Microcontrollers enable long-term operation even with compact low-capacity batteries

LAPIS Semiconductor, part of the ROHM group, has recently announced the development of ultra-low power microcontrollers designed for devices such as watches or security tokens that require long-term operation using just coin or dry-cell batteries. The ML610Q474 family features industry-low current consumption (0.25uA in Halt mode) - 50% lower than conventional products - along with high noise immunity. Security tokens used to generate one-time passwords for the rapidly expanding internet banking market or battery-driven applications such as watches and clocks demand stable operation for years powered with just a single button battery. LAPIS Semiconductor meets this need through an original design that provides the industry's lowest current consumption. The ML610Q470 series integrates a recently developed internal regulator and oscillator circuit and adopts proprietary low-leakage current processes for the lowest power consumption on the market - ½ that of conventional products. In addition, high noise immunity is ensured through novel internal circuitry and layout (clearing ±30KV during IEC61000-4-2 noise immunity testing), unlike conventional models that were prone to noise-induced malfunction when the current consumption was lowered. This combination of low current consumption and high noise immunity makes stable long-term operation possible using inexpensive low-capacity coin cell batteries, contributing to lower costs and smaller form factors. A total support system including an ML610Q474 reference board and software development environment are provided to facilitate evaluation. Additional support tools such as user manuals and tools are offered online (registration required). Key Features · All functions required for security tokens are integrated into a single chip · Equipped with LAPIS Semiconductor's original high-performance 8bit RISC core · Lower power consumption · 0.25?A current consumption in Halt mode · Integrated 16KB Flash memory (ML610Q474, ML610Q475, and ML610Q476) · [ML610474, ML610475, and ML610476 are also offered that include 16kB ROM instead of Flash] · Built-in 1KB RAM Packages: Bare die, 80pin TQFP Applications o Security tokens o watches and clocks o toys Availability Die versions are available in high volumes, package versions are available as samples. ROHM Semiconductor Europe