The T8051XC3 core implements one of the smallest-available 8-bit MCS®51-compatible microcontrollers. The core integrates an 8051 CPU with a serial communication controller, flexible timer/counter, multi-purpose I/O port, interrupt controller, and optionally with a debug unit supporting JTAG and Single-Wire interfaces.
The MCU executes some 8051 instructions in a single clock cycle, thus providing 0.1236 DMIPS/MHz or 13.15x the performance per MHz of the original IntelTM 8051. Furthermore, the core can run at frequencies over 450 MHz on a 90nm technology, offering performance that is more than 300x that of the original 8051.
The T8051XC3 runs the legacy code of existing systems, but is also ready for highly productive new software development. This is facilitated through CAST’s on-chip debugging option, and debug pods that cooperate with the Keil μVision C51 and IAR Embedded Workbench for 8051 IDEs.
This T8051XC1 IP core builds on CAST’s experience with hundreds of 8051 IP customers going back to 1997. It is rigorously verified, scan-ready, and available in source-code RTL or targeted FPGA netlist.
Ultra-Small 8051-Compatible Microcontroller
Overview
Key Features
- Fully compatible with the MCS®51 instruction set
- Compact silicon footprint:
- CPU-Only: 3.6k Gates on 180nm
- Complete MCU: 6.6k Gates on 180nm
- 0.1236 DMIPS/MHz or 13.15x more performance per MHz than the original Intel 8051
- Software Development
- Supported by IAR Embedded WorkbenchTM for 8051 and Keil μVisionTM C51 IDEs
- JTAG-based or Single-Wire Serial Debug
- Compatible with any MCS®51 compiler
- Interfaces and Peripherals
- Special Function Registers interface
- Up to 256B of internal data memory interface
- External memory Interface
- Up to 64KB external program memory
- Up to 64KB external data memory
- Interrupt Controller with two or four priority levels, and eight interrupt sources
- 8-bit Parallel I/O Port
- Serial 0 full-duplex serial (UART) interface
- Timer 1: Flexible timer/counter
- On-Chip Debug Support (OCDS)
- Power Management Unit with power-down modes (IDLE/STOP)
- Other peripherals and extensions available upon request
Block Diagram
Applications
- The T8051XC3 core is an ideal microcontroller for applications with strict area and power requirements. Its processing power is sufficient for controlling, calibrating, and preprocessing data from a wide range of MEMs, sensors, or analog front ends. It is also provides an easily-programmed alternative to hard-coded control logic (e.g FSMs).
Deliverables
- Verilog RTL source code or FPGA netlist
- An example chip implementation, which uses the core in a sample system
- Sophisticated self-checking HDL Testbench
- Sample Simulation and Synthesis scripts
- Comprehensive documentation
Technical Specifications
Maturity
Production Proven
Availability
Now