Product category:
Microprocessors, Microcontrollers and DSPs
News Release from: Zilog | Subject: ZLR64400
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 19 October 2006
Remote control MCU has scope to learn
more codes
The ZLR64400 family of 8bit MCU devices are the latest addition to Zilog's Crimzon line of infra-red-specific silicon.
In a development that further reinforces its position as the leading supplier of microcontroller (MCU) solutions for the universal infra-red (UIR) remote control market, Zilog has announced the release of the ZLR64400 family of 8bit MCU devices, the latest addition to its Crimzon line of infra-red-specific silicon In common with ZLP12840 OTP (one time programmable device), launched in November 2005, the ZLR64400 features an "on-chip" ability to learn codes from other infra-red remote controls for consumer products via a learning circuit
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 7 Dec 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
8bit MCU takes 15 Internet protocols onboard
ZiLog has begun shipments of its eZ80 Webserver (eZ80190), enabling easy, cost-effective, direct connections to networks and the Internet.
Frugal IrDA transceivers can stay on all the time
ZiLog has released the first devices in its new UltraSlim IrDA transceiver family designed to bring always-on, always power-efficient infra-red connectivity to compact portable systems.
The decision to extend the Crimzon portfolio was based on Zilog's research into the IR market and how its demands were evolving.
With more IR remote-controlled devices on the market, and in more homes than ever before, Zilog identified the need for a larger on-chip database for better geographic, model, brand and device code coverage, thus requiring more than 32Kbyte of ROM.
In addition, high end remote controls often include this learning capability, requiring a learning amplification circuit which had, until the introduction of the ZLP12840, the first 8bit MCU to integrate learning capability, been external to the MCU.
Further reading
Workshops include free development kit
Zilog has organised a Spring workshop series dedicated to its new eZ80 Webserver.
Net-ready processor adds infra-red control
The second product in the high-performance eZ80 MPU family is the eZ80 Webserver-i which enables cost-effective, direct connections to networks and the Internet with embedded TCP/IP and IrDA software.
MCUs raise the bar for 8bit systems
Zilog's new high-performance eZ80Acclaim! 8bit microcontroller family features up to 256Kbyte of reprogrammable Flash memory, Ethernet MAC and TCP/IP protocols and a complete design kit.
This integration is expected to reduce the customer's bill of materials by up to 15%, which equates to significant cost savings where large quantities of remotes are shipped.
Used in conjunction with Zilog's superior proprietary IR code database, advanced compression techniques, development tools and project engineering support, the ZLR64400 provides the most comprehensive "one-stop shop" for remote control development.
Zilog is unique in providing this "umbrella" service.
"The addition of ZLR64400 to our Crimzon portfolio is an important product expansion for Zilog", commented Robin Abrams, interim Zilog CEO.
"It adds to our established presence in the universal infra-red remote control market and delivers further innovation and tangible benefits for our partners and customers".
"The IR learning function reduces development time and number of components, equating to a significant savings on overall bill of materials".
"Combining the ZLR64400 with access to our database coverage and the easy integration of IR codes learned with the chip's 1Kbyte of SRAM are additional reasons why we expect to see a considerable demand for this solution".
Learning features are fast becoming a standard feature in mid- to high-end remote controllers.
The ability to capture an IR signal from any other remote control then duplicate it on the "learning" remote enables universal remote controls to consolidate several single device remotes and add codes from newly-purchased devices, with the obvious associated benefits to the consumer.
Once the codes are captured, they are mapped to keys on the universal remote via integrated firmware.
As well as an integrated learning capability, the introduction of the ZLR64400 offers extra memory which can house larger amounts of data, and broadens device coverage for customers.
It features 1Kbyte of general-purpose RAM and up to 64Kbyte of ROM, offering fast executing, efficient use of memory, sophisticated interrupts, input/output bit manipulation capabilities, automated pulse generation/reception, and internal key-scan pull-up transistors.
Available immediately, the ZLR64400 devices are fully software-compatible with Zilog's existing portfolio of Crimzon ROM-based IR microcontrollers, and priced at US $1.72 in 10,000-unit quantities.
• Zilog: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Electronicstalk email newsletter
• Electronicstalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
