FTDI Chip introduces new hardware to support high-performance microcontrollers

     FTDI Chip offers a complete line of easy-to-use modules to facilitate evaluation, development and application in its own family of 32-bit FT90X hyperbridging MCU chips. This will mean that it will be easier for engineers in the embedded space to select very advanced chips from the industry that provide excellent performance levels and rich connectivity.

     In order to facilitate the use of home security, industrial control, home/building automation systems, data logging and embedded multimedia applications, the MM900EVxA series offers 4 different module options with FT90X chipcentric development modules. The MM900EV2A and MM900EV3A have built-in 1.3-megapixel camera modules with different front and rear panel configurations to capture images in resolutions ranging from VGA images (up to 30fps) to SXGA (up to 15 fps). Each module also features microphone input pins with built-in audio codec, 3.5mm stereo headphone jack, stereo speaker output connector, DC power jack, 2 RGB LED lights, reset switch and button battery support for a real-time clock.

     The RJ45 connector allows 10/100Mbps Ethernet data transfer and provides additional memory capacity through a Micro SD card slot. The standard USB-A port (which provides A USB host port) and the Micro-B USB port (which provides a USB device port and power supply connection). The 40-way expansion interface provides access to the full functionality of the chip IO, while the miniature 2x5 female socket function facilitates the debugging/download process. The additional 2×8 pin pitch 2.54mm connector and 16 pin 0.5mm pitch FFC/ FPC connector facilitate connection to the FT800/ FT810 EVE series display module interface.

     More streamlined versions of the MM900EVxA platform are currently available to engineers as MM900EV1A and MM900EV-LITE. The MM900EV1A offers exactly the same functionality as the MM900EV2A and MM900EV3A, but does not include the camera unit and is primarily targeted at bridging related applications. The MM900EV-LITE is primarily targeted at human-machine interface and embedded display applications. Ethernet connectivity, audio codec and USB host port support are removed, but additional IO connectors are provided (these features can be expanded externally if required). In addition, it CAN also be extended to connect to UART, PWM, ADC, DAC, SPI, I2C, CAN bus and camera interface. All 4 MM900EVxA and MM900EV-LITE modules require only a comprehensive software toolchain, making it easy for engineers to get started without complex programs. Hardware Device Firmware Upgrade (DFU) allows you to load code directly into each module without any programming hardware.

     The UMFTPD2A is designed for the MM900EVxA and MM900EV-LITE series modules provided by the FTDI Chip. In addition to providing programming and firmware upload tasks, UMFTPD2A engineers can also perform full debugging functions on FT90X systems. The module features FT4232HL high-speed USB2.0 chip to provide multi-purpose UART/ MPSSE converter IC function. In addition to the MPSSE and UART options, Bit-Bang connectivity is also supported.

     In combination with a proprietary processor topology and directly mapped memory units, FT90X hyperbridged MCU chips can stand out from traditional general-purpose microcontrollers. By achieving zero wait state operating speeds up to 100MHz, it is ideal for use in data-intensive applications such as data bridging between cameras and Ethernet connections or sensors and SD storage (for machine vision, building access and surveillance purposes).