Product category:
Microprocessors, Microcontrollers and DSPs
News Release from: National Semiconductor | Subject: PC87591
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 18 September 2001
Controller integrates common laptop
functions
National Semiconductor has a new feature-packed embedded low-pin-count controller that should provide both power and cost savings for PC notebook manufacturers.
National Semiconductor has a new feature-packed embedded low-pin-count controller that should provide both power and cost savings for PC notebook manufacturers The PC87591 combines National's high-performance 16bit CompactRISC processor with both custom and conventional peripherals to provide a wide range of portable applications with advanced battery savings and security function support
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 5 Jan 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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According to National's research, the PC87591 will save customers more than $5 per system by integrating traditional keyboard components into a complete system design.
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Designed specifically for notebook PCs, the PC87591 features the typical keyboard controller functions such as internal keyboard matrix scan and decode, as well as acting as an interface between the external keyboard and mouse.
In addition, the PC87591 can secure the PC by utilising an on-chip random number generator to implement advanced password protection, BIOS integrity checking, and memory protection.
The PC87591 offers the lowest power consumption of any device in its class due to aggressive power down modes with fast wakeup.
Idle current is less than 15uA, while fully active current consumption is 20mA at 4MHz, 30mA at 20MHz - a benefit for notebooks and portable applications.
The PC87591 can quickly switch between Idle and Active mode and between operation frequencies, enabling further reduction of power consumption based on real-time processing needs.
The PC87591 uses a high performance 16bit RISC processor and a large 2Mbyte address space for easy integration of concurrent functions - a necessity in today's competitive notebook market.
This means that the PC87591 can implement the normal keyboard and mouse functions of a standard keyboard controller - implementing advanced power-savings modes to prolong battery life in the notebook PC and add full battery charging and conditioning software and firmware.
At the same time, the PC87591 can take over additional functions like controlling the CD drive in the notebook to allow users to listen to their music, even when the notebook PC is powered down.
The PC87591 offers the only fully upgradeable system due to its on-chip Flash memory.
Innovative programming of the flash allows for a complete in-system firmware (and BIOS) update by the host.
In an emergency or catastrophic failure, update via the JTAG interface is possible.
The PC87591 offers the best debug support available today through the same JTAG interface and a complete library of debugging functions (TMONlib) for BIOS writers and developers.
This allows debugging support, even in the closed box - an industry first.
There is no need for in-circuit emulators that are expensive and difficult to use.
The PC87591 implements unique security capabilities via integrated peripherals including the hardware random number generator.
Using this hardware and crafted firmware, users can assemble a secure login that is virtually impossible to "crack." The security software also enables users to test the integrity of the BIOS (control code that runs the PC under the operating system).
If this basic code is damaged by a virus or hardware failure, the whole PC's health is in jeopardy.
The PC87591 can also restrict access to the system flash memory, where BIOS is stored, to further enhance the reliability of the PC.
These devices can directly measure CPU temperature via an integrated diode on the CPU die without any external components.
It also directly reads the ambient temperature and various system voltages, monitoring the health of the notebook PC, and maximising performance under severe thermal constraints.
These advanced analogue capabilities of the PC87591 allow users to aggressively run the Pentium processor closer to its speed/temperature limits - increasing the notebook performance - for no additional cost.
The PC87591 is available now in both 128-pin and 176-pin LQFP packages.
A chip scale package option will be available Q4.
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