National Semiconductor Unveils First in Series of 8-Bit COP8FLASH Microcontrollers Optimized for Internet-Controlled Appliances.Business Editors/High-Tech Writers SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 18, 2000 Combination of Virtual EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM) A rewritable memory chip that holds its content without power. Although EEPROMs spawned flash memory, EEPROMs are byte addressable at the write level, whereas flash chips must erase a block of bytes before rewriting. , In-System Programming, and Integrated Analog Functions Facilitates Control of Information Appliances (IA) and Internet-Driven Applications National Semiconductor Corporation (NYSE NYSE See: New York Stock Exchange :NSM (Network and System Management) Running and controlling the networks and computer systems in an enterprise. See network management. ) today announced the first in a series of 8-bit COP8FLASH microcontrollers with a menu of special features optimized for the design of web-driven appliances, including the National(R) Geode(TM) WebPAD(TM) reference platform. The COP8SBR SBR - Spectral Band Replication microcontroller features 32kbytes of FLASH program memory plus user-allocatable, variable-size EEPROM on board. A second COP8FLASH microcontroller, the COP8CBR (1) (Computer-Based Reference) Reference materials accessible by computer in order to help people do their jobs quicker. For example, this database on disk! (2) (Constant Bit Rate) A uniform transmission rate. , also offers an integrated 10-bit successive approximation A/D A/D See advance-decline line (A/D). , and is designed to control a WebPAD touchscreen, power management user interface, LCD brightness and contrast control, and battery charging. National's entire COP8FLASH family, scheduled for release through 2001, will total more than 30 microcontrollers. The COP8FLASH portfolio will offer a variety of feature sets leveraging National's analog IP and leadership in package design. The COP8CBR 8-bit microcontroller is also targeted for internet-driven applications requiring remote service and control functions of networked appliances such as home appliances, security systems and vending machines. The device takes advantage of licensed technology enabling the FLASH memory to be used both as program memory and data memory. This feature is specifically targeted at network-driven applications with their wide range of memory requirements for micro information appliances. It is fully compatible with the company's recently announced COP8.COM (1) (Computer Output Microfilm) Creating microfilm or microfiche from the computer. A COM machine receives print-image output from the computer either online or via tape or disk and creates a film image of each page. internet connectivity solution (February 16, 2000), which allows customers to cost-effectively combine reliable networking capabilities with remote control and monitoring functions in 8-bit controller applications. "Home appliance manufacturers are especially thrilled by the virtual EEPROM feature," said John Phelps, product line director for National's Analog Microcontroller Group. "This internet friendly innovation not only allows them to store an appliance's historic data for future diagnostics, it also greatly reduces overall service cost and the number of service calls. This chip design is a key ingredient in the realization of the high-technology home of the future." Key Features The COP8SBR and COP8CBR's 32kbytes of on-board FLASH coupled with a virtual EEPROM feature allow recording a history of events and facilitate diagnostic troubleshooting and servicing without the need for external memory. The combination of FLASH and National's In-System Programming (ISP (1) See in-system programmable. (2) (Internet Service Provider) An organization that provides access to the Internet. Connection to the user is provided via dial-up, ISDN, cable, DSL and T1/T3 lines. ) via 3-wire interface enables in-field downloading of software upgrades via the net to the target appliance, also without the need for any external hardware. The virtual EEPROM feature permits dynamic allocation of byte size portions of FLASH program memory for non-volatile data storage. Data can subsequently be transferred from FLASH to RAM. Moreover, users can simply re-program the FLASH, which is specified for 100,000 erase/write cycles, instead of having to scrap devices with ROM or OTP (One Time Programmable) memory when a bug occurs in the software. Production lead-times are shortened by concurrent development of hardware and software and subsequent in-system programming. Inventories are also reduced thanks to the elimination of a variety of ROM codes on the shelf. A versatile clocking system and two oscillator oscillator Mechanical or electronic device that produces a back-and-forth periodic motion. A pendulum is a simple mechanical oscillator that swings with a constant amplitude, requiring the addition of energy at each swing only to compensate for the energy lost because of air circuits are designed to drive a crystal or ceramic resonator. The primary oscillator operates at high speed up to 10MHz. The second oscillator is optimized for operation at 32KHz. The 16-channel, 10-bit A/D helps monitor the appliance's environment, including temperature, humidity, voltage, current, and power. Battery-powered equipment frequently demands the power-saving features of the COP8SBR's and COP8CBR's two HALT and IDLE modes of operation, and their multi-input wakeup/interrupt capability. The COP8FLASH series features a full duplex software programmable USART See UART. supporting both synchronous and asynchronous operation. Integrated peripheral functions include: WATCHDOG and clock monitor for high reliability and failsafe operation; up to 16 high-current outputs; and three 16-bit timers including two with high-speed, 50ns resolution. A patented EMI-reduction circuitry lowers EMI by 20 dB. The COP8CBR's integrated 10-bit successive approximation analog-to-digital converter (ADC (1) See A/D converter. (2) (Apple Display Connector) A peripheral connector from Apple that combines digital video display, USB and power in one cable. ) provides the analog multiplexer's output signal to an output pin and an A/D direct input. Connecting the analog multiplexer's output to a single external programmable-gain op amp and connecting the op amp's output to the ADC's direct input enables designers to program different amplification factors for each of the analog 16 input channels. The elimination of up to 16 op amps drastically reduces board space and lowers system costs in typical analog signal-conditioning applications. A full range of COP8FLASH microcontroller development tools is available from National, allowing designers to quickly complete initial prototype design. In-system, real time analog signal emulation is 100% accurate and eliminates the need for hardware such as traditional off-chip cabling and emulation boards. Pricing and Availability The COP8SBR is available now with power-on reset/brownout voltage protection in two different voltage ranges within the 2.7V to 5.5V operating range. The COP8SBR9 resets at low voltages from 2.7V to 2.9V. The COP8SCR (Sequence Control Register) See program counter. 9 is the higher-voltage brownout A lowering of AC power voltage for some period of time. Brownouts can be very harmful to electronic equipment if sustained for long periods. Brownouts can cause flickering or a dimming on screen, and the computer may experience intermittent problems as a result. See blackout. version, from 4.2V to 4.5V. A third option, the COP8SDR See software defined radio. 9, has no brownout reset feature. A leadless 68-pin PLCC (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier) A plastic, square, surface mount chip package that contains leads on all four sides. The leads (pins) extend down and back under and into tiny indentations in the housing. See chip package. (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier A Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier (PLCC) is a four-sided “J”-leaded plastic integrated circuit package with pin spacings of 0.05" (1.27 mm). Lead counts range from 20 to 84. PLCC packages can be square or rectangular. Body widths range from .35" to 1.15". ) version of the COP8SBR9LVA8 is priced at $5.60 each in 1000-unit quantities. An optional reduced-output 44-pin PLCC version, the COP8SBR9HVA8 is available at $4.99 in 1000s. The COP8CBR microcontroller will be available in Q4/00. For more information on COP8FLASH microcontrollers, visit www.national.com/cop8flash. About National Semiconductor National Semiconductor provides system-on-a-chip solutions for the information age. Combining real-world analog and state-of-the-art digital technology, the company's chips lead many sectors of the personal computer, communications, and consumer markets. With headquarters in Santa Clara, California Santa Clara, California (IPA: /ˌsæntəˈklærə/) , founded in 1777 and incorporated in 1852, is a city in Santa Clara County, in the U.S. state of California. , National reported sales of $2.1 billion for its last fiscal year and has about 10,500 employees worldwide. Additional company and product information is available on the World Wide Web at www.national.com. National Semiconductor is a registered trademark and Geode and WebPAD are trademarks of National Semiconductor Corporation. Note to Editors: To view a high-resolution downloadable photo of the COP8FLASH microcontrollers please visit National's World Wide Web site at www.national.com/company/pressroom/gallery/am.html#COP8CBR. |
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