Ismini Scouras

San Jose, Calif.—Atmel Corp. has developed an AVR 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) family dedicated to motor control applications with CAN and LIN connectivity in automotive systems.

The ATmega16M1 and ATmega32M1 control sensor and sensorless brushless DC (BLDC) motors at temperatures up to 150°C— Atmel has teamed up with Vector, a manufacturer of software tools and software components for automotive networking, to provide a complete hardware and software networking solution. Vector has developed the CAN and LIN drivers for the Atmel ATmega16/32M1 MCU family.

Based on the AVR 8-bit RISC architecture, the ATmega16M1 and ATmega32M1, integrate all of the basic peripherals necessary to satisfy the needs of complex algorithms. The MCUs integrate analog blocks such as an 10-bit A/D converter, with differential amplifiers and programmable gain options, as well as analog comparators with selectable comparison levels. The MCUs provide all necessary resources to control BLDC motors in their system environments. A version with limited features is also available: ATmega32C1—without PSC, dedicated to CAN and LIN applications.

Samples of the ATmega32M1 and ATmega32C1 are now available. They are packaged in a 32-pin QFP/QFN. ATmega32C1, ATmega16M1 and ATmega32M1 will be qualified at 125°C and 150°C and available for volume production in August 2008. Prices start at $2.34, $2.34 and $2.52 respectively in 10,000 quantities for the 125°C qualified version.

For more information on AVR Automotive microcontrollers, go to: www.atmel.com/products/automcu/. Atmel Corp., www.atmel.com

source:http://www.eeproductcenter.com/micro/brief/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=206901322