of Energy has mandated that newly manufactured electric motors will need to meet NEMA Premium® efficiency standards. As motor efficiencies increase, motor locked rotor currents can also be expected to increase. In addition to this, with across-the-lin...
Read more

7/8 16UN Connectors that Provide 600 Volts and 15 Amps

TURCK announces new A-Size 3 and 4-pin 7/8 16UN powerfast™ connectors that provide up to 600 Volts and 15 Amps of power. These IP67 rated connectors provide a modular wiring system designed to handle high current applications for machine power distribution, while providing resistance to vibration commonly associated with conveyors, motors and material handling applications. The cordsets are available with a tray rated, exposed run PVC flexlife ® cable, with or without STOOW rating, and 14 AWG wires that allow you to replace hard wiring with a robust, quick disconnect system that saves the time and money spent installing a conduit system. The A-Size powerfast line offers male and female, straight connectors, standard and custom lengths, and pigtails or extensions. To make the system complete, fully encapsulated mating receptacles, with 1/2”-14 NPT mounting threads are available.
Read more