Atmel samples new family of Atmel | SMART ARM Cortex-M7-based MCUs

As previously reported on Bits & Pieces, ARM recently unveiled a new 32-bit Cortex-M7 microcontroller (MCU) targeted at high-end, next generation embedded applications and has named Atmel as one of the early lead licensees of the processor, enabling the company to deliver exciting new products to the market in the forthcoming months.

Today, in the midst of ARM TechCon, Atmel has announced the development of a new family of Atmel | SMART ARM Cortex-M7-based MCUs that are sampling to select customers now. Broadening Atmel’s current MCU/MPU portfolio, the family is well positioned between Atmel’s ARM Cortex-M-based MCUs and Cortex-A-based MPUs enabling designers to select from a greater range of processing solutions. The new devices will address high-growth markets including the Internet of Things (IoT) and wearables, as well as automotive and industrial applications that require both high performance and power efficiency.

The Atmel | SMART Cortex-M-based MCUs allow customers to scale-up performance, SRAM and system functionality, while keeping the Cortex-M class ease-of-use and maximizing software reuse. The first devices will run up to 300MHz, with up to 384kByte SRAM configurable as Tightly Coupled Memory (TCM) or System Memory, and up to 2Mbyte on-chip Flash. They will be comprised of three series: general purpose, connectivity and automotive-qualified.

“As one of the first ARM licensees, we are excited to add the Cortex-M7 core to our already broad portfolio of MCUs and MPUs,” explained Jacko Wilbrink, Atmel Senior Marketing Director. “The new Cortex-M7-based MCUs leverage our advanced peripherals and flexible SRAM architecture for higher performance applications, while keeping the Cortex-M class ease-of-use. This new addition enables our customers to select from an even larger portfolio of Atmel | SMART ARM-based MCUs to optimize system designs from consumer IoT devices to automotive applications.”

“Atmel’s new family of microcontrollers helps to bridge the gap between existing microprocessors and highly-efficient microcontrollers on the market,” shared Noel Hurley, General Manager, CPU Group. “The ARM Cortex-M7 core drives innovation and pushes the performance envelope for embedded devices.”

All devices come standard with high-speed USB On-the-Go (OTG) and on-chip high-speed USB PHY, the connectivity series offers 10/100 TBase Ethernet MAC and Dual CAN-FD from Bosch. The automotive series offers Ethernet AVB support and Media LB, which when combined with the Cortex-M7 DSP extensions, make the series ideal for infotainment connectivity and audio applications.

Atmel is working closely with the ARM ecosystem partners on development tool support and RTOS BSPs for the new Atmel | SMART Cortex-M7-based MCUs. In addition, Atmel will offer complete support for this new MCU family on Atmel Studio and Atmel ICE. A comprehensive set of peripheral drivers and examples will be provided, as well as Xplained evaluation kits.

“The Cortex-M7 is well positioned between Atmel’s Cortex-M based MCUs and Cortex-A based MPUs enabling Atmel to offer an even greater range of processing solutions,” Reza Kazerounian, Atmel Senior Vice President and General Manager, recently revealed. “Customers using the Cortex-M-based MCU will be able to scale up performance and system functionality, while keeping the Cortex-M class ease- of-use and maximizing software reuse.”

While sampling to select customers is currently underway, general sampling and availability of the Xplained kit is expected in early 2015. Those interested in learning more can come visit us at ARM TechCon in Santa Clara, California October 1-3, 2014 at booth #205.