Fujitsu Introduces New FM3 Family of ARM® Cortex™-M3-based Microcontrollers

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Nov. 16, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Fujitsu Semiconductor America, Inc. (FSA) today introduced the initial offerings of the Fujitsu FM3 MCU family of 32-bit general-purpose RISC microcontrollers based on the ARM® Cortex™-M3 CPU core. The High-Performance MB9BF500/400/300/100 and Basic MB9AF100 Series are the first products from the Fujitsu FM3 family and are targeted at high-performance motor-control applications in industrial automation and consumer appliances. Initial samples will be available starting in late November 2010.

With the FM3 MCU family, Fujitsu builds on the industry's leading-edge Cortex-M3 core architecture by integrating the company's highly reliable and high-speed secure embedded flash technology and robust peripheral features. The FM3 family also provides communication and control macros, along with custom enhancements such as high-precision motor control and a wide range of operating voltages, enabling system designers to use the FM3 family to meet a full range of design requirements.

High-Performance MB9B500/400/300/100 Series

The High-Performance MB9B500/400/300/100 Series is designed to provide the full range of integrated advanced peripheral functions and the higher-speed and greater memory density required by the 32-bit market. The devices operate at 80MHz, with up to 512KB high-speed flash memory and up to a 64KB SRAM. The MCUs in the series are capable of supporting USB, CAN, UART, SIO, I2C, and LIN communications protocols, and will be available in LQFP120, LQFP100, QFP100, and BGA112 packages.

Basic MB9A100 Series

The Basic MB9A100 Series features the lower cost, power-saving technology and compact design required by the 16-bit market. The Basic Series, which includes limited versions of the advanced peripheral functions of the High-Performance Series, is optimized for use primarily in major home appliances, digital consumer devices and office automation devices. The Basic Series devices operate at 40MHz, support up to 256KB high-speed flash memory and up to 32KB SRAM, and are available in LQFP120, LQFP100, QFP100, and BGA112 packages.

Key features of the Fujitsu FM3 MCU family include the following:

One of Industry's Fastest and Most Reliable High-speed Flash Memory Technologies

The MCUs incorporate Fujitsu's highly reliable, high-speed NOR flash memory. Designed to deliver 100,000 write cycles with data retention up to 20 years, the Fujitsu single-cycle flash memory with ECC and data-protection functionality can operate with a zero wait cycle at up to 60MHz, and offers among the fastest memory access in its class.

Peripherals for High-precision Motor Control

The FM3 MCU family also incorporates the peripheral features of the Fujitsu FR microcontrollers along with additional peripheral macros specifically for high-precision motor control, such as three independent 12-bit A/D converters (+/-2LSB 1.0us conversion). With support for up to 16 channels, the A/D converters provide positional accuracy and fine-tuned motor control for factory automation applications, such as high-precision and high-speed servo motors. A positional sensing counter monitors motor rotation, providing automatic hardware-based detection, which minimizes the CPU workload and reduces the amount of power consumed by inverter systems.

Fujitsu integrated these and other hardware features in the FM3 family to help reduce the cost and make it easier for end products incorporating the FM3 family MCUs to meet the IEC60730 safety standard for household appliances.

Supports a Wide Voltage Range Suitable for a Variety of Applications

The FM3 MCU family supports a wide voltage range from 2.7V to 5.5V with a single power supply. Most microcontrollers using the Cortex-M3 core operate at 3.6V or lower and therefore cannot be used in 5V systems, but the Fujitsu FM3 family can operate at up to 5V, making the Fujitsu MCU ideal for factory automation equipment and major home appliances.

FM3 Family Roadmap

The Fujitsu FM3 MCU family roadmap will offer solutions extending from high-performance applications that require advanced control – such as factory automation systems – to basic home appliance applications like air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines, along with digital consumer devices and office automation equipment.

"Fujitsu has an extensive roadmap for the FM3 family, including other high-performance, basic, low-power and low-leakage versions. New products will be available in configurations ranging from 20MHz to 144MHz and in packaging options spanning from 32-pin to 176-pin products," said Akio Nezu, senior manager of marketing, Fujitsu Semiconductor America. "Fujitsu will offer customers design assistance based on the expertise gained from our collaboration with 700 ARM vendors worldwide and augmented by our global technical sales and support capabilities."

Availability and Pricing

Initial samples will be available in late November. Samples of other High-Performance MB9B500/400/300/100 and Basic MB9A100 Series devices offering a range of peripheral, memory and package options will be available in January 2011, with volume shipment available in April 2011. Volume pricing is available upon request.

About Fujitsu Semiconductor America, Inc.

Fujitsu Semiconductor America, Inc. (FSA) is a leading designer and developer of innovative semiconductor products and solutions for new generations of consumer, communications, automotive and industrial products. FSA provides a comprehensive portfolio of high-quality, reliable semiconductor products and services throughout North and South America,

Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, Fujitsu Semiconductor America (formerly Fujitsu Microelectronics America) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fujitsu Semiconductor Limited (FSL), Japan. FSL offers semiconductor products and services to its customers worldwide through its global sales and development network that includes sites in Japan and throughout Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

For product information, visit the company's website at http://us.fujitsu.com/micro/mcu, e-mail [email protected] or call 1-800-866-8608.

Reference Material

High-Performance MB9B500/400/300/100 and Basic MB9A100 Series fact sheet:

http://www.fujitsu.com/downloads/MICRO/fma/pdf/FM3_MCU_FS.pdf 

FM3 Family Lineup

http://www.fujitsu.com/downloads/MICRO/fma/pdf/PR_Supp_FM3_PL.pdf

Company and product names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Information provided in this press release is accurate at time of publication and subject to change without advance notice.

SOURCE Fujitsu Semiconductor America, Inc.