Epson Shipping Samples of Low-Power 16-Bit Microcontrollers Equipped with High-Precision A/D Converter

- Ideal for digital multimeters and other display-equipped measuring instruments -

Munich, February 15, 2022 - Seiko Epson Corporation (TSE: 6724, "Epson") has begun shipping samples of the S1C17M02 and S1C17M03, new energy-efficient 16-bit microcontrollers equipped with a high-precision A/D converter. Epson plans to produce 100,000 units per month of each. Built around Epson's unique low-power technology, these products have a high-resolution 16-bit ΔΣ (delta-sigma) A/D converter, dedicated circuit for various measurement modes, and LCD drivers, making them an ideal single-chip microcontroller for controlling digital multimeters and other display-equipped measuring instruments.

The need to automate factories and operate with less manpower has been on the rise in recent years in all areas of industry. In turn, this has made the maintenance and inspection of equipment to ensure safe use increasingly important at factories and other production sites, feeding growing demand for digital multimeters and other measuring instruments. On the other hand, measuring instrument performance and functions are improving as electronic devices become more sophisticated, but providing these with a general-purpose microcontroller is problematic as it results in longer development times and higher costs.

The S1C17M02 and S1C17M03 were developed for measurement and solve these issues by coming equipped with the functions necessary for a digital multimeter. They enable multi-functional and high-precision measurement with a high-resolution 16-bit ΔΣ A/D converter and with dedicated circuit that switches among voltage, current, resistance, capacitance, continuity, diode, and frequency measurement modes. The optimum measurement conditions can be set by setting up programmable oversampling, and a square root circuit for finding the true RMS (root-mean-square) value can reduce the software processing load. In addition, a peak hold function supports holding the maximum and minimum measurement values.

As well as circuit designed specifically for measurement, the microcontrollers have built-in peripheral circuit for things such as an LCD driver, Flash memory, and EEPROM that can store calibration data and measurement data, which can reduce the number of external parts needed. By offering a product lineup with functional compatibility, Epson also helps customers reduce software development time when expanding their product models.

Epson seeks to advance the frontiers of industry and drive the circular economy by applying the efficient, compact, and precision technologies that it has developed over many years to solve challenges. These technologies, which save energy, enable smaller products, and increase accuracy and precision, enable Epson to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which will bring about a better and more sustainable future for all.

Product features

1. Measurement circuit optimized for digital multimeters and other display-equipped measuring instruments

• Analog circuit for the measurement of voltage, current, resistance, capacitance, continuity, diodes, and frequency
• Programmable oversampling setting
• Peak hold function
• Square root circuit for finding the true RMS
• An averaging circuit that can select between mean square and mean absolute value averaging
• A built-in temperature sensor for measuring the internal temperature of the IC

1. Peripheral circuit

• Self-programmable flash memory
• EEPROM that can be rewritten in 1-byte units
• LCD driver with built-in power circuit
• Supply voltage detector (SVD) circuit that does not require an external power supply supervisor
• Universal port multiplexer (UPMUX): I/O pin assignments changed with software
• Automatic buzzer output function linked with continuity check mode
• Low current consumption for longer battery life

Related links

Please see the link below for product details.

Website URL: global.epson.com/products_and_drivers/semicon/products/micro_controller/16bit/#ac06

Movie URL: https://youtu.be/SeSmpc_gJGc 

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Product specifications

About Epson Europe Electronics GmbH

Epson Europe Electronics GmbH is a marketing, engineering and sales company and the European headquarter for electronic devices of the Seiko Epson Corporation, Japan. Since 1989 located in Munich/Germany with 50 employees, Epson Europe Electronics GmbH has several European sales representatives and a European-wide network of distributors. Epson Europe Electronics GmbH provides value added services for timing devices, semiconductors, sensors and sensing systems targeted to various markets like industrial, automotive, medical, and communication. Epson products are recognized for energy saving, low power, small form factors and rapid time to market. More information about Epson Europe Electronics GmbH is available on the internet under www.epson-electronics.de

About Epson

Epson is a global technology leader dedicated to co-creating sustainability and enriching communities by leveraging its efficient, compact, and precision technologies and digital technologies to connect people, things, and information. The company is focused on solving societal issues through innovations in home and office printing, commercial and industrial printing, manufacturing, visual and lifestyle. Epson will become carbon negative and eliminate use of exhaustible underground resources such as oil and metal by 2050. Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the worldwide Epson Group generates annual sales of around JPY 1 trillion. global.epson.com/