Toshiba Introduces ARM® Cortex®-M3 Microcontrollers “TXZ+TM Family Advanced Class” with 1MB Code Flash Memory Supporting Firmware Updates without Interrupting Microcontroller Operation

Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation ("Toshiba") has added new products "M3H group (2)" to the “M3H group” of the 32-bit microcontroller product group “TXZ+^TM Family Advanced Class” equipped with Cortex^®-M3 using the 40nm process.

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Toshiba: ARM(R) Cortex(R)-M3 Microcontrollers "TXZ+(TM) Family Advanced Class" (Graphic: Business Wire)

In recent years, the need for larger program capacity and support for FOTA (Firmware update Over The Air) has been increasing. This is driven by the penetration of digital technology, especially in the IoT (Internet of Things) area, and by the increasingly advanced functionality required in various devices. The new products M3H group (2) has expanded the code flash memory capacity from 512KB (partially 256KB or 384KB) of the Toshiba’s existing products M3H group (1) to 1MB^[1], and the RAM capacity from 66KB^[2] of the Toshiba’s existing products M3H group (1) to 130KB^[2]. Other features, such as an ARM^® Cortex^®-M3 core running up to 120MHz, integrated code flash, and 32KB data flash memory with 100K program/erase cycle endurance have been maintained. These microcontrollers also offer various interface and motor control options, such as UART, I²C interface, Advanced Encoder Input Circuit, and Advanced Programmable Motor Control Circuit. Toshiba’s lineup of Microcontrollers in the M3H group contribute to IoT and advanced functionality in a wide range of applications including motors, home appliances, and industrial equipment.

In the new products, the 1MB^[1] code flash is implemented with two separate areas of 512KB each. This implementation allows instructions to be read from one area, while the updated code is programmed into the other area in parallel. Finally, the firmware rotation function is realized by the area swap function^[3].

The M3H group products are equipped with UART, TSPI, I²C interface, 2-unit DMAC and an LCD Display Controller^[4] to meet the requirements from a variety of consumer or industrial applications. To support various kinds of sensing, the new products have maximum 21 channels of 12-bit high-speed, high-precision analog/digital converter (ADC), that are selectable from two sample hold time for each analog input pin. In addition, they are suitable for controlling AC motors and brushless DC motors in combination with an advanced Programmable Motor Control Circuit and Advanced Encoder Input Circuit that can operate synchronously with the high-speed, high-precision 12-bit analog/digital converter.

The self-diagnosis functions incorporated in the devices for flash memory, RAM, ADC and Clock help customers to achieve IEC 60730 Class B functional safety certification.

Documentation, sample software with actual usage examples, and driver software that controls the interfaces for each peripheral are available. Evaluation boards and development environments are provided in cooperation with ARM^® global ecosystem partners.

Applications

• For the main control of consumer equipment (home appliances, toys, health care equipment etc.) and office equipment (multi-function printers, etc.)
• For the motor control of consumer equipment, industrial equipment
• For IoT of consumer equipment, industrial equipment, etc.

Features

• High-performance ARM^® Cortex^®-M3 core, max 120MHz
• Increased capacity of internal memory
  
  Code flash memory capacity: 1MB^[1]
  
  RAM capacity: 130KB^[2]
• Area swap method firmware rotation function, supporting firmware updates while the microcontroller continues to operate^[3].
• Self-diagnosis functions for IEC 60730 class B functional safety
• Extensive package lineup

Main Specifications

Notes:

[1] Code flash memory capacity of TMPM3HNFDBFG is one 512KB area.

[2] Includes 2KB of backup RAM.

[3] TMPM3HNFDBFG is not supported.

[4] TMPM3HLF10BUG has no LCD Display Controller.

Follow the link below for more on the new product.

M3H group (2)

Follow the link below for more on Toshiba’s Microcontrollers.

Microcontrollers

* ARM and Cortex are registered trademarks of ARM Limited (or its subsidiaries) in the US and/or elsewhere.

* TXZ+™ is a trademark of Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation.

* Other company names, product names, and service names may be trademarks of their respective companies.

* Information in this document, including product prices and specifications, content of services and contact information, is current on the date of the announcement but is subject to change without prior notice.

About Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation

Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation, a leading supplier of advanced semiconductor and storage solutions, draws on over half a century of experience and innovation to offer customers and business partners outstanding discrete semiconductors, system LSIs and HDD products.

The company's 21,500 employees around the world share a determination to maximize product value, and promote close collaboration with customers in the co-creation of value and new markets. With annual sales approaching 800-billion yen (US$6.1 billion), Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation looks forward to building and to contributing to a better future for people everywhere.

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