SoC Addresses LCD Energy Meters

Requiring minimal external components, the AS8268 system on chip with embedded flash memory is the latest addition to the company's energy-metering family. The device offers an integrated solution for LCD meters and fulfills all utility anti-tamper requirements. It accommodates a user-specified LCD display and incorporates all the required functional blocks for single-phase metering including a precision energy measurement front-end, 8-bit microcontroller, 32 KB of flash memory, a real-time clock, 96-segment LCD driver, 12 programmable multi-purpose inputs/outputs for all possible interfaces and display requirements, and a temperature sensor. Options include using an external EEPROM of 2 KB to 32 KB for data retention. Two UARTs handle external communication. Samples of the AS8268 will be available later this quarter. AUSTRIAMICROSYSTEMS USA INC., Raleigh, NC. (919) 676-5292.