Kinetis L range to bring 32bit functionality to 8bit mcu applications
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Following its announcement earlier this year that it was developing a microcontroller family based on ARM Cortex-M0+ core, Freescale has launched the Kinetis L series.
"In our view, 8 and 16bit development has reached the end of the road. Those architectures simply can't keep up as the Internet of Things gains traction," said Geoff Lees, general manager of Freescale's Industrial and Multimarket MCU business. "Kinetis L series mcus are ideal for the new wave of connected applications, combining the required energy efficiency, low price, development ease and small footprint with the enhanced performance, peripherals, enablement and scalability of the Kinetis 32bit portfolio."
Members of the Kinetis L range share a number of features, including a 48MHz Cortex-M0+ core, 12/16bit a/d converters, 12bit d/a converter, analogue comparators and a range of timers.
Three families are being unveiled for the moment: the L0, L1 and L2 families. Devices in the entry point L0 family feature from 8 to 32kbyte of flash and are supplied in 4 x 4mm qfn packages. Freescale notes these are pin compatible with 8bit SO8P mcus, but adds they are not drop in replacements. The L1 family offers from 32 to 256kbyte of flash, with additional comms options and analogue peripherals. The L2 family adds USB 2.0 full speed host/device/OTG features.
Jim Stuart, pictured, marketing manager within the Industrial and Multimarket mcu business, said: "8bit is being stretched and customers now want 32bit solutions, but at an 8bit price. The Kinetis L range brings together elements of the 8 and 32bit markets, but devices typically consume one third of the energy of a similar 8bit processor."
According to Freescale, a Kinetis L0 mcu with 8kbyte of flash will sell for 49cents in volume.
