Atmel currently offers the broadest portfolio of MCUs (microcontroller units) based on the two most popular 8- and 32-bit architectures – AVR and ARM. “Flexible, highly integrated Atmel ARM-based MCUs are designed to optimize system control, user interface (UI) management and ease of use,” Atmel Digital Marketing Manager Tom Vu told Bits & Pieces. “Indeed, […]
An intelligent remote control is typically paired with electronic devices capable of processing infrared (IR) or WiFi signals. Powered by batteries, remote control units demand low sipping capabilities, both when activated and during idle time. Additional design considerations include flexible and multi-function user interfaces (UI), as well as responsive touch-screens. “Integrating interfaces, functions and firmware […]
An appliance user interface (UI) enables easy control of items such as washing machines and dishwashers, while providing visual and audio feedback in real-time. The UI accomplishes this by communicating with various subsystems, including motor controllers and wireless modules. Key design considerations of a next-gen UI include capacitive touch, as well as full compliance with […]
Atmel has introduced the SAM D20, a comprehensive product lineup based on ARM’s Cortex -M0+. Essentially, the new microcontroller series combines the performance and energy efficiency of an ARM Cortex-M0+ based MCU with an optimized architecture and peripheral set. According to Atmel engineering manager Bob Martin, the SAM D20 offers a “truly differentiated” general-purpose lineup that […]
At Atmel, we’ve known for a while now that embedded computing is the future, but it’s nice to see the mainstream media catching on! ABC recently made it down to Maker Faire in San Mateo, where the crew spent a significant amount of time hanging out at the Atmel booth, talking Internet of Things and, […]
There has been a lot of railing lately about how we don’t have quite the right chips for the upcoming wave of wearables. Chips one would drop in a smartphone are often overkill and overpowered, burning through electrons too quickly. Chips one would use for a simple control task generally lack peripherals and performance, offsetting […]
A couple years ago my pal Bob Thomas over at Apple told me how Istvan Novak over at Sun Microsystems figured out a clever way to keep RF from radiating out the edge of the board. For years, engineers have put power and ground planes or two ground planes on the top and bottom of […]
My friends and I still get together for breakfast even when the Silicon Valley electronic flea market is shut down for the winter. The first one of the new year was Jan 11, 2014. We go to Bobbies in Cupertino, and feel free to stop by the second Saturday of the month. We eat outside […]
