Date: 06/05/2012

ARM Cortex-M0 based DALI and DMX512 lighting control systems from NXP

NXP Semiconductors has introduced the development platforms for DALI and DMX512 wired lighting control systems based on the 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0 processor. The new evaluation systems feature NXP LPC1100XL series microcontroller, a master controller board with the LPC11U00 and a highly flexible USB microcontroller.

Both the DALI and DMX512 systems can be connected to any of NXP's lamp drivers using the PWM outputs of the Cortex-M0 processor. NXP offers an optional evaluation system to simplify RGB LED power stage design.

Cortex-M0
1. Performance: With performance up to 45 DMIPS, the 50-MHz LPC1100XL series offers the resources required for a single MCU to code and decode DALI and DMX messages and generate PWM signals, with enough bandwidth available for the end application.
2. Power consumption: By using LPC1100XL series, the active power consumption at 110 uA/MHz, and standby power consumption below 2 uA.
3. Storage of scene settings: Storing scene settings and other programs in non-volatile memory is straightforward, using EEPROM emulation in flash or by using integrated EEPROM, now available in the LPC11E00 series.
4. PWM signals for color and dimming: Offering up to four 16-bit and 32-bit timers, the LPC1100XL series can generate up to 11 PWM signals to control and dim the ballast.
5. Development time. Embedded lighting applications can be programmed in C. A basic DALI driver is available from NXP.

Options for USB connectivity
1. The DMX512 evaluation system includes a master unit featuring the LPC11U14 microcontroller. Based on the ARM Cortex-M0, the LPC11U00 series delivers USB performance at a compelling price point; a flexible USB architecture with up to 10 configurable physical endpoints; and extensive power controls.
2. The LPC1300 series which includes USB mass storage and HID class drivers stored in ROM.

Power stage
As an additional option, NXP offers a small form factor, RGB LED power stage. The power stage meets the EMC requirements of commercial lighting applications and offers energy savings for both DALI and DMX wired lighting control systems.

The first DALI evaluation system (OM13026) is available immediately. The DMX512 evaluation systems will be available later this month.