New Flash Microcontroller Range from Motorola

Motorola's New Flash Microcontrollers to Enable New Applications in Thousands of Products

Motorola (now part of NXP) has released a new microcontroller product line designed to give manufacturers increased flexibility, and a broad range of products enhanced functionality. Equipped with flash technology at a low price point, the Motorola Nitron HC08 family of 8-bit microcontrollers will impact consumer, automotive and industrial products ranging from light dimmer switches to washing machines. (Note: the Nitron HC08 microcontroller family is now part of NXP)

“Motorola has put a stake in the ground with the Nitron family, offering Flash technology at a price point half the current market,” said Tony Massimini, chief of technology, Semico Research Corporation. “The Nitron family will mean significant evolution of product capabilities that will improve the functionality of an untold number of products - and allow manufacturers to adjust to changing market demands quickly and cost-effectively.”

At a suggested resale price of US$0.70, the Nitron family competes with the less flexible microcontrollers, including one-time programmable (OTP) memory. Its flash technology allows manufacturers to re-program microcontrollers several times in the development cycle, adding flexibility to adjust to fast-changing market demands or correcting problems remotely in the field.

“The Nitron family’s Flash technology and low cost offer manufacturers the agility to quickly change their product lines by reprogramming their microcontrollers much later in the manufacturing process,” said Fred Shlapak, executive vice president, Motorola, Inc., and president of Motorola’s Semiconductor Products Sector. “Developers will be able to bring new functionality to a host of cost-sensitive products through new applications and consumers will see the difference as home appliances, for instance, will have high-end features - without seeing a significant impact on price.”

For example, a lighting manufacturer that currently offers a basic dimmer switch can use a Nitron 68HC908 Flash microcontroller to add features, such as programmable settings, time delays and safety shut-off, with minimal effect on the price. A power tool, such as a drill will be able to adjust its own applied torque, dependant on the application need. This technology is able to help lower product costs and thereby drive higher volume from the manufacturing plant to the shelves.

The NXP website address is www.nxp.com
[Reprinted with kind permission from Motorla - Motorola Microcontroller are now part of NXP]