Holtek HT56RB27 Smart Card Reader MCU New Product Release

08/07/2012

The HT56RB27 is Holtek’s newly released 8-bit Smart Card Reader MCU. The device is an extension of Holtek’s previously released series of 8-bit TinyPower^TM A/D with LCD type MCUs, but with added ISO7816 and USB functions. In using Holtek’s unique TinyPower^TM technology, this MCU provides the features of ultra low power, fast wake-up, multi-timer signal sources as well as multiple operating modes etc. The device should provide excellent solutions for the Smart Card Reader application area.

The HT56RB27 Smart Card Reader MCU encompasses an extensive range of flexible functions and features. Worthy of note is that its internal ISO7816 interface function has already obtained certification by a major international product manufacturer. Among these functions is a specification which includes an OTP Program Memory capacity of 48K words, a RAM Data Memory capacity of 3840 bytes as well as 12 Stack levels. With regard to peripheral functions, there is an 8-channel 12-bit high speed Analog to Digital converter which can measure external environmental measurements, an internal 4-channel 12-bit Pulse Width Modulator function and 24 I/O lines. Further features include a 1.8V/3.0V/5.0V LDO for Smart Card power usage and a USB interface for convenient PC connection. The inclusion of a dual SPI/I2C serial interface function, an internal Programmable Frequency Divider, three 8-Bit internal timers and a 16-Bit internal timer, give this device an exceptionally comprehensive range of features to meet the needs of smart card reader microcontroller based applications.

Holtek also fully supports this device with its comprehensive hardware and software development tools. Known as the HT-IDE300, these development tools provide features such as real time emulation, memory and register read functions, hardware breakpoints complete with logical setups, full trace facilities etc. All these development tool features combine to ensure that designers have a full suite of tools at hand to provide for rapid and efficient design and debug of their microcontroller based new product applications.