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Xicor's E2PROM Microcontroller Supervisor Offers Reset Controller With Programmable Watchdog Timer
MILPITAS, Calif. - Xicor today introduced a single-chip microcontroller supervisor that combines 4K bits of E2PROM memory with a complex RESET controller and a watchdog timer with programmable intervals. The new component also offers an advanced high-speed serial peripheral interface (SPI) and software protocol, allowing rapid access to its data and control resources on a simple 3-wire bus. Designated X25043, the device is the first in a new Integra_Series of microcontroller peripherals to be announced by Xicor.
"Each functional element of the X25043 has been developed specifically to enhance performance of the end system," noted Rick Orlando, Xicor's Vice President of Strategic Marketing and Applications. "This device and its companion Integra microcontroller peripherals will offer microcontroller-based system designers the power, size, and cost advantages that personal computer designers now enjoy with chip sets. Our goal is to make Integra products the only companion peripheral circuitry designers will need for most microcontroller applications."
The X25043's RESET controller generates a RESET signal to the microcontroller during power-up, power-down and brown-out situations. The RESET control circuit integrates a 200-msec interval timer which delays the release of the RESET signal until the system power supply is stable.
The watchdog timer begins running once the RESET signal is released. If the microcontroller does not reset the watchdog timer before a programmable interval has elapsed, a RESET signal is triggered. Unlike similar microperipherals that are limited to a fixed interval, the watchdog timer interval is controlled by two E2PROM bits of a configuration register which selects one of four options: 400 msec, 1.2 seconds, 2.4 seconds or disable. Since the configuration register is always accessible, the interval may be dynamically changed in real time to meet changing software requirements or different operating conditions. The microcontroller simply sends new timing instructions to the configuration register. Moreover, since the configuration register is implemented in E2PROM, the interval need not be initialized each time the system is powered up.
The 4K bit E2PROM nonvolatile data storage, organized as 512 bytes, features an advanced data protection scheme called Block Lock, which allows selective portions of the memory, such as system manufacturing or service data, to be protected from accidental or intentional alteration.
The X25043 is available in either an 8-pin mini-DIP or SOIC package. Pricing for the two versions in 10K quantities is $1.50 and $1.64, respectively.
Xicor is a leading supplier of advanced nonvolatile, user-reprogrammable memory devices. With its advanced technology, Xicor specializes in innovative memory products that offer proprietary architectural advantages to manufacturers of computers and peripherals, consumer electronics, telecommunications, industrial controls, avionics/military and automotive systems. Many of its E2PROM devices have become industry standards. The company is headquartered in Milpitas, California, which is also the site of its modern six-inch fabrication line.
