The new Tiny Gecko devices require a current of 150 µA/MHz when active. Based on the ARM Cortex-M3 processor the device suits applications with extreme space constraints such as wireless sensing nodes, home automation systems and portable health and fitness products. Despite their small size (4mm x 4mm x 1mm high), the VFBGA48 Tiny Gecko devices include all of the energy friendly peripherals for which the Gecko family is noted including the LESENSE low-energy sensor interface, and the company’s low-power LCD driver technology.

The LESENSE function block, a generic low energy sensor interface, enables monitoring of a mix of up to 16 capacitive, inductive or resistive sensors independently of the processor core. This allows designers to maintain basic functionality while keeping the processor in sleep or shut-off mode for as long as possible.

Availability and Pricing

The Cortex-M3 Tiny Gecko microcontroller runs at a clock speed of up to 32 MHz. Equipped with memory configurations up to 32 KB of Flash memory and 4 KB of RAM, the new RoHS-compliant VFBGA48 devices will be available in sample quantities in Q3 2012, with pricing starting at $1.82 at 100K devices.

Visit Energy Micro at www.energymicro.com