Nov 17 2010
Energy Micro, the energy friendly microcontroller firm, has introduced a generic low energy sensing interface called LESENSE function block to its EFM32 microcontroller portfolio. This interface permits independent evaluation of a maximum of 16 exterior sensors that are in sub-microamp Deep Sleep mode of the microcontroller.
The LESENSE operates autonomously of the ARM Cortex-M3 core of the EFM32 and can be deployed for the generation of advanced, in-built, intense reduced energy sensing devices. This improved interface is ideal for battery operated solutions and the sensor block is configured in such a way as to function effectively with any mode of analog sensor regulatory scheme, covering inductive, capacitive and resistive forms.
Apart form all other functionalities, the LESENSE helps support independent capacitive slider and touch pad enabled solutions as well as water and gas metering devices depending on inductive rotation sensing units.
According to Geir Førre, President and CEO, Energy Micro, the prevailing EFM32 Gecko microcontroller range has already been exploited world-wide by virtue of its reduced power utility and by its enhanced energy storage capabilities and that LESENSE now offers another specific advancement, supporting energy friendly configuration and providing long-span battery.
The manufacture of LESENSE interface will initially be accomplished in the company’s Tiny Gecko microcontroller range and the sampling and large scale production will be carried out in the first quarter of 2011. The Tiny Gecko pin and software are consistent with the larger Gecko microcontrollers and offers the consumers with a broad series of less energy external function blocks, encompassing an eight-channeled, ADC with 12-bit capacity utilizing 350µA at complete resolution with 1Msamples/sec transfer rates and a less power UART utilizing as little as 150nA and a latest 8x20 section LCD controller.
The bigger Gecko microcontroller series, providing 1MB and USB connectivity, will integrate this novel LESENSE function in 2011.