RISC SoC Enhances Sensor Apps

Debuting as the latest member of the MAXQ RISC microcontroller line, the MAXQ7670 system-on-chip (SoC), mixed-signal microcontroller targets sensor applications. The device handles low-amplitude signals and allegedly delivers the lowest-cost, most complete system solution for measuring signals in the microvolt range from sensors with differential outputs, i.e., anisotropic magnetoresistive sensors, typically used for contactless sensing of linear or angular displacement in automotive or industrial applications. Features include eight single-ended/four differential inputs, a programmable-gain differential amplifier (1x or 16x), 250-ksample/s ADC with 10-bit resolution, 16-bit RISC MAXQ microcontroller core enhanced by sixteen 16-bit registers, 2 KB of SRAM, and 64 KB of automotive-grade flash memory. Digital interfaces consist of a CAN 2.0B controller, SPI, JTAG, and seven GPIOs. A general-purpose timer with capture, compare, and PWM capability is also on chip. Available in a 40-pin, 5 mm x 5 mm TQFN package, price is $3.97 each/1,000. MAXIM INTEGRATED PRODUCTS, Sunnyvale, CA. (800) 998-8800.