MCUs: NEC's new 32-Bitters boast high built-in flash memory capacity

Based on the V850E1 core, the new devices offer what the company claims is the industry's highest flash memory capacity for 32-bit MCUs, in addition to improved CPU performance and a small 0.5 millimeter pin-pitch QFP package. The V850E/Sx3-H is targeted for use in high-functionality, high-performance automotive radios, compact disc systems, DVD systems, USB/SD card readers and digital terrestrial broadcast equipment.

Augmenting the company's existing V850ES/SG3 and V850ES/SJ3 MCUs, the new devices consist of two lineups: the V850E/SJ3-H and the V850E/SK3-H. In addition to 1.5 megabytes (MB) of flash memory, 1.5 times more capacity than V850ES/Sx3 devices, the V850E/Sx3-H MCUs can execute 85 Dhrystone MIPS at a clock speed of 48 megahertz (MHz), compared to 32 MHz by existing devices. These improvements allow the MCUs to store more software for system control while speeding up software execution time.

For improved reliability, integrated built-in spread spectrum clock generators (SSCG) reduce the MCU clock's oscillation (fundamental) and higher frequencies, which helps to reduce the risk of degraded radio performance and chip errors. This also decreases the resources required to evaluate and investigate electromagnetic interference (EMI) in anti-EMI components, allowing designers to lower system development costs and shorten development time.

Pin layouts and software in the new devices are backward compatible with those in V850ES/SG3 and V850ES/SJ3 models, making it easy for design engineers to leverage existing design assets to avoid incurring additional costs. Serial interface channels include eight UART channels, eight CSI channels and six I2C channels that allow designers to support a larger number of media types.

Samples of the new MCUs are available now. The six V850E/SJ3-H MCUs are available in 144-pin QFP packages. The three V850E/SK3-H MCUs are available in 176-pin QFP packages. Mass production is scheduled to begin in November 2009. Prices will vary depending on memory, package and pin configurations. For example, the V850E/SK3-H, with 1.5 MB of flash memory and 92 kilobytes of RAM in a 176-pin quad flat package (QFP), will be priced at US$20 each in 10,000-unit quantities. Pricing and availability are subject to change.

More information can be found at www.necel.com/micro/en/promotion/v850.