Toshiba Dual-Core Microcontroller Enables Secure Energy Calculation, Sensing And Communications

SAN JOSE, Calif., Aug. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. (TAEC)*, a committed leader that collaborates with technology companies to create breakthrough designs, today announced the newest addition to its TX04 series of ARM® Cortex®-M4F core-based microcontrollers (MCUs). The TMPM411F20XBG MCU facilitates electric power calculation and communication in smart meters, as well as sensing and communications in other measurement devices. Samples are now available in the U.S.

According to market research firm IBISWorld, smart meter manufacturing industry revenue in the U.S. has swelled over the past five years. In 2014 alone, the industry is expected to grow 17.7 percent, reaching $1.5 billion overall. Moreover, the federal government has committed $3.4 billion for grid modernization, further fueling demand for smart meters and enabling products.¹

"As use of smart meters and other advanced sensing devices escalates, there is a need to reduce their overall form factor while increasing performance. One way to achieve this is to offer controllers that allow development of smaller products with greater functionality," said Jun Kawaguchi, senior business development manager, Mixed-Signal Business Unit at TAEC. "Toshiba is committed to developing microcontrollers that support widespread use of smart meters and other sensing solutions for utility applications."

A typical smart meter comprises separate controllers for electric power calculation, data communication, and output display. By integrating multiple functionalities, the TMPM411F20XBG achieves independent control of the electric power calculation and communication control in a single chip, reducing the circuit board area within the smart meter.

The TMPM411F20XBG implements tamper detection and failure detection with very low power consumption, and also incorporates key security functions suitable for secure network communication. These include Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA) and Entropy Source Generator (ESG). Its large on-chip Flash memory allows for robust code and data storage as required for extensive service lifetime.

The TMPM411F20XBG operates at 2.7 to 3.6V, with a maximum operating frequency of 80MHz. It has an internal memory of 2048 Kbytes Flash and 290 Kbytes total SRAM, 34-channel direct memory access (DMA), 9-channel 12-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The product is available in 14x14mm VFGBA193 package.

Pricing and Availability
The TMPM411F20XBG samples are available now, with sample prices of approximately US$15 (1500 yen).

*About TAEC
Through proven commitment, lasting relationships and advanced, reliable electronic components, Toshiba enables its customers to create market-leading designs. Toshiba is the heartbeat within product breakthroughs from OEMs, ODMs, CMs, VARs, distributors and fabless chip companies worldwide. A committed electronic components leader, Toshiba designs and manufactures high-quality flash memory-based storage solutions, solid state drives (SSDs), hard disk drives (HDDs), solid state hybrid drives (SSHDs), discrete devices, custom SoCs/ASICs, imaging products, microcontrollers, wireless components, mobile peripheral devices, advanced materials and medical tubes that make possible today's leading smartphones, tablets, cameras, medical devices, automotive electronics, industrial applications, enterprise solutions and more.

Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. is an independent operating company owned by Toshiba America, Inc., a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, Japan's largest semiconductor manufacturer and the world's sixth largest semiconductor manufacturer (Gartner, 2013 Worldwide Semiconductor Revenue, April 2014). Founded in Tokyo in 1875, Toshiba is at the heart of a global network of over 590 consolidated companies employing over 200,000 people worldwide. Visit Toshiba's web site at www.toshiba.co.jp/index.htm.

ARM and Cortex are registered trademarks of ARM Ltd.
¹Smart Meter Manufacturing in the U.S. Industry Market Research Report, IBISWorld, Posted Aug. 6, 2014.

Information in this press release, including product pricing and specifications, content of services and contact information, is current and believed to be accurate on the date of the announcement, but is subject to change without prior notice.

SOURCE Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc.