The AT91SAM7L128-AU is a highly integrated, low-power System-on-Chip (SoC) microcontroller from the AT91SAM7 series, developed by Atmel Corporation (now Microchip Technology). It is built on the ARM7TDMI-S architecture and offers a wide range of features suitable for various embedded applications. Here are some of its key features:
1. Microcontroller Unit (MCU): The AT91SAM7L128-AU is powered by a 32-bit ARM7TDMI-S CPU running at speeds up to 32 MHz. It offers an excellent combination of performance and power efficiency.
2. Flash Memory: It provides 128 kilobytes (KB) of embedded Flash memory for program storage. The Flash memory is easily reprogrammable and allows in-application programming (IAP) without requiring an external programmer.
3. SRAM: The microcontroller offers an integrated 16 KB Static Random-Access Memory (SRAM) for data storage. This high-speed memory allows quick access and manipulation of data.
4. Peripherals: It includes an extensive set of peripherals to support various IO interfaces and connectivity options. Some of the notable peripherals include multiple UARTs (Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter), SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit), USB (Universal Serial Bus), and an Analog Comparator.
5. Timers and Counters: The AT91SAM7L128-AU features several built-in timers and counters, including a Real-Time Clock (RTC). These timers can be utilized for event counting, timing, or generating periodic interrupts.
6. Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC): It contains a 10-bit ADC module, allowing the microcontroller to acquire analog signals from the environment. This feature is essential in applications that require monitoring of physical quantities such as temperature, voltage, or light intensity.
7. Power Management: The microcontroller offers advanced power management capabilities, allowing developers to optimize system power consumption. It includes features like sleep modes, power-down modes, and multiple clock sources to conserve energy.
8. Debugging and Development: It supports in-circuit debugging through the JTAG (Joint Test Action Group) interface, enabling real-time monitoring and debugging of the system.
9. Packaging: The AT91SAM7L128-AU comes in a small-outline 64-lead LQFP (Quad Flat Package) with a lead-free design, making it suitable for space-constrained applications.
In conclusion, the AT91SAM7L128-AU microcontroller provides a comprehensive and power-efficient solution for embedded system designs. Its ARM7 core, abundant memory, rich peripheral set, and advanced power management make it suitable for a wide range of applications, including industrial automation, consumer electronics, medical devices, and more.
