Atmel / MSC Newsletter Issue 33, May 2010

New Cortex-M3 SAM3S Family-Lot’s of new stuff, but still compatible!

Introduction

Atmel extends its Cortex-M3 portfolio the SAM3S, a Cortex-M3 Flash MCU series that integrates features to simplify PCB design and reduce power consumption down to 2.3 mW at 1 MHz operation. Inspired by the best-selling SAM7S series, the SAM3S provides the ideal migration path to a more powerful and feature-rich MCU, while preserving hardware and software investments.

Pin-to-pin Compatibility between SAM3S and SAM7S MCUs  

In its 64-pin version, the SAM3S is pin-to-pin compatible with the SAM7S, enabling customers to upgrade performance while maintaining hardware, thus preserving previously made investments.    

Special Features   

True 1.8V±10% operation extends device operation when running from two AA alkaline batteries. The SAM3S only consumes
1.45 mW/MHz at 64 MHz operation and 1.6 uA in backup mode with the RTC running.
The SAM3S is the first ARM MCU with Parallel Data Capture Mode on PIOs and DMA support. The parallel data capture mode on the PIOs complements the external bus interface for data collection from external devices that are not compliant with standard memory read protocols, such as low-cost image sensors.

Memory protection unit (MPU) improves code protection and secures multi-application/task execution. Unique 128-bit ID and scrambled external bus interface ensure software confidentiality while the hardware CRC checks memory integrity. Integrated serial resistors eliminate the need for external resistors to preserve signal integrity, resulting in reduced BOM cost, real estate savings and simplified PCB design.      

Peripherals, Memories und Packages

SAM3S Family includes USB FS Device, 8-bit EBI Light (100pin), SPI, I²C, Usarts, Quadratur Decoder, powerful PWM, 12-bit ADC, 12-bit DAC, HS SDI/SDIO, SSC, analog comparators, RTC,SAM-BA Boot ROM. SAM3S comes in 48-pin, 64-pin (QFN, QFP) and 100-pin (BGA, QFP) from 64K-256K Flash. 32K and 512K Flash versions will be available end of 2010.  

Capacitive Touch  

SAM3S will be supported by Atmel‘s free QTouch Library. So you can realise capacitve buttons, slider and wheels without additional hardware with your ATSAM3S.   

Application Areas  

Consumer, industrial control, metering, toys, medical, test and measurement, 802.15.4 wireless networking, and PC, cell phone and gaming peripherals.   

ATSAM3 Families… 

Here an overview about existing and coming SAM3 families:

Starting SAM3 ARM® Cortex-M3™ with MSC…  

Again MSC provides a ready-to-start AT91SAM3S-Startup Paket with AT91SAM3S-EK, AT91SAM-ICE JTAG interface. This kit is distributed with Atmel CD-ROM containing SW drivers, examples etc.
AT91SAM3S-EK eval-board itself contains AT9SAMSAM3S4C-AU (100 pin, 256K Flash, 48K SRAM, EBI). Interfaces on EK are USB FS device, UARTs, 2.8“ QVGA TFT with Touch, Capacitive buttons & slider, SD/SDIO/MMC card slot, ZIGBEE connector, NAND Flash and JTAG. Schematics, BOM, Gerber etc. provided by Atmel via MSC.  

Ordercode: AT91SAM3S-Startup Paket

Price €139,- + VAT + Delivery from Stutensee

Learning all about SAM3 ARM® Cortex-M3™ with MSC…               

MSC and Doulos will offer a 2-days SAM3-Cortex Hands-On workshop in 2010. Your SAM3-EK will be included. Please inform and register online via MSC web site http://www.msc-ge.com/seminare since June 2010.