Platform Enables Comparison of 32-bit MCUs From Different Manufacturers for Faster MCU Evalution

Available exclusively from Future Electronics, the LongBow board provides a platform which can be used to trial and compare 32-bit MCUs from different manufacturers. This enables engineers to quickly evaluate which MCUs are optimal for their application, allowing a more informed MCU assessment and a faster time to market.

Different 32-bit MCUs can be trialled by plugging Micro-Blox daughter-boards into the LongBow base-board. Each Micro-Blox features a different MCU and supports standalone development as well as direct connection to LongBow.

A series of Micro-Blox daughter-boards are road-mapped for release, with the first supporting ARM7 and ColdFire® microcontrollers, including:

• NXP’s LPC2148 and LPC2478 ARM7 microcontrollers
• Freescale Semiconductor’s MCF52277 and MCF5329 microcontrollers

The supported MCUs are selected to be the most full featured in their respective product families. This means that engineers can trial the complete range of features offered in each family, but select a lower-cost part if the entire feature set is not required. To evaluate a broad range of MCUs, the LongBow board also supports a comprehensive array of peripherals. This includes support for a range of LCD sizes, from QVGA up to XGA, as well as support for LCD touch-screens.

The LongBow can be used with Future Electronics’MediaNet board, which enables fibre-optics prototyping. Other peripherals supported include RS-232, RS-485, IrDA, CAN2.0B, USB2.0 Host/OTG, an interface for SD memory cards, a 16-pin header interface for alphanumeric LCDs, an Ethernet port supporting 10/100BASE-T/TX, and interfaces for Bluetooth, WiLAN and ZigBee® modules.

LongBow is the next evolution in Future Electronics’ range of Future-Blox stackable development boards. Future-Blox share a common interface format, allowing microcontroller boards to be quickly connected with application boards, such as power over Ethernet or motor control, to create a complete proof of concept.

 

FEATURES USB 2.0 interface LCD touch-screen control RS-232, IrDA, RS-485 & CAN2.0B Current monitoring via ammeter or current monitor IC USB 2.0 Host and OTG ports 20x2 interface for Bluetooth and WiLAN modules 20x2 header supporting ZigBee wireless modules SD memory-card interface 16-pin header interface supporting 16x2 alphanumeric LCD Small buzzer for audio feedback Ethernet port supporting 10/100BASE-T/TX with precision time-stamping for IEEE 1588 applications Audio codec and Class D audio amplifier (UDA1344 and SA58670BS-G from NXP) Direct interface to TFT LCDs

 

 

 

The LongBow board will be first exhibited at the electronica trade fair on stand A3.441. Production quantities will be available shortly afterwards, so visitors to the stand will be able to pre-register their application to receive a LongBow board. All Future-Blox boards are supplied through the Future Electronics Board Club. FTM readers can can apply online to receive Future-Blox boards by joining the Board Club at: www.my-boardclub.com This offer is free and subject to qualification.

 

Future Electronics / LongBow article