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June 19, 2000 |
Hitachi Releases 8-Bit Embedded Chip
with Industry-First Single-Chip Implementation of FLEX Decoder and 8-Bit Microcontroller - A FLEX pager system can be implemented with a single chip, ideal for small/lightweight, low-cost systems - |
Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501) today announced the 8-bit embedded chips offering the industry's first single-chip implementation of a FLEX(TM)*1 decoder*2 and 8-bit microcontroller for pagers, and portable products equipped with pager functions, compatible with the FLEX high-speed pager communication protocol. Sample shipments will begin in September 2000 in Japan. In recent years, the FLEX system proposed by U.S. manufacturer Motorola, Inc. has come to be the industry standard for the pager market in Asian regions such as China, and in America, and services are become more diversified, with an increased number of transmission characters, for instance. And the trends of higher performance, higher functionality, and functional integration, have been accompanied by a trend toward lower costs. As a result, there is a need for semiconductor devices, too, to be able not only to provide FLEX compatibility but also to improve system performance and functionality and there is a demand for smaller, lighter, lower-cost systems achieved through the use of fewer components. To meet this market need, Hitachi has now introduced licensing of the FLEX decoder core (G1.9) from Motorola, and has completed commercial development of the 8-bit embedded chips. These devices required external connection of a special decoder IC in order to provide FLEX compatibility, but with a FLEX decoder core and 8-bit CPU provided on a single chip, the 8-bit embedded chips eliminates the need for an external decoder IC and makes it possible to produce a small, lightweight pager system at low cost. In addition, the on-chip FLEX decoder is Version G1.9 compliant, providing support for both roaming and non-roaming systems, while the single-chip implementation renders unnecessary the anti-noise design previously essential for the interface circuit between the control microcontroller and the external decoder IC. High-speed operation, with a 2 MHz oscillation frequency and 1 MHz internal operating speed, is achieved at a low 1.8 V power supply voltage, and a comprehensive set of peripheral functions is provided, including five kinds of timers (watchdog timer included), a serial communication interface, and a 10-bit resolution A/D converter, making it possible to configure a pager system with a single chip. FLEXStack(TM)*3 driver software for the FLEX decoder will be available. The product lineup of eight models, including roaming*4 and non-roaming products, comprises two ZTAT(R)*5 models with 60 kbytes of ROM and 2 kbytes of RAM, and six mask ROM models with 40 to 60 kbytes of mask ROM and 2 kbytes of RAM. Two 100-pin plastic package types are available - a 0.5 mm pin-pitch TQFP (14 mm x 14 mm) and 0.4 mm pin-pitch TQFP (12 mm x 12 mm)- that enable a compact system size to be achieved. Hitachi is also developing an embedded chip with on-chip FLEX decoder and 16-bit microcontroller, designed for higher performance, as a high-end model. Notes: 1.FLEX(TM): FLEX is a trademark of Motorola, Inc. of the U.S.A. FLEX is the name of a pager communication protocol proposed by Motorola that offers a maximum speed of 6,400 bits/second as opposed to the previous data communication speed of 1,200 bits/second. 2.FLEX(TM) decoder: A decoder unit for the FLEX system (see note 2 below) that performs audible calling, or non-audible calling by means of a flashing light, etc., for receive data from the wireless reception unit (RF unit), displays call information on an LCD display unit, and so forth. 3.FLEXStack(TM): FLEXStack is a trademark of Motorola, Inc. of the U.S.A. 4.Roaming: With this facility, in case of the user of a mobile phone, pager, or other mobile communication device communicates in the service area of another communication company with which the user does not have a usage contract, communication can be achieved by transfer to the communication company with which the user has a usage contract. 5. ZTAT(R) (Zero Turn Around Time): ZTAT is a registered trademark of Hitachi, Ltd. < Typical Applications > Communication products (mobile phones, pagers, composite devices, etc.) Consumer electronics products (illuminated notice boards, price display boards, information display boards on commercial vehicles such as taxi.)
Note: X: 0.5 mm pin-pitch TQFP, W: 0.4 mm pin-pitch TQFP
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WRITTEN BY Secretary's Office (C) Hitachi, Ltd. 2000. All rights reserved. |