NEC Electronics begins sample shipments of latest 8–bit Microcontrollers

A total of 18 models have been released: 6 are 78K0/KB2–L models, with 30 external–connection pins, and 12 are 78K0/KC2–L models, with 44 or 48 such pins. The new products include the following features: (1) they reduce standby operating power by 80% compared to the company's existing 78K0/KB2 and 78K0/KC2 products; (2) they help enhance analog functions and reduce the number of components via two built–in operational amps; and (3) they help reduce system voltage and power consumption by reducing the voltage of the A/D converter compared to conventional products.



Electronics manufacturers can use the new products to support fire alarms, electric toothbrushes and shavers, and other compact systems demanding long lifetimes under battery operation, as well as sub–microcontrollers for home appliances and other products requiring lower standby power consumption. This will enable them to easily make their systems smaller and less expensive by increasing battery lifetime, reducing system power consumption, and reducing peripheral components.



As the mobile–device market continues its dramatic growth, there is a strong demand from general consumers for longer battery life. Awareness of the need for environmental conservation is also growing, and users have come to demand lower power consumption by semiconductors and other components.



In November 2004, NEC Electronics began developing and marketing 8–bit to 32–bit all–Flash microcontrollers (microcontrollers with Flash memory used for all onboard ROM) in response to electronics manufacturers' need to shorten product development cycles and reduce the total cost over the product life cycle. The company has recently focused on research and development to lower microcontroller power consumption, in response to strong demand from electronics manufacturers. In October 2007 it released a 32–bit low–power microcontroller, and in May 2008 released a 16–bit version.



With the release of these new products today, the company is able to provide all–Flash microcontrollers meeting the need to reduce power consumption for the entire 8 to 32–bit range.