Philips offers industry s fastest ARM7-based microcontroller

New high-performance LPC210x series can operate at up to 70Mhz

September 26, 2005 -- Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) today announced three new additions to its popular LPC2000 microcontroller (MCU) family: the LPC2101, the LPC2102 and the LPC2103. Based on the ARM7 TDMI-S architecture, the new LPC210x series can operate at speeds up to 70 Mhz (63 MIPs), 10 Mhz faster than the current fastest ARM7 MCUs on the market.

To keep up with industry demand for more advanced applications, device manufacturers are using MCUs as a way to add intelligence to applications such as motor control, serial protocol conversion, data acquisition and telemetry. Philips' new MCUs are easy to use due to their improved speed and high performance capabilities. This allows manufacturers to reduce time-to-market and optimize power consumption without having to modify existing MCU programming software and tools.

According to research firm IC Insights, the overall market size for MCUs in 2005 is projected to reach US$12.7 billion. 32-bit MCUs represent $3.5 billion of this revenue and constitute the fastest-growing segment of the MCU market (over 15 percent CAGR is forecasted through 2009). Since the beginning of microcontroller evolution, the markets for 8-, 16- and 32-bit MCUs have essentially remained separate because of performance and price differentiation. Philips' LPC210x series is competitively priced to enable the industry's move from 8-bit to 32-bit MCUs. By eliminating the price difference, Philips is making it possible for manufacturers to take advantage of higher processing power at a lower price.

"Because our customers are continuing to demand higher-performing MCU products, we see a great growth potential for 32-bit MCUs in this market," said Joe Yu, director of strategic marketing, microcontroller product line, Philips Semiconductors. "Our focus continues to be on performance, power and price, and we are continuing to work with our customers to meet their demands in these areas."

Philips' new ARM7-based MCUs also feature Fast I/O capabilities, which allow bit-toggling at a speed of 17.5 MHz, four times faster than competing ARM MCUs on the market. In addition, innovative power management features allow deep power-down mode current consumption - with the real-time clock running - to be less than 10 µA. On-board communication peripherals include two 16C550-compatible UARTs, two Fast I2C-bus interfaces, two SPI/SSP interfaces, four timers with PWM capability and a 10-bit ADC.

Tools and support

Based on the ARM7 core, the LPC2000 family offers users comprehensive tools and development support environments from traditional 8-bit and 32-bit partners, including Keil, IAR, Nohau, Hitex, Ashling and ARM Inc. Development kits from IAR and Keil, including compilers and development boards, start at US$99 and US$149, respectively.

Availability

The LPC210x MCUs will be available starting in November 2005. More information on the LPC210x series can be found at www.semiconductors.philips.com/microcontrollers.

About Royal Philips Electronics

Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is one of the world's biggest electronics companies and Europe's largest, with sales of $37.66 billion (EUR 30.3 billion) in 2004. With activities in the three interlocking domains of healthcare, lifestyle and technology and 159,700 employees in more than 60 countries, it has market leadership positions in medical diagnostic imaging and patient monitoring, color television sets, electric shavers, lighting and silicon system solutions. News from Philips is located at www.semiconductors.philips.com.