NXP Semiconductors has expanded LPC800 series MCUs with the new LPC84x family of 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0+ microcontroller said to offer 10 times the performance, three times more power saving savings, and 50 percent smaller code-size than 8- or 16-bit microcontrollers.
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Key features of LPC84x MCU family (LPC844 / LPC845):
- MCU Core – ARM Cortex-M0+ core @ 30 MHz with advanced power optimization
- RAM – 16 kB RAM (Logic for Bit banding across all of SRAM)
- Storage – 64 kB Flash, small 64-byte page size suitable for EEPROM emulation
- Peripherals
- Timers – 32-bit CTimer, WWDT, 4-channel multi-rate, SCTimer/PWM
- Serial Interfaces – Up to 4x I2C, 2x SPI, up to 5x UART
- Analog Interfaces – 12 ch, 12-bit ADC up to 1.2 Msps; 2x 10-bit DAC; comparator with external Vreg; 9-channel capacitive touch interface working in sleep and deep sleep modes
- Up to 54 GPIOs
- 25-ch DMA offloads core
- Power Control
- Clock Generation Unit with Free Running Oscillator
- Packages – LQFP64, LQFP48, HVQFN48 and HVQFN33
The LPC84x MCUs target applications typically making use of 8- or 16-bit MCUs such as sensor gateways, gaming controllers, motor control, fire & security, climate control, lighting, etc.. The company has already provided code samples that can be used in MCUXpresso, Keil, and IAR IDEs, as well as a datasheet, and a user guide for the microcontrollers on the product page.
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NXP also unveiled LPCXPresso845-MAX development board (OM13097) to help quickly evaluating the new MCUs. The board comes with the following key features:
- LPC845 MCU
- On-board CMSIS-DAP (debug probe) with VCOM port, based on LPC11U35 MCU
- Debug connector to allow debug of target MCU using an external probe
- Red, green and blue user LEDs; Target ISP and user/wake buttons; Target reset button
- LPCXpresso expansion connector
- DAC output via speaker driver and speaker
- Arduino connectors compatible with the “Arduino UNO” platform
- Pmod compatible expansion header
- Prototyping area
NXP did not disclose pricing for LPC84x MCUs, but it should be priced competitively against 8-bit micro-controllers. LPCXpresso845-MAX development board (OM13097) can be purchased for $19 directly on NXP website.