Increases Bandwidth, Reduces Power, Lowers Total System Cost

    SUNNYVALE, Calif., March 28 /PRNewswire/ -- A new series of
next-generation 16-bit microcontrollers announced today by Fujitsu
Microelectronics America, Inc. (FMA) meets the automotive industry's
requirements for high computing power and high integration with very low
power consumption, saving battery life and reducing the total system cost.
    The new Fujitsu 16FX series includes four devices based on a new
central processor that significantly increases internal bus bandwidth
compared with the Fujitsu 16LX microcontroller series. The 16FX series
provides five times the computing power, increases on-chip functionality,
and can execute programs approximately three times faster at the same clock
frequency. For example, at 24MHz, the 16FX series achieves more than 11
real MIPS (Dhrystone 2.1). The new technology and improved design allow CPU
frequencies up to 56MHz, enabling processing performance equivalent to
32-bit processors.
    Combination of Factors Enable Major Reductions in Power Consumption,
System Cost
    While the 16FX series is compatible with the 16LX microcontrollers, the
new series reduces power consumption by an impressive 80 percent. This is
achieved through Fujitsu's new 0.18mn CMOS process technology, a lower
internal CPU voltage of 1.8V, a peripheral clock speed that is selectable
independently from the CPU speed, and a reduced number of clocks per
instruction (CPI).
    "Low power consumption is crucial for battery-operated applications,
including many automotive control units that remain active when a vehicle
engine is switched off. Reduced power consumption can save on system costs,
since potential battery capacities, voltage regulators or buffer capacities
can be configured in a smaller format," said Akio Nezu, senior manager of
the Embedded Solutions Business Group at Fujitsu Microelectronics America.
"Cooling measures can be eliminated and electromagnetic radiation is
reduced, so potentially expensive measures such as shielding can also be
eliminated or substantially reduced."
    Lowering system costs was a focus for Fujitsu. On-chip oscillators
enable the devices to be operated at speeds of either 100KHz or 2MHz
without external resonators. Applications that require a precise clock
supply and an external resonator benefit from the fast (less than 1ms) and
safe start-up (guaranteed even if the external resonator strikes). The MCUs
can utilize the on-chip oscillator to monitor the external clock source.
    The devices also have an extended supply voltage range of 3V to 5.5V.
If the supply voltage drops below 3V, the on-chip low-voltage detection
reset ensures that the 16FX application will not hang up.
    Optional alarm comparators also are available for monitoring analog
parameters without disturbing the CPU. If the on-board voltage leaves a
defined range, an interrupt is generated, allowing the CPU to take
counter-measures, such as deactivating low prioritized loads.
    Pin-Compatible with 16LX Series
    The 16FX retains pin compatibility with most of the 16LX devices. With
the same instruction set, the assembler and C-compiler are unchanged when
users move from the LX to the FX CPU, and several peripherals from the LX
are available on the FX, simplifying software conversion. The same starter
kit, the Flash-CAN-100P-340, can be used. On-chip debugging is supported
via USART.
    Pricing and Availability
    The new devices include the MB96350 in 64-pin FPT packaging and the
MB96320 in 80-pin FPT packaging, along with the MB96340 100-pin FPT
packages and the MB96386/7 in 120-pin FPT packages. Prices start at $7.00
each in samples. Flash memory incorporated in the new 16FX series ranges
from 128KB to 544KB. Fujitsu plans to continue to enhance the new 16FX
series, providing devices with between 48 and 144 pins for automotive and
industrial control designs.
    About Fujitsu Microelectronics America, Inc.
    Fujitsu Microelectronics America, Inc. (FMA) leads the industry in
innovation. FMA provides high-quality, reliable semiconductor products and
services for the networking, communications, automotive, security and other
markets throughout North and South America. For product information, visit
the company web site at http://us.fujitsu.com/micro/mcu or address e-mail
to inquiry@fma.fujitsu.com.
    NOTE: All product names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered
ipra@rcn.comtrademarks of their respective owners.