-Low power consumption makes it ideal for use in battery-powered devices

Seiko Epson Corporation, Epson has developed the S1C17702, a 16-bit flash microcontroller that contains the industry’s highest resolution dot matrix LCD driver, and features low power consumption equivalent to an 8-bit microcontroller. Shipment of samples of this product will commence in March 2008, and volume production, with a monthly output of 500,000 units, is scheduled to begin in June this year.

The S1C17702, which has a 16-bit RISC CPU, achieves the high-speed processing capability of one clock cycle per instruction. This product has a wide variety of interfaces that enable connection with multiple sensors or peripheral devices. Furthermore, the large-capacity 128 KB on-chip Flash ROM of the S1C17702 has made it possible to store large volumes of display data, such as programs.

The S1C17702, which has a dot matrix LCD driver with a top-of-the-industry resolution of 72 SEG x 32 COM, enables direct connection with LCD panels, making the display of such data as Japanese characters or graphs a simple matter. Because the multiple voltages required to drive the LCD panel are generated internally from the power supply voltage, a dedicated power source is not necessary.

This product also employs voltage regulator circuit technology, which enables a device to maintain the quality of the display regardless of the charge remaining in the battery. For applications involving displays, which had, up until now, required multiple chips, including dedicated external chips, the S1C17702 has made it possible to construct products with a minimal number of components. This makes the S1C17702 the ideal product for users who wish to manufacture devices that are more compact, consume less power, and cost less to make.

By integrating the low power consumption technologies accumulated over the years for its watches and other applications to achieve low current consumption, typically 1.0 µA during standby mode, Epson has succeeded in making a product that will contribute to longer battery life for the devices made by its customers.

These capabilities make the S1C17702 ideal when considering improvements, such as lengthening the battery life, enhancing sensor interfaces, reducing the size, or improving the grayscale LCD display, for a wide range of applications, including remote controllers, sports watches, healthcare equipment, and portable games.

Epson will continue its endeavors to respond to the needs of its customers by enhancing and improving its lineup of devices that make optimal use of its Low Power Analog IP / Low Current Leak Process / Eco-friendly Power Algorithm technologies.

Soniya Nautiyal