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Ultra-frugal MCU tackles handheld applications

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Nov 6, 2002

Fairchild has a new ultra-low-voltage microcontroller featuring a large number of on-chip peripherals, a built-in precision clock generator and ultra-low standby current of less than 100nA typical.

Fairchild has a new, ultra-low-voltage microcontroller featuring a large number of on-chip peripherals, a built-in precision clock generator and ultra-low standby current of less than 100nA typical.

These features make the ACE1502 ideally suitable for portable/handheld applications such as handheld remotes and remote keyless entry (RKE) systems.

The ACE1502 integrates an ACEx family core with 2Kbyte code EEPROM, 64byte each of SRAM and data EEPROM, an on-chip clock generator, and an I/O port with high current (+/-7mA) on each of the I/O pins.

The device is specified for an operating voltage of 1.8-3.6V.

By delivering microcontrollers that have EEPROM read and write capability down to 1.8V in production quantities, Fairchild enables higher performance in target applications by allowing them to run from unregulated, two-cell NiCd/NiMH battery configurations while extending battery life through extremely low power consumption.

"The introduction of the ACE1502 enables our customers to achieve reduction in board space and extension of battery life at a new price/performance point", said Dev Nair, Product Line Director for System Management Products in Fairchild's Integrated Circuits Group.

"The ACE1502, with its precision clock generator and high output current drive, enables direct drive to components, such as IR LEDs; thus eliminating the use of passive components such as resistors and crystals.

Furthermore, the availability of TSSOP-8 packaging significantly simplifies designs for target systems requiring low profiles".

Available in 8-lead and 14-lead configurations in SOIC and TSSOP packages, the ACE1502 also features in-circuit programming, without requiring the higher programming voltage typically needed for such purposes, which leads to a simplified manufacturing flow.

The ACE1502 is also packed with features such as brownout reset and 32-level low-voltage detection, making it eminently well suited for battery powered/handheld devices.

This product enhances Fairchild's line of microcontrollers targeted at battery power applications.

The ACE1502 can be used in conjunction with Fairchild's QED123, an IR LED, the QTLP600 series of visible LEDs, and mosfets such as the BSS138.