New Releases of 8-bit I/O type MTP MCU -- HT48EXX

September 27, 2005

Holtek Semiconductor is proud to formally announce the release of its multi-times programmable 8-bit I/O type MCU series. This range of MTP devices, known as the HT48EXX series, eliminates at a stroke, the limitations associated with the one-time programmable OTP devices. In bringing Holtek firmly into the multi-times programmable MCU world, a completely new MCU device range has been unveiled, supplying customers with a whole new array of application possibilities. The HT48EXX MCU series program and data memory can all be reprogrammed multiple times, and by using the In-System Programming, ISP, interface, users can directly program these devices using code already written for presently available products. This feature allows users to quickly and easily modify and update their MCU program for existing products, reducing considerably the time needed to get products to the marketplace. For example, just before product shipments are made, customers can program the latest code and parameters into their products, no longer being limited by the number of programming cycles that can be implemented. Additionally, after products are shipped, program upgrades become an easy matter, offering added value to the customer products.

The new HT48EXX 8-bit I/O type MTP MCU series is composed of five new devices with part numbers, HT48E06、HT48E10、HT48E30、HT48E50 and HT48E70. Depending upon which device is chosen, each device in the range contains program memory ranging in capacity from 1K to 8K, with a reprogramming capability in excess of 1,000 cycles. The data memory in each device, in addition to a range of 64 to 224 bytes of RAM, also incorporates 128~256 bytes of EEPROM. Data stored in the EEPROM data memory area will not be lost if power is removed, and has a retention lifespan approaching 10 years, as well as a reprogramming capacity in excess of one million cycles.
The HTHT48EXX MCUs are I/O type devices containing multiple I/O ports, which the designer can use to control external circuitry. The device's internal Programmable Frequency Divider, PFD, can be programmed to provide an output with different frequencies, which together with the Timer/Event Counters, Interrupt features as well as many other functions, add up to provide a series of devices that provide users with the capabilities to meet the needs of a far-reaching range of applications.

Holtek also provides an extremely powerful and user-friendly suite of development tools. Included here are Holtek's in-circuit emulator, the Windows based software environment known as the HT-IDE3000, a choice of device programmers as well as a range of application guides etc. All of these development tools combine to provide the product designer with a set of highly efficient design tools to ensure their products are designed, debugged and brought to market in as efficient a time as possible. In addition, Holtek Semiconductor has now released a Starter Kit for these devices, which provide beginners with a basic set of hardware and software tools. By providing five teaching examples, students can quickly become familiar with the workings and internals of MCU devices, helping to overcome the usual difficulties and frustrations encountered when facing MCUs for the first time, and ensuring that students are ready to face real life applications in as short a time as possible.