TI expands MCU offering with ARM7 family-based general purpose processors.

Expanding its family of microcontrollers (MCUs), Texas Instruments (NYSE:TXN) (TI) has announced the introduction of the TMS470 platform of ARM7 family-based general purpose processors (GPPs). Based on the 32-bit ARM7TDMI processor, TMS470 MCUs offer up to 60MHz of performance for general purpose applications that include industrial, medical instrumentation, consumer electronics and data processing. Combined with TI's broad portfolio of enhanced on-chip peripherals, the complete TMS470 platform will include seven devices ranging from 64KB up to 1MB of flash memory.

TI is the industry's most experienced provider of ARM processors, having shipped over one billion ARM core-based devices into a variety of applications that include safety critical automotive, wireless handsets, IAG imaging, video and digital signal processors (DSP) and dual core processors for telecommunications. In the automotive market, TI's ARM7 family-based MCUs have captured 65% and 40% of the chassis and braking, and airbag markets, respectively, bringing proven reliability and performance to the general purpose market.

TMS470 MCUs offer an ideal mix with the industry's widest range of memory and intelligent peripheral options for designers requiring higher levels of performance and flexibility. The single cycle access to embedded flash at up to 60MHz in pipeline mode allows for fast code execution. The first programmable 32-channel high-end timer (HET) provides greater accuracy for widely used timing functions such as period and pulse measurements, output compare, and pulse width modulations (PWMs). Along with the HET, the TMS470 MCU includes a leading multibuffered, 10-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with a 1.55 microsecond conversion time and a variety of industry standard peripherals that offload the CPU to provide a higher level of system performance, including standard and enhanced CAN controllers.

"The ARM7TDMI processor is still our most popular processor for designers who need high performance, small size and high code density," said Mike Inglis, EVP Marketing, ARM. "Combining TI's enhanced on-chip peripherals, broad memory offering and excellent customer support with the ARM7TDMI processor makes the TMS470 an extremely compelling market solution."

The ARM7 family's open roadmap lets developers leverage code portability to develop scalable platforms rather than individual products, saving time for future design efforts. The compact core provides a cost effective solution for space-constrained applications and includes both a 32-bit instruction set for fast execution as well as 16-bit instructions for high code density. TMS470 MCUs also allow unlimited switching between these instruction sets and provide run-time decompression to give designers the ultimate level of flexibility when designing for high-speed operation or high density code.

The ARM7 family is supported by a variety of third-party integrated development environments (IDE) as well as by a complete IDE from TI that contains all hardware and software needed to design, develop, implement and test an application directly on-chip. The TMS-FET470A256 Kickstart development kit is available from TI and authorized distributors for only $399. TI also offers seminars around the country designed to familiarize users with the TMS470 MCU and the Kickstart development kit.

Running at 48MHz, the TMS470R1A64, A128 and A256 are immediately available from TI and start at $4.95 for 1K quantities and offer 64KB, 128KB and 256KB of embedded flash memory, respectively. The 60MHz TMS470R1A288, A512, A768 and A1024 will be made available throughout 2005 starting at $8.95 for 1K quantities and offer 288KB, 512KB, 768KB and 1MB of embedded flash memory.

From ultra-low-power MSP430 and 32-bit general purpose TMS470 ARM7 family-based MCUs to high performance TMS320C2000 digital signal controllers, TI offers designers the broadest range of embedded control solutions. Designers can also accelerate their design to market by tapping into TI's complete software and hardware tools, extensive third party offerings and technical support.