Cyan rolls out 16-bit flash controller for embedded applications

Cyan rolls out 16-bit flash controller for embedded applications
By Semiconductor Business News
February 7, 2002 (4:08 p.m. EST)
URL: http://www.eetimes.com/story/OEG20020207S0070

CAMBRIDGE, U.K. -- Cyan Technology Ltd. here announced its first product--a 16-bit, RISC-based flash microcontroller that the company positions as a low-power communications engine.

The chip, dubbed the eCOG1, is based on a 16-bit core that was developed by Cambridge Consultants Ltd. Formed in 2000, Cyan is a spin-off of Cambridge Consultants, it was noted.

The eCOG1 is also based on a compact Harvard RISC architecture. The chip also consists of an assortment of IC peripherals, enabling it to support embedded applications in the communications space, according to the Cambridge-based company.

It supports several serial and communications interfaces, such as dual UARTs, dual USARTs, SPI, and IrDA. It also consists of a 16-bit real-time clock timer, 24-bit long-interval timer, two 16-bit clock generator timers, and two general-purpose event counter timers.

The eCOG1 also includes a memory management unit (MMU), a dynamically adaptable exter nal memory interface capable of managing SDRAM, and analog I/O support with an on-chip temperature sensor and supply voltage monitor.

"The embedded communications market has come of age, opening up a wide range of new end applications that require high-speedconnectivity," said David Griffiths, CEO of Cyan. "When developers attempt to solve these problems with traditional microcontrollers, they are forced to compromise power, performance, and time to market," he said.

"With the launch of eCOG1, Cyan Technology delivers a device that will find its place in many consumer products ranging from PDAs and smart-card readers to intelligent sensors and next-generation, Internet-enabled appliances at a price that is appropriate for mass-market applications," he added.

Price of the chip was not disclosed, however.