IAR Systems has announced a starter kit for developing smart meters, weighing scales and other applications needing precision measurement.
The kit is centred around a TMPM061FWFG microcontroller which has an analogue front-end (AFE), precision 24bit ∆∑ ADCs, and a hardware engine for metering power calculations.
From Toshiba, this is the firm’s microcontroller to use the ARM Cortex-M0 core, of which it has two.
Why dual-core?
“One core does the AFE and one core does communication. It is easier to qualify the software if it is separated,” Toshiba marketing manager Roland Gehrmann told Electronics Weekly at Embedded World.
As well as its dual-core microcontroller, the 140×100mm evaluation board includes a JTAG connector, an on-board debugger (eliminating the need for a debug probe and emulator), and a trace connector.
Development support comes from IAR’s Embedded Workbench for ARM integrated development environment (IDE).
“This is a complete set of C/C++ compiler, debugger and project management tools and includes ready-made configuration files, flash loaders and over 3,000 example projects,” said IAR. “Using the IDE, developers can programme and debug the microcontroller – including modification and updating the basic energy-use calculations supplied with the device.”
The board also includes an LCD and user-programmable LEDs. Connectivity includes USB, RS-232, three BNC connectors for analogue inputs, and a UART interface.
Board power can come from USB, JTAG, power jack and batteries.