Fairchild Semiconductor's Highly Integrated, Ultra-Low Voltage Microcontroller Lowers Part Count and Extends Battery Life in Portable/Handheld Applications

Business Wire, Oct 29, 2002

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 29, 2002

Fairchild Semiconductor International (NYSE: FCS) introduces a new, ultra-low voltage microcontroller featuring a large number of on-chip peripherals, a built-in precision clock generator, and ultra-low standby current of less than 100nA typical.

These features make the ACE1502 ideally suitable for portable/handheld applications such as handheld remotes and remote keyless entry (RKE) systems.

The ACE1502 integrates an ACEx(TM) family core with 2K bytes code EEPROM, 64 bytes each of SRAM and data EEPROM, an on-chip clock generator, and an I/O port with high current (plus or minus 7mA) on each of the I/O pins. The device is specified for an operating voltage of 1.8V to 3.6V. By delivering microcontrollers that have EEPROM Read and Write capability down to 1.8V in production quantities, Fairchild enables higher performance in target applications by allowing them to run from unregulated, 2-cell NiCd/NiMH battery configurations while extending battery life through extremely low power consumption.

"The introduction of the ACE1502 enables our customers to achieve reduction in board space and extension of battery life at a new price/performance point," said Dev Nair, product line director for system management products in Fairchild's Integrated Circuits Group. "The ACE1502, with its precision clock generator and high output current drive, enables direct drive to components, such as IR LEDs; thus eliminating the use of passive components such as resistors and crystals. Furthermore, the availability of TSSOP-8 packaging significantly simplifies designs for target systems requiring low profiles."

Available in 8-lead and 14-lead configurations in SOIC and TSSOP packages, the ACE1502 also features in-circuit programming, without requiring the higher programming voltage typically needed for such purposes, which leads to a simplified manufacturing flow. The ACE1502 is also packed with features such as Brownout Reset and 32-level low voltage detection, making it eminently well suited for battery powered/handheld devices. This product enhances Fairchild's line of microcontrollers targeted at battery power applications. The ACE1502 can be used in conjunction with Fairchild's QED123, an IR LED, the QTLP600 series of visible LEDs, and MOSFETs such as the BSS138.

Price:            ACE1502 U.S. $0.99 (10,000 pcs.)
Availability:     Now
Delivery:         8 weeks ARO

For more information, contact Fairchild Semiconductor's Customer Support Center at 888/522-5372, fax 972/910-8036, or visit Fairchild's Web site at www.fairchildsemi.com.

Editor's Note: A PDF of the datasheet is available at http://www.fairchildsemi.com/pf/FA/ACE1502.html.> Fairchild Semiconductor International:

Fairchild Semiconductor International (NYSE: FCS) is a leading global supplier of high performance products for multiple end markets. With a focus on developing leading edge power and interface solutions to enable the electronics of today and tomorrow, Fairchild's components are used in computing, communications, consumer, industrial and automotive applications. Fairchild's 10,000 employees design, manufacture and market power, analog & mixed signal, interface, logic, and optoelectronics products from its headquarters in South Portland, Maine, USA and numerous locations around the world. Please contact us on the Web at www.fairchildsemi.com.