Mitsubishi Electric Launches New 16-Bit CAN Microcontrollers as Latest Members of Platform-Compatible M16C Family.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 21, 2002

Designed to Meet Automotive Manufacturers' Growing Demand for

Flash-Based MCUs with CAN Functionality

The Electronic Device Group of Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc., announced three new M16C(TM) Platform 16-bit microcontrollers (MCUs) designed specifically for applications requiring networking functionality in automotive and industrial markets. These new devices are members of the easy-to-use, powerful M16C family. The new flash-based MCUs have high C-code efficiency, industry-leading EMI/EMS performance, and are code compatible with other M16C Platform MCUs. In addition to the core M16C capabilities, the M16C/1N, M16C/6N4, and M16C/6N5 integrate a controller area network (CAN) function that allows designers to program and reprogram a complete network of flash-based MCUs collectively rather than individually, saving significant cost and time. They are also ideally suited to local interconnect network (LIN) automotive applications.

"By adding additional CAN family members to our proven 16-bit platform, we are increasing both customer choice and functionality," said Richard Sessions, director of embedded systems for Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc. "Because we have implemented a platform design concept with all of our 16-bit MCUs, our customers can easily implement the CAN option or migrate between CAN MCUs and incorporate a true electronic network without the need for expensive and time-consuming redesign."

The automotive industry is migrating toward flash MCUs as a standard requirement to improve design and manufacturing cycle times. Combining flash ROM on CAN MCUs allows manufacturers to test all electronic functions and make immediate changes if necessary. If a problem is identified, it can be remedied quickly by simple software reprogramming of the MCUs via the CAN network, significantly reducing development time. And, if a problem is identified in the manufacturing stage, the manufacturer can reprogram the system on the line without the need to scrap expensive hardware.

M16C/1N

The M16C/1N (M301N) is a CAN version of Mitsubishi Electric's M16C/10 microcontroller. Upwardly code compatible with the rest of the M16C family, the M16C/1N is a low-end 16-bit MCU with an M16C/62 central processing unit (CPU) core and 8-bit peripherals housed in a 7-mm x 7-mm, 48-pin plastic-mold LQFP package. In the automotive industry, the M16C/1N is ideal for body control and safety applications that require 16-bit power and performance at a low cost, such as anti-pinch mechanisms, occupant sensing, and remote keyless access.

M16C/6N4 & M16C/6N5

The M16C/6N4 (M306N4) and M16C/6N5 (M306N5) CAN MCUs are also built around the M16C/62 CPU and designed with high-end 16-bit peripherals. Available in a 14-mm x 20-mm, 100-pin plastic-mold QFP package, both are code and pin compatible with the M16C Platform, which is already widely integrated into automotive and industrial markets. The M16C/6N5 is equipped with one CAN module. The M16C/6N4 has two CAN modules (CAN 2.0B active), offering two network channels, and can effectively operate as a communication hub for diagnostic analysis. Both the M16C/6N4 and M16C/6N5 are ideal for applications that require more powerful 16-bit performance and network functionality, such as airbags, audio, instrument cluster, and body control systems.

Highly Reliable Flash Technology

Mitsubishi Electric's M16C flash MCUs are widely used in many "mission critical" applications including automotive safety, industrial control, communications, and computing systems. They use an extremely robust proprietary Hyper New DINOR flash technology that is not affected by process variations. This is achieved by creating memory cells with enough margin in operations and characteristics to eliminate bit failures and by setting in-process screening steps to remove defect-induced data retention failures. With tens of millions of flash devices in service, Mitsubishi Electric has received no flash ROM bit failures from the field. All M16C flash MCUs are capable of 100,000 erase/write cycles (typical).

Availability and Pricing

Samples of the M16C/1N and StarterKit Plus(TM) development tools will be available in the first quarter of 2003, with volume production scheduled for the first quarter of 2004. Sample pricing for the 64-Kbyte flash ROM version of the M16C/1N is $6 each.

Samples of the M16C/6N4 and M16C/6N5 will be available in December 2002, with StarterKit Plus development tools available in the first quarter of 2003. Volume production is scheduled for the third quarter of 2003. Sample pricing for the 128-Kbyte flash ROM version of the M16C/6N4 and M16C/6N5 is $20 each and $15 each, respectively.

M16C/1N Notable Features:

-- Memory size: 128 Kbytes Flash ROM; 3 Kbytes RAM

-- Shortest instruction execution time: 62.5 ns at 16 MHz

-- Power supply voltage: 4.2-5.5V at 16 MHz

-- Interrupts: 15 internal causes, 8 external causes, 4 software causes (including key input interrupts)

-- 8-bit timers: 4 with 8-bit prescaler (PWM output of Timer Y, Z: selectable)

-- 16-bit timer: 1 (time measurement timer)

-- Serial I/O: UART or clock synchronization type x 2

-- A-D converter: 10-bit X 12 channels (can be expanded to 14 channels)

-- D-A converter: 1

-- Watchdog timer: 1

-- Programmable I/O ports: 37

-- LED drive ports: 8

-- Clock generation circuits: 3 internal circuits

-- Main clock generation circuit: An internal feedback resistor and an externally attached ceramic resonator/quartz crystal oscillator, sub clock generation circuit, an internal feedback resistor and an externally attached ceramic resonator/quartz crystal oscillator, ring oscillator

M16C/6N4 & M16C6N5 Notable Features:

-- Memory size: 128/256 Kbytes Flash ROM; 5/10 Kbytes RAM

-- Memory expansion: Up to 1 Mbyte (maximum)

-- Shortest instruction execution time: 62.5 ns at 16 MHz, 100 ns

at 20 MHz

-- Power supply voltage: 4.2-5.5 V at 16 MHz, 2.7-5.5 V at 20 MHz

-- Interrupts: 29 internal and 9 external interrupt sources, 4

software interrupt sources, 7 priority levels (including key

input interrupt)

-- Multi-function 16-bit timer: 5 output timers and 6 input

timers

-- Serial I/O: 4 channels (3 for UART or clock synchronous, 1 for

clock synchronous)

-- DMAC: 2 channels

-- A-D converter: 10 bits X 26 analog inputs

-- D-A converter: 8 bits X 2 analog outputs

-- CRC calculation circuit: 1

-- Watchdog timer: 15-bit

-- Programmable I/O ports: 87 lines

-- Input port: 1 line

-- Chip select output: 4 lines

-- Clock generating circuits: 2 built-in clock generation

circuits

About Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc.

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation is a top-10 semiconductor supplier and ranks among the top-five worldwide suppliers of 8- and 16-bit microcontrollers. The company designs and manufactures powerful embedded MCU platforms for embedded industrial control, automotive, consumer entertainment, and communications applications. Mitsubishi Electric's MCU products include the number one global selling 16-bit, M16C platform -- a feature-rich, low-noise, ultra-low power, and code-efficient core that easily scales across customers' end-product lines. The company also offers 8-, 16-, and 32-bit point solution MCU platforms including USB; Flash-Over-USB(TM); CAN; LIN; and keyboard, battery, and LCD control.

Mitsubishi Electric semiconductor global manufacturing facilities, engineering design centers, and marketing and sales centers supplying MCU products to the automotive industry are QS-9000 certified. Mitsubishi Electric is a founding member of EEMBC -- the Embedded Microprocessor Benchmark Consortium -- and is a member of the USB Implementers Forum and the Smart Battery Implementers Forum. The company markets its microcontroller products in North America through the Electronic Device Group of Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc.

Mitsubishi Electric also offers an extensive range of semiconductor and system components for the North American marketplace, including optoelectronic, microwave/RF, ASIC, ASSP, and memory ICs and modules. Additional information on the Mitsubishi Electric Semiconductor Group is available at www.mitsubishichips.com.

Trademark Information

Mitsubishi and the Mitsubishi logo are registered trademarks of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation in the USA, Japan, and other countries. M16C and StarterKit Plus are trademarks of Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc. All other companies and products referenced herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Keywords

Mitsubishi, M16C, microcontroller, MCU, 16-bit, CAN, LIN, automotive.