Maxim microcontroller is for sensor applications

A Maxim Integrated Products product story

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Apr 8, 2009

Maxim Integrated Products has introduced the latest member of its MAXQ RISC microcontroller product line, the MAXQ7670 system-on-chip (SoC), mixed-signal microcontroller for sensor applications.

The MAXQ7670 delivers a complete system for measuring signals in the microvolt range from sensors with differential outputs, such as anisotropic magnetoresistive (AMR) sensors.

AMR sensors are typically used for contactless sensing of linear or angular displacement in automotive or industrial applications.

The MAXQ7670 requires only 5mm x 5mm of board space, yet integrates all of the functions needed to accurately measure the low-amplitude signals from multiple AMR sensors without any external amplification.

It calculates the angle of displacement in real time and outputs the results on a CAN network.

Designed to digitise and process signals in harsh, space-constrained environments, this SoC is suitable for automotive applications such as steering, braking and throttle position control, as well as industrial control applications including valve positioning and shaft rotation.

The flexible, modular architecture ensures fast development of application-specific end products.

The MAXQ7670 features eight single ended/four differential inputs, followed by a programmable-gain differential amplifier (1x or 16x) and 250ksps ADC with 10-bit resolution.

It digitises sensor outputs for precise real-world measurements, monitors supply-rail voltage to respond to power failure conditions, and integrates a watchdog timer for reliable operation.

Its digital interfaces consist of a CAN 2.0B controller, SPI, JTAG and seven general-purpose I/Os.

A timer with capture, compare and PWM capability is also provided.

The MAXQ7670 includes a 16-bit RISC MAXQ microcontroller core, which is enhanced by sixteen 16-bit registers.

The device can process digitised data and execute user applications at up to 16MIPS.

It integrates 2KB of SRAM for data and 64KB of automotive-grade flash memory.

The MAXQ7670 is available in a space-saving, 5mm x 5mm, 40-pin TQFN package, and is fully specified over the -40C to +125C automotive temperature range.