Fujitsu Unveils New FM4 Family of 32-bit Microcontrollers Featuring Low Power, Maximum Performance for Industrial Equipment, High-End Applications

SUNNYVALE, Calif., June 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Fujitsu Semiconductor America today introduced its new FM4 family of 32-bit RISC microcontrollers based on the ARM^® Cortex™-M4 processor core. The MCUs are designed for applications that require advanced, high-speed computing performance, such as general-purpose inverters, servomotors, PLCs and other industrial equipment, as well as energy-efficient, inverter-based home appliances.

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The new FM4 family includes 84 MCUs in its MB9B560R/460R/360R/160R series. Set to begin sampling in July, the devices build on the popular Fujitsu FM3 MCU family, with increased computational performance, enhanced peripheral functionality and an easy-to-use design.

The FM4 MCUs operate from 3V and 5V power supplies, with a variety of memory options including SRAM, NOR flash, NAND flash and SDRAM. They feature an ultra-wide bus for onboard flash memory that enables read access with no CPU wait state, speeding processing and reducing power requirements. 

The Cortex-M4 core incorporates DSP and FPU functions that provide the power required for advanced computations. Algorithms for operating onboard flash memory have been redesigned for greater speed and lower power consumption. The current required when running the real time clock (RTC) mode can be limited to approximately 1.5 uA, making these high-performance MCUs useful for applications that require very low standby power. The devices support 100,000 rewrite cycles with a 20-year data retention.

"Our microcontrollers are known for being reliable, easy to select, and easy to employ," said Akio Nezu, senior manager of marketing at Fujitsu Semiconductor America. "With these new devices, we have brought more than 570 ARM-based MCUs to market, meeting the needs of a wide range of applications."

Precise, Full-featured Analog Circuitry, Enhanced Timer and Communications Functionality

The FM4 family also includes enhanced peripheral functions and redesigned analog circuitry. New trimming functions deliver internal oscillator accuracy of +2 percent. The D/A converter can achieve 12-bit resolution, and the 12-bit A/D converter operates at twice the speed of previous versions.

In addition, the multifunction timer for the three-phase motors features a number of enhanced functions, including support for asymmetric PWM waveform output and multiple A/D start triggers. Minimum timing resolution can be as low as 6.25 nanoseconds. The enhanced timer functions, in conjunction with an improved A/D convertor, enable precise motor control with better energy efficiency.

To accelerate SPI communications, the MCUs can support up to a 20 MHz clock rate and variable data lengths up to 16 bits. The new communications IP with DSTC (Descriptor System data Transfer Controller) improves high-speed serial data communications, while reducing the CPU's workload and software overhead.

Full Microcontroller Lineup

The new MCUs will be packaged in FPBAs and will be available in quantity later this summer. The FM4 lineup will be expanded throughout 2013 with new devices featuring higher capacity flash, Ethernet MAC for networked automation devices, and I²S and HDMI-CEC for consumer applications.

Later this year, Fujitsu plans to release the FM0+ family of microcontrollers for low-cost, ultra-low-power applications. The FM4, FM3, and FM0+ families are equipped with the latest Cortex-M series cores featuring compatible instruction sets, making it easy for users to transition between device types to suit their requirements.

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.

For product information, visit the company's website at http://us.fujitsu.com/semi, e-mail [email protected] or call 1-800-866-8608. For company news and updates, connect with FSA on Twitter (http://twitter.com/FujitsuSemiUS), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/FujitsuSemiconductorAmerica), or YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/FujitsuSemiUS). 

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

SOURCE Fujitsu Semiconductor America, Inc.