Holtek Releases the HT49CV5 New 8-Bit VFD Type Microcontroller

February 24, 2005

Forming the first device of a new generation of VFD 8-bit Microcontrollers, the HT49CV5 is a new type of Mask ROM MCU device from Holtek Semiconductor. The device has an internal Program Memory capacity of 4K and Data Memory capacity of 192 bytes. The HT49CV5 also contains two internal 16-bit timers and an SIO input/output port as a bridge for communication with other systems. The device also contains an internal Buzzer/PFD function, which can be used as an audio output and also includes a Remote Timer function, which can be used in IR decoder applications. The inclusion of an RTC in the device permits the timer functions to continue operating even while the device is in its power down or sleep mode. The full VFD functions will also continue to operate when the MCU is in its power down mode. As the VFD function utilizes RAM mapping, easy interfacing to VFD panels can be accomplished. Additionally the HT49CV5 device contains an internal 8-bit A/D converter with 4 channels and 8-bit PWM. These additional functions, which when added to the previously described functions, will provide all the components necessary in a single package to meet the needs of most household appliance MCU applications. At the present time the device is available in a 56-pin SSOP package.

The HT49CV5 meets industrial specifications, and is especially suitable for VFD display application areas such as DVD/VCD players, automotive compass and head-up mirror displays, as well as other application areas such as PC multimedia case panels.

The HT49CV5 is presently only available in a Mask ROM version, however after purchasing the Holtek development tools, the user can request a ROMLESS MCU from their local agent, which will allow the functions, within the HT49CV5, to be fully emulated. The Holtek HT-IDE3000 software, which can be downloaded from the Holtek website, contains a VFD panel simulator, data memory and register simulation, hardware breakpoints with logical setup features, trace function, program stepping functions etc. In short, this comprehensive suite of tools will enable designers to have their applications debugged and up and running efficiently in the shortest time possible.