Overview of the C8051F120-GQR
At the heart of the C8051F120-GQR lies a high-speed pipelined 8051-compatible CIP-51 microcontroller core, capable of executing instructions at a remarkable speed of 100 MIPS or 50 MIPS. This microcontroller is available in two variants, featuring either 64 digital I/O pins (100-pin TQFP) or 32 digital I/O pins (64-pin TQFP), catering to diverse application requirements.
Core Features
High-Speed Pipelined 8051-Compatible CIP-51 Core
The robustness of the C8051F120-GQR is primarily attributed to its high-speed pipelined 8051-compatible CIP-51 core. This microcontroller boasts an impressive throughput of 100 MIPS or 50 MIPS, providing the processing power needed for demanding applications.
In-System, Full-Speed, Non-Intrusive Debug Interface
The C8051F120-GQR facilitates seamless debugging with its in-system, full-speed, non-intrusive debug interface. This on-chip feature allows developers to inspect and modify memory and registers, set breakpoints, and perform single stepping, enhancing the efficiency of the development process.
Analog Peripherals
The C8051F120-GQR is equipped with a range of analog peripherals, including a true 12 or 10-bit 100 ksps ADC with PGA and 8-channel analog multiplexer. Additionally, the ‘F12x Family’ variant features a true 8-bit 500 ksps ADC with PGA and 8-channel analog multiplexer. Two 12-bit DACs with programmable update scheduling are also included in the ‘F12x Family,’ enabling precise waveform generation.
Other notable analog peripherals include two Analog Comparators, a Voltage Reference, and a VDD Monitor/Brown-Out Detector, providing comprehensive support for various analog applications.
Memory
The C8051F120-GQR offers ample memory resources, with 128 or 64 kB of in-system programmable Flash memory and 8448 bytes of on-chip RAM. The external data memory interface with a 64 kB address space further enhances the MCU’s versatility.
Digital Peripherals
In digital peripherals, the C8051F120-GQR shines with its 8-byte-wide port I/O (100TQFP) or 4-byte-wide port I/O (64TQFP), both 5 V tolerant. The hardware SMBus (I2C compatible), SPI, and two UART serial ports can operate concurrently, providing versatile communication options. The programmable 16-bit counter/timer array with six capture/compare modules and five general-purpose 16-bit timers contribute to the MCU’s rich feature set.
Clock Sources
Clocking is a critical aspect of any microcontroller, and the C8051F120-GQR offers flexibility in this regard. It boasts an internal precision oscillator running at 24.5 MHz and utilizes flexible PLL technology. External oscillator options include crystal, RC, capacitor, or clock sources.
Voltage Supplies
Operating within a voltage range of 2.7–3.6 V (for 50 MIPS) or 3.0–3.6 V (for 100 MIPS), the C8051F120-GQR provides power-saving sleep and shutdown modes, optimizing energy consumption based on performance requirements.
Stand-Alone System-on-a-Chip Solution
One of the distinguishing features of the C8051F12x and C8051F13x devices is their status as stand-alone System-on-a-Chip solutions. With on-chip VDD monitor, Watchdog Timer, and clock oscillator, these MCUs eliminate the need for external components, streamlining the design process. The ability to enable/disable and configure all analog and digital peripherals through user firmware empowers developers to tailor the MCU to the specific needs of their applications.
The in-system programmable Flash memory offers non-volatile data storage and allows for field upgrades of the 8051 firmware. This flexibility is a significant advantage, especially in applications where updates or modifications may be required after deployment.
On-Chip JTAG Debug & Boundary Scan
The C8051F120-GQR features on-chip JTAG debug circuitry, enabling full-speed, non-intrusive, in-circuit debugging using the production MCU installed in the final application. This debug system supports a range of debugging features, including breakpoints, single-stepping, watchpoints, stack monitoring, and the inspection/modification of memory and registers. Importantly, all analog and digital peripherals remain fully functional during debugging using JTAG.
The inclusion of IEEE1149.1 compliant boundary scan adds an extra layer of debugging capability, ensuring thorough testing and validation of the MCU’s functionality. Developers can benefit from a complete development kit, further facilitating the debugging and testing processes.
Robust Industrial Performance
Each MCU in the C8051F120-GQR family is specified for operation over the industrial temperature range of –45 to +85 °C. This makes the MCU suitable for a wide range of applications, including those in harsh industrial environments. The Port I/O, RST, and JTAG pins are tolerant for input signals up to 5 V, enhancing the MCU’s robustness and versatility.
Packaging Options
The C8051F120-GQR is available in two packaging options: 100-pin TQFP or 64-pin TQFP. The choice of packaging depends on the specific application requirements and the available board space.
Applications
The C8051F120-GQR’s versatile features make it well-suited for a broad range of applications across industries. Some potential applications include:
Industrial Control Systems: The robust industrial performance and rich set of analog and digital peripherals make the C8051F120-GQR ideal for applications in industrial control systems, including process control and automation.
Sensor Interfaces: The MCU’s analog peripherals, including SAR ADCs, DACs, and analog comparators, make it suitable for sensor interface applications. The ability to process and convert analog signals with precision is crucial in sensor-related applications.
Communications Systems: With multiple hardware communication interfaces, including SPI, SMBus/I2C, and UART, the C8051F120-GQR is well-suited for applications in communications systems. This includes data communication, protocol handling, and interface control.
Embedded Systems: The compact form factor and the stand-alone nature of the System-on-a-Chip solution make the C8051F120-GQR suitable for embedded systems across various industries, including healthcare, automotive, and consumer electronics.
IoT Devices: The MCU’s low power modes and versatile communication interfaces make it a viable choice for IoT devices. It can efficiently handle sensor data, communicate with other devices, and operate within the power constraints typical of IoT applications.
Overall, the C8051F120-GQR MCU is a powerful microcontroller unit that offers versatile features and applications for various industries. Its high-performance 8-bit CPU, Flash memory, and integrated peripherals make it a suitable choice for low-cost and high-volume production projects.
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