Date: 16/06/2010

32-bit AVR MCU from Atmel draws only 9 nano Amps in static mode

Atmel has made available the next-generation Atmel 32-bit AVR UC3L microcontroller (MCU) embedded with capacitive touch controller peripherals. It performs at 1.5 DMIPS per MHz. It is suggested for products that include audio processing applications such as USB and Bluetooth headsets, game pads and advanced voice or touch-enabled human interface devices.

This MCU cuts static power consumption by 90% down to 9nA, a value that is lower than the tantalum capacitor decoupling the board power supply and comparable to leakage currents in even the most advanced battery technologies. Active power consumption is reduced to 165µA/MHz, a 45 percent improvement from previous generations, says Atmel. This AVR MCU uses Atmel picoPower low-power technology for power saving functions by addressing all aspects of a microcontroller's power consumption. The other intersting feature is SleepWalking, where peripherals can operate in extremely low-power states and make qualified decision during CPU sleep.

"As portable applications designers demand more ease-of-use and increased capabilities, more compute power packed in extremely small spaces with an extended battery life becomes a must," said Dr. Oyvind Strom, product marketing director for AVR products, Atmel Corporation. "The next-generation Atmel 32-bit AVR UC3L MCU addresses these demanding tasks, including voice control, capacitive touch interfaces and other signal processing with a form factor and power consumption previously addressable by ASICs only."

Package: 48-pin, 5.5 x 5.5mm size QFP, QFN and TLLGA.

Price: priced at US$3.18 for 10k quantities.

Availability: Now

For more information: http://www.atmel.com/UC3