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Mixed-signal, 16-bit microcontroller extends battery life in power-sensitive applications

Device features power-saving stop mode to save battery life



Power Management DesignLine Europe

Maxim Integrated Products has introduced the MAXQ2010, a 16-bit mixed-signal microcontroller with a power-saving stop mode that reduces power consumption to 370nA typical and 6.5 uA maximum at +85 degrees C, thus extending the life of battery-powered devices.

Designed on a RISC architecture, the MAXQ2010 balances high-speed execution (up to 10 MIPS at 10MHz) and data sampling (up to 312ksps ADC conversion at 12 bits) with a low-power active-mode current (3.1mA, typical, at 10MHz). An integrated regulator allows direct operation from a single lithium coin cell at 2.7V to 3.6V.

With its many integrated analog and digital capabilities and its multiple power-saving modes, the MAXQ2010 is an optimized single-chip solution for battery-powered data acquisition applications. The device's low-power stop mode makes it especially valuable in equipment that spends the majority of its life inactive, only waking up once every few minutes to take measurements. Typical examples include many types of sensors, data acquisition systems, or environmental data-loggers.

The MAXQ2010 offers multiple power-saving operating modes. A key feature of the device is its industry-leading stop mode, which allows the microcontroller to reduce power consumption to less than 400nA (typ) by halting code execution. Depending on the needs of the application, the integrated LCD controller and real time clock (RTC) can optionally remain active during stop mode.

For additional power savings, the MAXQ2010 consumes only 3.1mA (typical) at 10MHz operation in active mode.

The MAXQ2010 includes a 12-bit ADC capable of data conversion at up to 312ksps. Samples are taken from up to eight analog inputs which can be selected as single-ended inputs and/or differential input pairs. The ADC includes a 1.5V 2 percent voltage reference and can be configured to automatically capture and buffer sequences of up to 16 samples without processor intervention.

The MAXQ2010 provides additional features critical for portable, battery-powered applications. For a user interface, an integrated LCD controller can drive up to 160 segments directly in a ¼-muxed configuration. A supply-voltage monitor measures the power supply against a programmable threshold from 2.7V to 3.5V in 0.1V increments, enabling an application to detect low power and notify the user to replace the battery.

To further reduce system costs, the MAXQ2010 uses a low-cost 32kHz crystal to generate the 8.389MHz system clock and enable the real-time clock (RTC) peripheral. The RTC provides programmable subsecond and time-of-day alarms, which can be used to wake up the microcontroller from stop mode to perform functions at programmable time intervals.

For rapid application development, a MAXQ2010 evaluation (EV) kit is available. Providing both the microcontroller evaluation platform and all necessary software, the kit seamlessly connects the microcontroller's onboard bootloader and debugging features with PC-side software to communicate with an integrated development environment.

Options for application development include a free assembly project development environment (MAX-IDE), Rowley Crossworks IDE, and IAR Embedded Workbench for MAXQ (available in time-limited or code-limited versions for free product evaluation). An integrated JTAG-compatible debug port on the MAXQ2010 provides hardware-based in-circuit debugging and programming support for both C and assembly-based applications.

Packaging and Pricing

The MAXQ2010 is packaged in a 100-pin LQFP and operates over the -40 to +85 degrees C temperature range. Prices start at $2.95 (10,000-up, FOB USA).

Datasheet for: MAXQ2010

 






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