The new products have the following features: Integrated Ethernet media access controller (MAC) channel, eliminating the need for an external Ethernet controller; Up to 512 kilobytes (KB) of flash memory and up to 124 KB of random access memory (RAM), making it possible to run network software using on-chip memory alone; Peripheral functions including full speed USB 2.0 interface and CAN interface.
Originally deployed as a networking technology for office computers, servers, and office automation equipments, Ethernet is now the world’s most widespread wired local area network (LAN) technology. Over the next few years, Ethernet is expected to be further used for remote and supervisory control of industrial devices, building-management systems, home networks, and utility meters for the gas, water, and electricity. Factory Automation equipments in particular has been a field in which designers traditionally used proprietary network architectures but with the growing popularity of Ethernet, more and more developers are moving to Ethernet to facilitate network communication.
To add Ethernet functionality in the past, designers typically had to add a separate Ethernet controller in addition to high-capacity external memory for network software, which is why NEC Electronics designed its new MCUs with those features built-in. The large amount of integrated memory eliminates the need for any external memory by making it possible for systems to run network software using onboard memory alone. The integration of the Ethernet and large memory allow designers to build systems at lower cost than using external components.
The new product has the following significant features:
On-chip Ethernet media access controller (MAC):
Each of the new MCUs integrates one-channel IEEE 802.3-compliant 10/100Base-T Ethernet MAC. This eliminates the need for an external Ethernet controller, making it possible to build a connected system at low-cost.
Up to 512 KB of embedded flash memory and 124 KB of RAM:
With up to 512 KB of flash memory and up to 124 KB of RAM, the V850ES/Jx3 family of MCUs can execute 103 Dhrystone million instructions per second (MIPS) at a clock speeds of 50 MHz. This makes it possible to run network software and system control program using its internal memory only, thereby facilitates the overall development process.
Extensive variety of peripheral functions:
The new products include full-speed USB 2.0 interface, CAN interface, a motor control timer, and a real-time counter. These features allow designers to implement industry-standard communication technologies and to reduce external components and trim system development costs.
Network software:
NEC Electronics provides a wide array of network software, including an optimized Ethernet driver, and a lightweight transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP) stack.
The company believes this new lineup of MCUs to be optimized for creating networked products in such fields as Industrial Ethernet applications, I/O converters and modules, industrial routers and hubs, test & measurement equipment, security control panels, utility meters, and connected industrial motor drives, and plans to market them actively.
