32-bit MCUs bring real-time control to cost-sensitive apps

Texas Instruments has announced a series of 32-bit TMS320F2802x/F2803x microcontrollers designed to bring the benefits of 32-bit real-time control to applications typically unable to justify the associated cost. Available at less than $2 in volume and in package options starting from 38 pins, the Piccolo series features a high-performance C28x CPU, intelligent peripherals optimized for control applications, and a programmable, floating-point control law accelerator (CLA).

According to the company, the Piccolo controllers can replace multiple electronic components while enabling advanced power management in applications such as solar inverters, LED lighting, electric vehicles and appliances. For example, in a variable frequency air conditioning unit, a single F2802x/F2803x controller can precisely control two electric three-phase motors as well as perform PFC calculations.

The CLA feature, available starting with the F2803x series, frees the CPU to handle I/O and feedback loop metrics, resulting in up to a 5x performance increase for common closed-loop applications. Enhanced pulse-width modulators (ePWM) provide frequency modulation down to 150 ps to enable more control over harmonics and reduce sample-to-output delay.

Other features include an on-chip 4.6-MSPS, 12-bit ADC and two on-chip oscillators operating at 10 MHz, each with ±1% accuracy. A simple power architecture eliminates the need for external power ICs and uses a single 3.3-V supply with internal regulator down to 1.9 V while providing brown-out protection and power-on reset.

The first Piccolo microcontrollers, the F2802x series, will be sampling in December and will include 40 to 60-MHz variations, up to 128 KB Flash memory, 12-bit ADC, ePWM and peripherals such as communications protocols, on-chip oscillators, analog comparators and general purpose I/Os. Future devices will offer higher performance and memory sizes in the CLA, and LIN and CAN communications peripherals.

The Piccolo microcontrollers are available in 38-pin TSSOPs, 48-pin LQFPs, 64-pin TQFPs, and 80-pin LQFPs and priced from less than $2 in volume. An F2802x/F2803x-based controlCARD development tool will be available in December for $49.

Texas Instruments, 800-477-8924, www.ti.com

Product literature:
Piccolo F2802x/F2803x information page
Piccolo F2802x/F2803x technical brief (PDF)
Piccolo F2802x/F2803x product bulletin (PDF)
Piccolo MCU Overview (YouTube Video - 3:16)