Energy Micro, a microcontroller company based in Oslo, Norway, introduces a development kit for its EFM32 Gecko MCU family, providing users with a unique Advanced Energy Monitoring (AEM) system. Via a large built-in LCD screen and preconfigured GUI, AEM enables users to accurately view a prototype application’s current consumption data in real time, enabling early identification and removal of adverse energy drains.

The development kit includes a motherboard, plug-in MCU card (available either with or without a 160-segment LCD), and large plug-in prototyping card for rapid application development. Based on the ultra-efficient ARM Cortex M3 microcontroller architecture, the target EFM32G MCU running at 3 V consumes less than 180 µA per MHz in executing code from Flash and is proven to extend battery life by a factor of 4 when compared to alternative 8, 16, or 32-bit low power microcontrollers.

To simplify application debugging and programming, the development kit features an on-board USB/J-Link emulator and standard 20-pin debug connector. The kit’s GPIO comprehensive interfaces include LEDs, DIP and pushbutton switches, a mini joystick, and a potentiometer. Analog options include a light sensor, 3-axis accelerometer and audio line-in/line-out, while communications ports provided are 2 x RS232 serial, I2C, and an IR transceiver. Supporting the development kit is Energy Micro’s software library, built on ARM’s standard CMSIS abstraction layer, IAR’s Embedded Workbench, and Keil’s MDK-ARM Microcontroller Development Kit.

For more information, contact Energy Micro AS, P.O. Box 4633, Nydalen, N-405 Oslo, Norway. Phone: +47 23 00 98 00.