ARM-based MCU powers up mobile computer

Sharp Microelectronics Europe and Nordic ID, the manufacturer of mobile data capture instruments and auto ID products, are successfully co-operating to design ARM-based industry handheld devices.

Sharp Microelectronics Europe and Nordic ID, the manufacturer of mobile data capture instruments and auto ID products, are successfully co-operating to design ARM-based industry handheld devices.

At the heart of the new PL3000 mobile computer is the 200MHz ARM9 32bit LH7A400 MCU from the Sharp BlueStreak family.

Ever since it was introduced on the market in February 2005, this mobile computer designed for inventory management has been very well received in industry, trade and logistical circles.

The PL3000 handles all current transmission standards such as WLAN, Bluetooth, GSM and GPRS, making it possible to remain connected to the company network at all times.

This industry handheld device operates under the Windows CE operating system.

Even under variable light conditions, the 3.5in quarter-VGA transflective Sharp TFT display ensures good picture quality.

"The efficient Sharp processor is ideally suited for demanding applications such as in the Nordic ID PL3000".

"The MCU combines numerous features, such as USB host, audio interface, video and serial and parallel interfaces, which are essential for network and media applications", explains Gunter Wagschal, Product Marketing Manager for BlueStreak MCUs at Sharp Microelectronics Europe.

The on-chip peripheral units include, for example, a programmable LCD controller, touchscreen controller, interfaces with various storage media, DMA controller, internal SRAM, infrared support, I2C, real-time clock (RTC), timer and PLL circuit.

The LCD controller supports resolutions of up to 1024 x 768, up to 64,000 colours or 15 greyscales and permits direct connection to STN, colour STN, TFT and Sharp's HR-TFT and DMTN displays.

The possible uses of the Sharp LH7A400 processor are just as varied and go all the way from medical appliances and industrial control systems to mobile communications and entertainment units and electronic toys.

In March 2005, the clock frequency of the LH7A400 was raised to 250MHz.

The MCU therefore supplies sufficient power for even more demanding applications in future.

In addition to the peripheral units integrated in the LH7A400, Teemu Ainasoja, Marketing Director of Nordic ID, also attaches particular value to the effective development assistance provided by Sharp: "The LH7A400 MCU fits in perfectly with our PL3000, which will considerably boost sales of Nordic ID this year".

"The power of this processor means that functional upgrades of the PL3000, for example through the addition of extra RFID and biometrics options and other audio ID and communications technologies will not be a problem in future, either".

The LH7A400 BlueStreak processor is available through Sharp's global network of sales offices and third-party distribution partners.

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