NXP extends Cortex based mcu range with 'drop in' M4 based parts
1 min read
In a move which continues its strategy of moving customers from 8051 to Cortex-M based microcontrollers, NXP has launched the LPC408x and LPC407x families, both featuring signal processing capabilities and a range of connectivity options.
Based on the ARM Cortex-M4 processor, the LPC4000 mcus are said by the company to offer 'drop in' compatibility with its LPC178x and LPC177x series, as well as multiple LPC2000 microcontrollers.
"These devices provide designers with a stepping stone from Cortex-M3 based families," said Gordon Cooper, NXP's international mcu product marketing manager. "We are offering a clear migration path for customers already using Cortex-M3 and ARM7 mcus."
Operating at up to 120MHz, the parts feature up to 512kbyte of flash, 96kbyte of sram and 4kbyte of eeprom. Along with two analogue comparators, connectivity features include up to five uarts, three spi/ssp, and three i2c interfaces.
Jan Jaap Bezemer, director of mcu marketing, added: "We are continuing to roll out mcus based on various Cortex-M cores and this strategy has been accepted to the point where other vendors have chosen to back ARM. This is good, because it brings more competition and interest and drives development of the ecosystem. The more people and the more competition, the better."
The LPC408x and LPC407x mcus feature an optional 32bit floating point unit, as well as a graphical lcd controller supporting 1024 x 768 pixels. The parts also feature NXP's spi flash interface, which allows embedded system designers to add a significant amount of low cost memory.
