Embedded Computing Design October 2011 : Page 28Editor’s Choice Bridge joins interconnect protocols As embedded designers start each new project, they face the potential challenge of matching the latest high-performance computing devices with legacy peripherals. Targeting these challenges, Integrated Device Technology (IDT) recently announced a protocol-conversion bridge allowing designers to connect the latest x86 processor technology with existing backplane interconnect technologies. The IDT Tsi721 is a PCI Express-to-RapidIO bridge that allows existing systems in the wireless, defense, imaging, and industrial markets to maintain their high-performance, low-latency, and high-flexibility characteristics with Intel’s latest PCI Express-based architecture. Conversely, the enterprise cloud computing and server markets that already use PCI Express-enabled processors can now take advantage of RapidIO as a backplane interconnect. The IDT Tsi721 offers eight direct memory access and four messaging engines, each capable of transferring data and operating at line speeds of 16 Gbps. This simplifies system-level software development by enabling the allocation of multiple engines per core in a multicore, multithreaded system. The IDT Tsi721 is available in a 13 mm x 13 mm FCBGA package and is priced at $49 each in volume. IDT offers Tsi721 software support for Linux and Windows. Integrated Device Technology | www.idt.com | www.embedded-computing.com/p52449 Development kit eases MCU start-up With microcontroller manufacturers integrating more and more features and functions into each new generation, users are finding it difficult to adapt existing development hardware to match the changes. In support of these users, IAR Systems has delivered a complete starter kit for the new STM32 F-2 series of microcontrollers from STMicroelectronics. The new series is based on the ARM Cortex-M3 and combines 90 nm process technology with an adaptive memory accelerator and a multilayer bus matrix. The IAR KickStart Kit for STM32F207 includes an evaluation board, software tools, a debug probe, example projects, and board support packages for several Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOSs). The evaluation board is supplied with an STM32F207ZG microcontroller, color LCD, connectors for USB host, USB On-The-Go, Ethernet, and other peripherals. Debug connectors for Embedded Trace Macrocell, Serial Wire Debug, and JTAG are also included. The KickStart Kit for STM32F207 is available now and is priced at $289. IAR Systems | www.iar.com | www.embedded-computing.com/p53521 STMicroelectronics | www.st.com | www.embedded-computing.com/p53522 Sensors fit pneumatic control applications Medical and industrial applications such as gas sampling/collection, respiration screening, and blood analysis systems that monitor and control pneumatic flow are among the specialized embedded projects that require accurate pressure sensors. For these applications, Honeywell introduced a new series of uncompensated and unamplified board-mount pressure sensors. The TruStability NSC Series offers a ratiometric analog output for reading pressure over the specified full-scale pressure span and temperature range. Because they are uncompensated and unamplified, the sensors offer infinite resolution on the pressure signal and the frequency response is limited only by the measuring system. Ranging from 1 to 150 PSI, these sensors will operate from -40 °C to +85 °C and are available in absolute, differential, and gage types. Honeywell International | www.honeywell.com | www.embedded-computing.com/p52908 Controller extends touch-screen features With smartphones and tablets leading the way, consumers now expect touch-screen interfaces on most new portable embedded products. With high-volume consumer applications such as GPS, gaming consoles, and digital still cameras in mind, Atmel released the Atmel maXTouch mXT112E controller optimized for a wide range of 2.8" to 3.5" touch screens. The new controller enables single-layer touch screens and features advanced signal processing algorithms to lessen interference from LCD displays and environmental or charger noise. The Atmel maXTouch mXT112E provides 12-bit x 12-bit touch position reporting along with a report rate of up to 250 Hz. For advanced gestures, the controller allows up to four simultaneous touches and rejects unintentional touches caused by a gripping hand. The controller can also support a narrow passive stylus input even while the user’s hand is resting on the screen in a natural writing position. The maXTouch mXT112E is available now and comes in a 5 mm x 5 mm x 0.6 mm Quad Flat No leads (QFN) package. Atmel Corporation | www.atmel.com | www.embedded-computing.com/p53110 28 | October 2011 Embedded Computing Design www.embedded-computing.com Editor’s ChoicePublication List |
