Oki Semiconductor will begin sampling in Q2, 2005, two tiny microcontrollers that it claims are the world's smallest packaged ARM processors. The ML67406x (406x) and ML67405x (405x) measure 5.09 x 4.84mm (in optional “WCSP” package), with the 405x able to run uClinux, according to Oki.

(Click for larger view of Oki's WCSP packaging)

According to Oki, the WCSP (wafer-level chip size package) provides a packaged part with a footprint no larger than the die itself. In addition to a 64-pin WCSP packaging option, the chips will be available in 64- or 144-pin LQFP, or in 84-pin LFBGA packaging.

Both the 406x and 405x chips are powered by a 33MHz ARM7TDMI core with legacy 8- and 16-bit support, according to Oki. Both chip series include an array of serial communications interfaces, including multi-master I2C, SPI, I2S, and 9-bit UARTs enabling communications with legacy 8-bit MCU devices.

Both chip series are available with 64KB to 128KB of on-chip 32-bit zero-wait state Flash, and 16KB of on-chip SRAM. The 405x series adds an external 8-/16-/32-bit data bus, enabling it to support enough external Flash and RAM to run uClinux. Support for the external data bus also requires the 144-pin LQFP packaging option.

The 405x series supports an external data bus
(Click to enlarge)

Both the 406x and 405x chip series offer a variety of power modes, and can run from single- or dual-power supplies, Oki says.

Availability

Engineering samples and a demo kit for the 405x and 406x Advantage Microcontroller series are expected in Q2, 2005. Oki will also offer Advantage Microcontroller Kits for the chips, including a CPU development card, C compiler, and JTAG debugger. Additionally, it will offer Development Accelerator add-on boards supporting USB, USB-OTG, CAN, Ethernet, LIN, RS-232/485, and SP/DIF.

 
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