USB microcontroller family expanded

Cypress Semiconductor has introduced a suite of new additions to its versatile family of USB microcontrollers.

Cypress Semiconductor has introduced a suite of new additions to its versatile family of USB microcontrollers.

The Encore III (enhanced component reduction) microcontrollers extend the Encore family's performance and flexibility to full-speed applications, while the enhanced low-speed Encore II devices have added Flash memory and reduce overall system costs while increasing performance.

The Encore family's flexible mix of speeds and configurations serves a broad range of human interface devices (HIDs) such as mice, keyboards, wireless dongles and gaming controllers as well as Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) handsets.

The Encore III device has 16K of Flash memory and a digital system that allows for true flexibility when choosing peripheral configurations.

The device provides users with 16-channel/10bit analogue-to-digital convertors (ADCs) for demanding, full-speed USB applications such as gaming controllers.

In addition, the Encore III provides a pulse width modulator for force feedback gaming capability.

Based on the highly flexible programmable-system-on-chip (PSoC) architecture, the Encore III can be used in virtually any full speed application ranging from USB-serial applications to VoIP Handsets to USB gamepads.

The Encore II microcontrollers are targeted at feature-rich, low-cost USB mice, including trackball, optical, and laser models.

The Encore II architecture provides many performance and cost options to build the right mouse for multiple markets.

Users can choose from 3K to 8K of Flash memory to find the appropriate performance and cost combination.

In addition, the Encore II provides a 3.3V regulator that can power external devices such as an optical sensor.

"Cypress' USB technology has earned an industry-leading position by offering the best value across a broad performance range, and the Encore family of USB microcontrollers is a prime-example of this architectural flexibility", said Steven Larky, Managing Director of Cypress' USB product line.

"Portable consumer devices, mice, keyboards, and other HID devices are becoming more and more complex and powerful, increasing demands on connectivity".

"Our Encore products empower application designers to select the ideal combination of performance and price".

Cypress's Encore USB technology features a breakthrough 'crystal-less' oscillator.

By integrating the oscillator on-chip, an external crystal or resonator is no longer needed.

Cypress has also integrated other external components commonly found in low-speed USB applications, including pull-up resistors, wake-up circuitry, and a 3.3V regulator.

This integration results in shorter development cycles and lower system costs.

In addition, the Encore family offers a Flash-based design that enables storage of wireless binding parameters as well as in-system re-programmability and EEPROM emulation.

All of the new Encore products are available.

The full-speed Encore III (CY7C64215) is available in 56-pin QFN and 28-pin SSOP packages, and pricing starts under US$1.30 in high volumes.

The low-speed Encore II suite of devices is available in multiple configurations and packages and pricing starts under US$0.96 in high volumes.

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