New 8-bit VFD type MCU Releases - HT49xVx

April 19, 2006

Aimed specifically Vacuum Fluorescent Display product arena, Holtek announces the release of its new generation, A/D with VFD, 8-bit Microcontrollers. The device range, composed of the HT49RV9, HT49RV7, HT49RV5 and HT49RV3 will fit into the expanding VFD application areas such as the automotive, audio entertainment and home appliance areas. Depending upon specific application requirements, users can select from an OTP Program Memory capacity of either, 16K, 8K, 4K or 2K and respective Data Memory capacity of either 768 byte, 384 byte, 192 byte or 96 byte. Each device in the series contains two internal 16-bit timers and an SIO input/output port as a bridge for communication with other systems. The devices also contain 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 devices 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 HT49RV9, HT49RV7 and HT49RV5 devices contain an internal 8 or 10-bit A/D converter 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 devices are available in 100QFP, 56SSOP and 52QFP package types. Samples can be provided for the HT49RV9, HT49RV5 and HT49RV3 devices and production orders can be accepted. For the HT49RV7, it is anticipated that orders can be accepted in June of this year.

The HT49RVx series of MCUs meet industrial specifications, and are especially suitable for VFD display application areas such as DVD/VCD players, automotive compass and head-up mirror displays, as well as other VFD display household appliances etc.

The HT49RV9, HT49RV7, HT49RV5 and HT49RV3 devices together with the previously released HT49CV9, HT49CV7, HT49CV5 and HT49CV3 Mask type device, in terms of specification, functions and pins are fully compatible. Holtek recommends that when starting product development, the HT49RVx devices are used, and later when it is time for volume production, to use the Mask type devices to obtain the maximum cost advantages. The Holtek HT-IDE3000 software, which can 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.