TI re-architects embedded control to make the world greener with new Concerto™ dual-core microcontrollers

HOUSTON, June 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Empowering developers to design greener, more connected applications, Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NYSE: TXN) today announced its new C2000™ Concerto dual-core microcontroller (MCU) series. The new Concerto 32-bit microcontrollers combine TI's class-leading-performance C28x core and control peripherals with an ARM Cortex-M3 core and connectivity peripherals to deliver a clearly partitioned architecture that supports real-time control and advanced connectivity in a single, cost-efficient device. To make them easy to use, Concerto MCUs are supported by an intuitive software infrastructure as well as application and connectivity libraries within controlSUITE™ software. The series includes multiple safety and security features and is code compatible across the C2000 platform to enable scalability and code reuse in green applications such as intelligent motor control, renewable energy, smart grid, digital power and electric vehicles. For more information, go to www.ti.com/concerto-lp-pr.

Greener applications require the performance of a real-time control MCU to execute complex algorithms needed for precise, efficient power conversion, which is the essence of efficient motor control, renewable energy and smart grid technologies. But to take that efficiency to new levels that can dramatically save energy, these applications must also be connected for remote data sharing, diagnostics, monitoring and control. Concerto MCUs enable developers to do both real-time control and connectivity within one microcontroller, eliminating the traditional need to choose between optimal performance and advanced connectivity.

Concerto F28M35x microcontroller series features and benefits:

• Real-time control subsystem based on TI's C28x core with floating point and the Viterbi Complex Math Unit delivers 13X performance over existing MCUs as well as industry-leading control peripherals required to design the most reliable, efficient green applications
• Robust host communication subsystem based on Cortex-M3 and connectivity peripherals such as Ethernet, USB On-The-Go, dual CAN, and multiple serial communication ports
• Performance can be tailored to different applications with options for 150/75 MHz, 100/100 MHz or 60/60 MHz on the C28x and Cortex-M3 cores, respectively
• Safety and security features, including up to 1 MB of flash and 132 KB RAM with error correction, parity on CAN and interrupt registers, redundancy for functions, and lock protection
• Free turnkey application and connectivity software libraries, including Ethernet and USB (Digital power, motor control and renewable energy libraries will be available in 3Q11)
• Speeds design with simple development environment that supports programming each subsystem independently
• Roadmap for tailored devices to meet specific smart grid applications, such as smart electric meters and concentrators

Get started quickly with tools and training

The new Concerto F28M35x Experimenter Kit includes a F28M35x controlCARD and docking station to enable developers to easily begin evaluation and development. The modular controlCARD is hardware compatible with TI's C2000 application-specific development kits, and software to further support development on the kits will be available later this year. Free, on-demand training for Concerto MCUs is immediately available online, and is a great way for developers to begin further exploring the optimized architecture, tailored features and easy-to-use software infrastructure of the devices.

Pricing and availability

Available in a 144 QFP package, Concerto MCUs now start at $6.99 at 1K and samples can be immediately ordered at www.ti.com/concerto-es-lp-pr. The Concerto F28M35x Experimenter Kit is priced at $139. The Concerto F28M35x controlCARD is also available individually for $99. Both are immediately available to order at www.ti.com/concerto-es-lp. There is an estimated 4 week lead time for samples and kits.

TI's broad portfolio of MCUs and software

From general purpose, ultra-low power MSP430™ MCUs, to Stellaris® Cortex-M 32-bit MCUs and high-performance, real-time control C2000 MCUs, TI offers the broadest range of microcontroller solutions. Designers can accelerate time to market by tapping into TI's complete software and hardware tools, extensive third-party offerings and technical support.

Find out more about TI's Concerto MCUs and support by visiting the links below:

• Concerto product information: www.ti.com/concerto-lp-pr
• Concerto F28M35x controlCARD: www.ti.com/concerto-controlcard-tf-pr
• Concerto MCU overview whitepaper: www.ti.com/concerto-overview-mc-pr
• Concerto training:  www.ti.com/concerto-training-lp-pr
• controlSUITE software: www.ti.com/concerto-sw-pr
• TI smart grid solutions: www.ti.com/concerto-smart-grid-pr

About Texas Instruments

Texas Instruments semiconductor innovations help 80,000 customers unlock the possibilities of the world as it could be – smarter, safer, greener, healthier and more fun.  Our commitment to building a better future is ingrained in everything we do – from the responsible manufacturing of our semiconductors, to caring for our employees, to giving back inside our communities.  This is just the beginning of our story.  Learn more at www.ti.com.

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Stellaris is a registered trademark and Piccolo, MSP430 and C2000 are trademarks of Texas Instruments Incorporated.  All registered trademarks and other trademarks belong to their respective owners.

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SOURCE Texas Instruments