The Cortex-M3 processor with an efficient and deterministic 3-stage pipeline provides an ideal blend of high performance and instruction efficiency due to the use of the Thumb-2 instruction set, hardware divider, and single-cycle multiplier. Furthermore, the processor is equipped with essential microcontroller features, such as low latency interrupt handling, integrated sleep modes, debug and trace capabilities, as well as best-in-class software development tool chain.
"The integration of the ARM Cortex®-M3 processor into our embedded controllers for smart actuators complements our already established 8051- processor-based solutions and enables us to target new motor driving applications requiring advanced processing capabilities" says Dirk Behrens, Vice President Automotive at Micronas. "This paves the way towards a new class of highly versatile and compelling single-chip smart actuator solutions while facilitating software development for our customers".
"The ARM Cortex-M3 offers new levels of intelligence, energy efficiency and control for a new breed of smart industrial and automotive products" says Noel Hurley, Vice President, Marketing & Strategy, Processor Division, ARM. "We are delighted Micronas has chosen to partner with ARM and look forward to working closely to improve the lives of users from the factory floor to the dashboard."
Micronas' embedded controllers for use in automotive and industrial applications are single chip, high-voltage controllers with flexible peripherals and direct motor driving capabilities. The various integrated digital and analog components include comparators, diagnosis and protection functions, programmable gain amplifier, A/D converter, communication interfaces, direct 12 V operation regulators, as well as power bridges. These features make the system lighter in weight and save important space within the application which enables a very compact and cost-effective motor system design. Micronas' embedded controllers further support various commutation schemes and can either be operated in a sensor-less or sensored mode in conjunction with the HAL 2xy and HAL 5xy switch or 2D rotational encoder families. Smart actuator system solutions are sought after in various applications, like DC motor drives, fans and pumps.