Low cost ARM M0+ controller targets the Internet of Things
The SAM D20 is the first series in a new family of embedded Flash microcontrollers based on the ARM Cortex-M0+ processor core and designed ideally for home automation, consumer, smart metering and industrial applications, with Bosch Sensortech as a key early customer.
The 130nm series combines innovative and proven technologies including intelligent peripherals with Atmel’s Event System and capacitive touch support for button, slider and wheel capability and proximity sensing as well as single cycle access to the flash memory. The new SAM D20 series is also supported by the latest version of Atmel Studio and Atmel Software Framework, the integrated development platform for developing and debugging Atmel ARM Cortex-M and Atmel AVR MCU- based applications. The devices will be available in chip scale packaging (CSP) for integration into low cost consumer designs, says Endreas Eieland, snior product marketing manager at Atmel.
Bosch Sensortec is among the first adopters of the new Atmel SAM D20 device. “Customers for our next-generation self-contained 9-axis absolute orientation sensor (BNO055) will benefit from the same high performance with lower power consumption. Atmel’s SAM D20 device optimizes Bosch Sensortec’s sensor fusion software at a level that was not previously possible,” said Dr. Stefan Finkbeiner, CEO and General Manager at Bosch Sensortec.
“Atmel’s global leadership in MCUs and its partnership with ARM has enabled the company to launch its Cortex-M0+ ARM-based family,” said Reza Kazerounian, Sr. Vice President and General Manager, Microcontroller Business Unit at Atmel. “In this era of the Internet of Things, MCUs, such as the SAM D20, are at the heart of every smart, connected device. All our MCUs include unique peripheral sets, ultra-low power consumption, a complete integrated development platform, and easy-to-use development kits so designers can bring their products quickly to market.”
The SAM D20 Cortex-M0+ ARM-based series integrates several popular features including high-precision 12-bit analog and internal oscillators, up to eight 16-bit timer/counters, real-time performance, peripheral event system, and flexible clocking options and sleep modes.
The new devices also include a serial communication module (SERCOM module) that can be configured from the application to act as an USART, UART, SPI and I2C; each device in this new family includes four to six SERCOM modules. The new devices are also designed for a simple and intuitive migration between devices with identical peripheral modules, hex compatible code, pin compatible migration paths, and a linear address map.
The family supports button, slider and wheel touch capability as well as proximity without the need for external components, and features 14 new devices available in 32-, 48- and 64-pin package options with 16 to 256KB of Flash memory.
To accelerate design, the SAM D20 Xplained PRO evaluation kits are available today for USD $39. The kit features a 64-pin, 256KB SAM D20 device along with a programmer/debugger and hardware to evaluate both the processor and the peripherals. The Xplained PRO kit also comes pre-loaded with software that can easily be re-programmed, debugged and prototyped without any additional tools.
Atmel is working with alpha customers that will go into volume production shortly. Samples of 128KB 32-pin, and 256KB 48-and 64 pin products are available in QFN and QFP packages now. Pricing starts at $1.02 USD for 1K units of the 16KB 32 pin QFN-package.
To purchase a kit, visit the Atmel Store.
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