April 23, 2015, Seoul — Infineon Technologies (Korea Representative Director Seung-soo Lee) has launched the new XMC4800 32-bit microcontroller series, which integrates an on-chip EtherCAT® (Ethernet for Control Automation Technology) node. Providing outstanding real-time performance, the XMC4800 series supports networked industrial automation and Industry 4.0 applications.

Infineon is offering the semiconductor industry's first ARM® Cortex®-M-based microcontrollers that integrate EtherCAT nodes and provide on-chip flash and analog/mixed-signal capabilities. The XMC4800 series is set to consist of 18 products diversified by various memory capacities, temperature ranges, and packaging. All XMC4800 microcontrollers meet AEC Q100 standards, making them suitable for use in commercial vehicles, construction vehicles, and agricultural vehicles.

“The XMC4800 series significantly simplifies EtherCAT implementation. The market has long hoped to simplify this implementation, but until now, it has not been possible. With the XMC4800, it is now possible to design very compact system designs that integrate EtherCAT functionality, as they do not require dedicated EtherCAT ASICs, external memory, or clock crystals.” “By utilizing the XMC4800 series, which provides outstanding real-time performance, we have been able to significantly enhance networked industrial automation,” he said.

Martin Rostan, Managing Director of the EtherCAT Technology Group, stated, “Infineon’s new XMC4800 microcontroller will meet the expectations of the EtherCAT community. Users will be able to reduce their bill of materials (BOM) by utilizing the comprehensive range of peripherals available on this EtherCAT chip. Furthermore, by supporting an extended temperature range, it will accelerate the adoption of EtherCAT into a wider range of fields.”

The XMC4800 series, part of the XMC4000 family, features the ARM® Cortex®-M4 processor and is designed for use in manufacturing facilities, building automation, electric drives, and solar inverters. The XMC4800 series is pin and code compatible with existing XMC4000 microcontrollers, allowing for a seamless upgrade to EtherCAT technology. The XMC4800 can operate EtherCAT under harsh conditions with ambient temperatures up to 125°C.

XMC4800: The most compact EtherCAT implementation, excellent memory and peripheral integration

By integrating EtherCAT functionality, the XMC4800 eliminates the need for a dedicated EtherCAT ASIC, external memory, or clock crystal, enabling the industry's most compact design. The XMC4800 features a 144MHz CPU, up to 2MB of embedded flash memory, 352KB of RAM, and comprehensive peripheral and interface capabilities. Peripherals include four parallel high-speed 12-bit A/D converter modules, two 12-bit D/A converters, four delta-sigma demodulator modules, six capture/compare units (CCU4 and CCU8), and two positioning interface modules. In addition to EtherCAT functionality, communication features include Ethernet, USB, and SD/MMC interfaces. Furthermore, the XMC4800 series provides six CAN nodes, six serial communication channels, and one external bus interface for communication purposes. It is available in three package options: LQFP-100, LQFP-144, and LFBGA-196.

supply

Samples of the XMC4800 series, which incorporates EtherCAT technology, will be supplied starting in August 2015. Mass production is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2016.

Development support

Like all products in the XMC™ family, the XMC4800 supports Infineon’s free integrated development platform, DAVE™. Infineon is also collaborating with numerous third-party tool vendors to support the XMC4800 series.

Additional information

Further information regarding the XMC4800 series with integrated EtherCAT technology, XMC microcontrollers, and the DAVE development platform can be found at www.infineon.com/xmc4800, www.infineon.com/xmc, and www.infineon.com/dave.