Semtech Unveils MicroBuddy™, The Essential Microcontroller CompanionPacking five crucial and flexible functions in a space-saving package, the MicroBuddy™ companion IC keeps microcontrollers on track while conserving power and simplifying system design Camarillo, California - June 24, 2002 Semtech Corp. (Nasdaq: SMTC), a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors for communications, portable devices, computers, and industrial equipment, today announced the SH3000 MicroBuddy™, a microcontroller companion IC that integrates a complete suite of support functions aimed at simplifying system design, lowering system cost, reducing circuit board real-estate, increasing functionality, and dramatically cutting power consumption in most applications. Patents are pending on this unique device, which melds a low-Vdd and power-on reset function, watchdog timer, clock management system, real-time clock, and wake-up timer in a 16-lead microleaded package (MLP) that measures a mere 3mm x 3mm x 0.9 mm. Offering a range of functions that outstrip those of competitive devices, the SH3000 MicroBuddy will find applications in a broad spectrum of micro-driven products including portable devices, home automation and security systems, consumer products, utility monitoring equipment, networking and industrial applications. "MicroBuddy can be used with any microprocessor, microcontroller, DSP, or ASIC," explains Larry King, vice president of HID & System Management products for Semtech. "Engineers looking to simplify, enhance, and cut the cost of their product designs will appreciate this single chip solution; there’s nothing else available like it." MicroBuddy’s low-Vdd reset is preconfigured to 2.7 V, and is software programmable from 2.3 V and 4.4 V. It features active high and active low reset outputs, unsurpassed stability and 6 ms reset time. The short reset time is possible since the built-in clock management system starts to supply a stable clock before reset is released. The watchdog timer provides timeout periods from 7.8125 msec to 1 sec or 256 to 32768 cycles of the processor’s clock. It is kept inactive by alternating periodic write operations, making it more secure than ordinary watchdog timers that simply look for a toggle on an I/O pin. Should the watchdog timeout, it resets the target microcontroller. The clock management system, which replaces a crystal or ceramic resonator, features a frequency synthesizer, which can be set to 32 kHz or any frequency from 62.5 kHz to 16 MHz with 2 kHz resolution. MicroBuddy maintains a ± 0.5% frequency stability over the full temperature range with no external components. As well, it can be locked to the 32.768 kHz crystal of the real-time clock system for ± 256 ppm accuracy. SH3000 senses when the micro issues a STOP command and stops the clock automatically. For controllers that lack the ability to stop their own oscillator, MicroBuddy can be commanded to stop its clock, which restarts when the wake-up timer expires. When the host processor resumes operations, the clock restarts near instantaneously (<2 µs), at the exact frequency without any settling or instability. This feature can produce dramatic reduction of power consumption and is not available on any other IC. The real-time clock features a 170 year calendar, resolution to 1/256 sec, and accuracy of ± 2 minutes per year at room temperature. The frequency of the 32.768 kHz crystal oscillator can be tuned with resolution of ± 4 ppm. The programmable wake-up timer, which helps reduce power consumption, ranges from 30.5 µs to 36.4 hrs with 30.5 µs resolution. It can be used to produce periodic interrupts or alarms that wake up the host micro. Key Features
Pricing and AvailabilityThe SH3000 MicroBuddy comes in a 16-lead MLP package. It sells for $1.95 each in quantities of 10,000 units and is available now in production quantities. About SemtechSemtech Corporation is a leading supplier of high-quality analog and mixed-signal ICs for power management, over-voltage and transient protection, human interface devices & system management, test & measurement applications, and advanced communications. Publicly traded since 1967, Semtech is listed on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol SMTC. For more information, contact Semtech Corp. at 200 Flynn Road, Camarillo, CA. 93012-8790; phone (805) 498-2111; email to info@semtech.com; or visit its Web site at www.semtech.com.Semtech, the Semtech logo, and MicroBuddy are either trademarks or registered marks of Semtech Corporation. Semtech, the Semtech logo, and MicroBuddy are either trademarks or registered marks of Semtech Corporation. Semtech, the Semtech logo, and MicroBuddy are either trademarks or registered marks of Semtech Corporation. Press ContactTerry Sears, Marketing Communications Manager, Telephone: 805.498.2111 |
