Silicon Labs announced the expansion of their microcontroller unit (MCU) development platform with a new family of 8-bit MCUs optimized for price and performance.
These new MCUs join the PG2x family of 32-bit MCUs in sharing a single development platform, Silicon Labs Simplicity Studio, which is inclusive of all tools that are required like compilers, integrated development environments, and configurators.
“In today’s world, with an ever-expanding list of IoT devices, MCUs play a critical role in embedded computing,” said Dhiraj Sogani, Senior Director of Wireless Product Marketing for Silicon Labs. “The new BB5 family of MCUs expands our portfolio to now offer the broadest range of MCU options on the market today.”
The 50 MHz core frequency in the BB5 family generates 36% more compute power than any other general 8-bit MCU. Ideal for battery-powered applications like power tools, handheld kitchen tools like immersion blenders, and even children’s toys, the BB5 family supports a wide range of voltage options, from 1.8 to 5.5 volts, allowing them to last for years in the field on a coin-cell battery. They also come in a variety of packing sizes, from 2 mm x 2 mm for the BB50 MCU, while the BB51 and BB52 MCUs are 3 mm x 3 mm offering additional GPIOs and increased analog functionality. For certain applications, the 8-bit BB52 even offers greater price-performance than competitive 32-bit MCUs.