October 9, 2000 - Building on its record as a leading package innovator, National Semiconductor Corporation (NYSE:NSM) today announced the first highly-integrated, full-function COP8( microcontroller in a 44-pin, 40 I/O chip-scale package. Measuring only 7x7 mm, the new device is just 1/3 the size of a standard 44-pin TQFP (Thin Quad Flat Pack).
National's latest COP8 microcontroller widens the scope of emerging internet-driven service and control functions targeted for a variety of remote equipment. Many of these applications were previously considered unfeasible for microcontroller-based systems due to limited space considerations. Among others, these micro information appliances include micro security and alarm systems for home, office and automobiles; home appliances; and vending machines.
"The emergence of micro information appliances will extend the reach of the internet into practical applications that influence our everyday lives," said Volker Soffel, National's strategic marketing manager for Analog Microcontrollers. "Demand for controllers with high pin count in very small packages will soon skyrocket to match the proliferation of small but complex information appliances. The COP8 microcontroller in a 44-pin chip-scale package allows designers of microcontroller systems to shrink the PCB real estate area for the microcontroller by a whopping 66%. This size advantage, coupled with the COP8SGR's high level of integration and powerful on-chip peripherals, give a new meaning to the word 'micro'."
Key Features
National's COP8SGR7 features 32K of on-board one-time programmable (OTP) EPROM program memory. The chip-scale COP8SGE7, with 8K of EPROM program memory, is also available, as is factory-direct programming. Both devices are suitable for micro information appliances, as well as an increasing number of space-limited ultra-small handheld information appliances such as portable control or sensing devices that require significant processing power in a small board space. This battery-powered equipment frequently demands power-saving features such as the miniCOP8SGR's two HALT and IDLE modes of operation, and its multi-input wakeup/interrupt capability.
National's COP8SGR is fully compatible with the company's recently announced COP8.COM internet connectivity solution (Feb 16, 2000), which allows customers to cost-effectively combine reliable networking capabilities with remote control and monitoring functions in 8-bit controller applications.
The chip-scale COP8SGR microcontroller, fabricated in a high-density EPROM process, gives designers a variety of on-chip functions in a very small package. The 44-pin design features a full duplex software programmable USART with its own flexible baud rate generator, supporting both synchronous and asynchronous operation.
Integrated COP8SGR peripherals eliminate the need for an assortment of external components. Peripheral functions include one free-running and three multi-function 16-bit timers. The multifunction timers each come with two dedicated 16-bit auto-reload/capture registers, enabling processor-independent PWM generation, frequency or pulse width measurement and event counter modes. Other features include two on-chip comparators, multiple oscillator options, an integrated R/C clock; power-on reset WATCHDOG and Clock monitor for high reliability and failsafe operation, and eight high-current outputs.
The COP8SGR's high noise immunity and ultra-low EMI assures quiet operation for low system interference. A patented EMI-reduction circuitry lowers EMI by 20 dB. Special fail safe and reliability features, in combination with three powerful 16-bit multifunction timers, an extremely flexible USART, and on-chip comparators make it a top performer in even the harshest operating environments. Bullet-proof code security is based on patented technology.
The COP8 family is supported by a full set of easy-to-use development tools, including a broad range of 3rd party programmers, C-compilers, free assembler, free simulator, free integrated development environment, and real-time emulators ranging from entry level to high-end. For a limited time, the COP8SG-DM mid-range emulator is available for only $299.
Pricing and Availability
The miniCOP8SGR7HLQ8, with 32K OTP EPROM, in a leadless 44-pin chip-scale LLCSP package, is priced at $3.60 each in 1000-unit quantities. The COP8SGE7HLQ8, with 8K OTP memory, is $3.25 each in 1,000s. Both are available now in production quantities and are backed by National Semiconductor's reputation as a reliable high-volume supplier. For more information visit www.national.com/cop8 or contact National's Design Support Group at 1-800-272-9959.
About National Semiconductor
National Semiconductor provides system-on-a-chip solutions for the information age. Combining real-world analog and state-of the-art digital technology, the company's chips lead many sectors of the personal computer, communications, and consumer markets. With headquarters in Santa Clara, California, National reported sales of $2.1 billion for its last fiscal year and has about 10,500 employees worldwide. Additional company and product information is available on the World Wide Web at www.national.com.
