New Industry Products

One-chip MCU for Smart Meter Energy Calculation and Communication

August 07, 2014 by Jeff Shepard

Toshiba Corporation today announced the launch of the TMPM411F20XBG a new one-chip microcontroller (MCU) for a smart meter or similar application. This is the latest addition to Toshiba's line-up of TX04 series, the ARM® Cortex®-M4F core-based microcontrollers. Sample shipments start today. A typical smart meter controller consists of an electricity calculation unit that measures current and voltage, a communication control unit that transmits and receives data with external equipment, and a display unit that outputs information to the display.

The new product incorporates two Cortex®-M4F cores to enable independent control of the measurement and communication units on one chip and reduce board space. In addition, security functions required for network communications—AES, SHA and ESG—are implemented. Tamper detection and interrupt detection at power failure are also implemented with super-low power consumption.

Toshiba is committed to developing microcontrollers that support and promote the widespread use of smart meters by electric utilities worldwide. Applications are expected to include both smart meters and devices with sensing and communication functions (Internet of Things).

Key features of the TMPM411F20XBG include: Two built-in Cortex®-M4F, maximum operation frequency is 80MHz. Contains two independent bus-matrices for the measurement unit and communication unit. Software data in each unit is protected. Standby current is 1uA or less. The following can be operated in standby mode including RTC operation, interrupt/tamper detection, and data backup; Enables an LCD to display in standby mode; Security function; and Tamper resistance function.