Epson Develops 16-bit Flash Microcontroller with On-chip LCD Driver Capable of Industry-Leading 4,096 Dot High-Resolution

- Low Power Consumption Achieved through Single-Chip Solution -

TOKYO, Japan, Seiko Epson Corporation (“Epson”, TSE: 6724) has developed a low-power-consumption 16-bit microcontroller capable of high-definition LCD display which supports the industry’s largest* display area. Samples of the S1C17705 will begin shipping in April 2009, and volume production, with a monthly output of 500,000 units, is scheduled to commence in August this year.

The S1C17705 contains a dot matrix LCD driver with industry-leading resolution* of 128 SEG x 32 COM, making it ideal for applications requiring high-definition LCD display such as remote controllers, healthcare equipment and sports watches. The product also contains an LCD controller which assists the set-up of two 64 SEG x 32 COM displays, making it possible to achieve the same display as a 64 SEG x 64 COM LCD driver while only using a 32 COM operating current. Moreover, it features a 512 KB high-capacity flash memory that enables it to store large volumes of data such as complex programs and 11 x 12 dot user-defined characters.

By incorporating on a single chip functions previously fulfilled by an LCD driver plus flash microcontroller combination, Epson has been able to reduce the number of components and minimize the mounting footprint. As evidence of Epson’s commitment to the ongoing development of energy-saving technology, a comparison conducted by Epson has shown that the S1C17705 consumes less than one-tenth of the power required by a 2-chip set-up containing a 64 SEG x 64 COM LCD driver and microcontroller.

In addition to LCD displays, the S1C17705 is also ideal for connection to measurement sensors contained in applications. It contains an ultra-low power consumption A/D converter, an R/F converter with 24-bit counter for monitoring temperature and humidity, and various serial interfaces.
Special features of the S1C17705

1. 1. Enhanced high-resolution dot matrix LCD driver capable of high-definition display
* On-chip high-resolution dot matrix LCD driver
* On-chip B&W LCD driver with resolution of 128 SEG x 32 COM
* On-chip LCD controller assisting with set-up of two 64 SEG x 32 COM displays
* Dedicated voltage regulator/booster circuits ensure stable, high-quality display regardless of the charge left in the battery.
* Contrast adjustment via software
2. 2. Control of various measurement sensors
* Contains 10-bit successive approximation A/D converter that achieves ultra-low power consumption and INL/DNL ±1.5 LSB (max.) resolution
* Contains R/F converter equipped with a 24-bit counter and capable of easy and highly precise monitoring of temperature and humidity with only passive components
* Contains I2C (master/slave) and SPI (master/slave), which are standard I/F for sensor modules
* Built-in MAC (multiply and accumulate) unit and dividing unit enabling high-speed processing of sensor data, which is becoming increasingly complicated
3. 3. Low power consumption dramatically increases battery life
* Achieves both the high processing capability of a 16-bit RISC microcontroller and the low power consumption that is equivalent to a 4 or 8-bit microcontroller

SLEEP state:
1.2 µA (typical)
HALT state (32 kHz):
2.7 µA (typical)
RUN state (32 kHz):
18 µA (typical)
RUN state (1 MHz):
550 µA (typical)
A/D converter circuit current:
200 µA (typical when VDD=3.6V, 100ksps continuous conversion)
LCD driver circuit current:
7 µA (typical when display is fully lit, with maximum contrast, and no panel load)

Further information on Epson’s 16-bit microcontroller series is available at:
http://www.epson.jp/device/semicon_e/product/mcu/16bit/index.htm New window

*As of January 31, 2009, according to research conducted by Epson.

Epson is a global leader in imaging products including printers, 3LCD projectors and small- and medium-sized LCDs. With an innovative and creative culture, Epson is dedicated to exceeding the vision and expectations of customers worldwide with products known for their superior quality, functionality, compactness and energy efficiency.
Epson is a network of 93,279 employees in 107 companies around the world, and is proud of its ongoing contributions to the global environment and to the communities in which it is located. Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corp., the Group had consolidated sales of 1,347 billion yen in fiscal 2007.