MCU Controls Automobile Instruments

A 32-bit microcontroller, the H8SX/1544F is designed for sophisticated automobile meters and control functions such as high-performance instrument clusters that include a speedometer, tachometer, fuel gage and temperature indicator. It incorporates a 2-channel local area network (LAN) controller, compatible with the controller area network (CAN) standard. Also included are 512 KB flash memory that can be accessed in one cycle at full clock speed (40 MHz) and a stepping-motor control timer with a driver that can drive the motors of up to six gages or meters simultaneously. Other peripheral functions include: six 16-bit general-purpose timer channels; twelve 16-bit PWM timer channels; a 16-bit watchdog timer; a 16-channel, 10-bit ADC; and a 2-channel, 8-bit DAC. To produce warning tones and other audible alerts, the device contains a 4-channel sound generator. The MCU is housed in a 144-pin LQFP measuring 20 mm x 20 mm and is rated for the temperature range of -40ºC to +105ºC. Sample price is $15.46 each. RENESAS TECHNOLOGY AMERICA INC., San Jose, CA. (408) 382-7407.