NXP targets power consumption with new mcu range

NXP says the parts will be suited to lighting controllers, digital power conversion and management systems, portable battery powered consumer products and accessories. Based on the ARM Cortex-M0 processor core, the LPC1100L consumes 130µA/MHz and reduces deep sleep current by 60%. The LPC1300L, based on the Cortex-M3 core, offers similar gains in power efficiency running at up to 72MHz. It is pin and peripheral compatible with the LPC1100L. "In addition to offering the industry's lowest 32bit operating power," said Geoff Lees, general manager of NXP's microcontroller product line, "LPC1100L now offers high level power management profiles, allowing runtime optimisation of performance, efficiency and battery life with simple API calls. Users no longer need to manage low level register settings to achieve optimal power management." The API driven power profiles provide ready to use power management templates. The profiles can be customised, allowing designers to reach ideal power levels with minimal application intervention. The power profiles can conduct dynamic power management and optimize cpu operation for various application states. This feature minimises overall energy consumption while maintaining the lowest operating current at low supply voltages. Optimised for cpu performance, cpu efficiency and lowest active current, the power profiles enable maximum operating frequency within the voltage range from 1.8V to 3.6V without compromising speed or functionality. In cpu performance mode, the mcu increases throughput by providing more processing capability. CoreMark benchmark results are said to show a 35% increase compared to regular operation. CPU efficiency mode delivers a balance between the ability to execute code and process data, while reducing active current consumption. CoreMark benchmarks are said to show a 20 to 30% improvement in power consumption when this mode is enabled.