Flash MCUs Eliminate Need For EEPROMs

The 68HC908GR8 and 68HC908GR8 flash microcontrollers (MCUs) have extended the reliability of their flash memory to 100,000 write/erase cycles and data retention to up to 50 years. according to the company, systems that require non-volatile storage no longer need to use separate EEPROM chips. The two MCUs can encode 64 bytes in 2 ms and an entire array in up to 1s while operating at 55ûC. They feature virtual EEPROM capability and program at voltages from 3 to 5V. The 68HC908GR4 with 4 KB of flash and 68HC908GR8 with 8 KB are available in PDIP, QFP, and SOIC packages, priced at $2.25 and $3.30, respectively, each/50,000. MOTOROLA, INC., Austin, TX. (512) 895-2000.