Ultra-Low Voltage MCU Extends Battery Life Of Portable Devices

Packed with a large number of on-chip peripherals, this ultra-low voltage microcontroller features standby current of less than 100 nA typical. The ACE1502 integrates an ACEx family core with 2,000 bytes code EEPROM, 64 bytes each of SRAM and data EEPROM, an on-chip clock generator, and an I/O port with high current (±7 mA) on each of the I/O pins. With EEPROM Read and Write capability down to 1.8V in production quantities, the device equips target applications to run from unregulated, 2-cell NiCd/NiMH battery configurations while extending battery life through low power consumption. Specified for an operating voltage of 1.8V-3.6V, the device is suited for applications such as handheld remotes and remote keyless entry systems. The ACE1502 can be used in conjunction with the company’s QED123, an IR LED, the QTLP600 series of visible LEDs, and MOSFETs such as the BSS138. Available in 8-lead and 14-lead configurations in SOIC and TSSOP packages, the ACE1502 microcontroller is priced at $0.99 each/10,000. FAIRCHILD SEMICONDUCTOR, South Portland, ME. (888) 522-5372.