Future Electronics has the world's first Programmable System-on-a-Chip (PSoC) microcontroller from Cypress Microsystems

Designed to implement a single, configurable device on MCU-based systems boards, the Cypress 8C25xxx/26xxx device family takes embedded processor functionality to the next level. PSoC devices are aimed at implementing general-purpose solutions across a broad spectrum of embedded applications including audio, wireless, handheld, datacoms, Internet control and industrial systems.

This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 1 March 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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Each device combines the cost and time-to-market advantages of programmable technologies such as CPLDs and FPGAs with programmable analogue functions to deliver custom flexibility to the system-on-a-chip marketplace.

PSoC devices integrate a fast microcontroller, SONOS-based (silicon oxide nitride oxide silicon) Flash memory and SRAM, and programmable arrays of analogue and digital system functions - known as PSoC blocks - in low-cost, small-footprint packages.

To save design time, user modules are also available - predesigned peripherals comprised of PSoC blocks.

By selecting a PSoC microcontroller with the relevant resource combination of memory, PSoC blocks and pins, designers are equipped with a device that reduces costs through the elimination of external chips and simplified system design.

A review of the peripherals found in microcontrollers and the analogue ICs used in typical designs led the designers of the PSoC microcontroller to select a variety of digital and analogue peripherals from which to create PSoC blocks, or system-on-a-chip blocks.
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These are integrated into each PSoC device, enabling users to select the functions they need and configure the PSoC blocks on the PSoC device accordingly.

Digital PSoC blocks are 8bit peripherals that can be programmed to perform a variety of functions by changing the contents of a few registers.

Thus they can be configured as timers, controllers, serial communications ports, CRC generators or pseudo-random number generators.

They can also be connected in series to handle more complex functions so that, for example, a 24bit timer is produced by connecting three 8bit PSoC blocks acting as timers.

Analogue PSoC blocks consist of programmable operational amplifier circuits that can be configured to perform a set of typical analogue peripheral functions.

Each block is programmed by setting a few registers to interconnect and trim the appropriate operational amplifier circuit to create the desired result.

Among the typical peripherals that can be created are amplifiers, DACs, ADCs, analogue drivers, and high-, low- and band-pass filters.

Design support for the PSoC device is provided by the PSoC Designer, a complete development system that includes a C compiler and assembler, a linking and debugging tool, an in-circuit emulator and the Device Editor.