TI unveils dual core microcontrollers for green apps
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In a move which it says will support the development of more energy conscious applications, Texas Instruments has launched the Concerto range of dual core microcontrollers. The devices combine TI's C28x core with an ARM Cortex-M3.
Peter Peisker, EMEA microcontroller business manager, said: "The real time C28x core will handle processing, while the Cortex-M3 core will handle connectivity, providing a range of interfaces."
While performing separate roles, the two mcu cores will have access to common analogue peripherals, including 4Msample/s a/d converter, comparators, and to shared ram, power and clocking functions. Both cores will also be able to check each other's operation.
Peisker said motor control is anticipated to be a major application. "The part will enable low cost field oriented control without the need for sensors to determine motor position."
The device, supplied in a 144pn qfp, will be available in a range of operating frequencies, including 150/75, 100/100 and 60/60MHz for the C28x and M3 cores respectively.
The new Concerto 32bit microcontrollers combine TI''s C28x core and control peripherals with an ARM Cortex-M3 core and connectivity peripherals to deliver a clearly partitioned architecture that supports real time control and advanced connectivity in a single, cost efficient device. To make them easy to use, Concerto MCUs are supported by an intuitive software infrastructure as well as application and connectivity libraries within controlSUITE' software. The series includes multiple safety and security features and is code compatible across the C2000 platform to enable scalability and code reuse in green applications such as intelligent motor control, renewable energy, smart grid, digital power and electric vehicles.
Greener applications require the performance of a real time control mcu to execute complex algorithms needed for precise, efficient power conversion, which is the essence of efficient motor control, renewable energy and smart grid technologies. But to take that efficiency to new levels that can dramatically save energy, these applications must also be connected for remote data sharing, diagnostics, monitoring and control. Concerto mcus enable developers to do both real time control and connectivity within one microcontroller, eliminating the traditional need to choose between optimal performance and advanced connectivity.
