Holtek releases HT48R52A new Dot Matrix LED type 8-bit MCU

March 30, 2006

Holtek semiconductor takes pleasure in announcing the release of its new high output drive current 8-bit MCU, the HT48R52A. The device contains a total of 40 I/O and output lines, and can sink currents of up to 40 mA, enabling it to directly drive LEDs, thus reducing the need for external peripheral drive components. The HT48R52A is therefore suitable for use in a wide range of increasingly common LED products. The device has the usual Holtek MCU features of low operating current, and in the case of this device, the operating current can be as low as 300uA at an operating voltage of 3V. Additionally, when the device enters it Power Down Mode, and with its Real Time Clock still functioning, the operating current can be as low as 0.8uA. These features all add up to provide a device that will ensure maximum battery life, and will further meet the needs and trends towards green power products.

The HT48R52A uses Holtek's 8-bit microcontroller core, and has an operating frequency that can be controlled using software. In the high speed operating mode, the frequency can be up to 8MHz, while in the slow speed mode the frequency is 32768 Hz, making it suitable for use in products that have low power consumption requirements. The device contains a combination of 40 I/O and output lines, which enhance its suitability for multiple switch interfacing and LED driving etc. type applications. By providing a total of 6 power and ground pins, the operating current can be more evenly distributed around the device resulting in more even thermal distribution. The internal Real Time Clock circuit has a high degree of accuracy providing a means of accurate timing and reducing the need for users to provide an external clock circuit with the resulting cost reduction benefits. Integral to the HT48R52A device is an internal timer function and interrupt functions providing the designer with effective programmable control functions. In additional to LED applications, this the HT48R52A is suitable for use in a range of household appliances, consumer products and other intelligent control products.

Other functions contained within the HT48R52A include a Program Memory capacity of 2K words, 88 bytes of RAM memory, a Watchdog Timer function and Low Voltage Reset function etc. Regarding packaging, the device is supplied in a 52-pin QFP package. As is the case for all of its MCU devices, the HT48R52A is no exception in being fully supported by a comprehensive suite of design tools. Sample devices are available upon request.