LAPIS Semiconductor, a company that is part of the ROHM Group, has just announced the availability of 32-bit microcontrollers ideal for data loggers used in logistics for the acquisition and management of environmental information during the shipment of a package.The ML630Q464/466 are the first ICs on the market to integrate all the major functions required for data logging (USB, high-speed clock signal generation, LCD controller, high-precision RC oscillation A/D converter), data acquisition (temperature, humidity, acceleration), data display and PDF file generation, all on a single chip.
In recent years, growing concerns about the protection and safety of food and medicines have boosted the use of logistics systems to maintain uninterrupted low temperatures (cold chain) from production to transport and consumption, especially for perishable and pharmaceutical products. Therefore, the logistics sector will need to manage the transport environment that affects package quality, namely temperature, humidity, and shocks/vibrations. This is expected to increase the demand for management tools such as data loggers by more than 10% annually.
For data loggers, which are typically attached to packages and are often single-use, it is important to reduce both size and cost by using smaller batteries and fewer parts. Furthermore, some operational guidelines, such as FDA*2 cold chain regulations and GDP*3, require reliably recording the package's condition during transport and generating non-editable PDF files to prevent tampering with the recorded data.
In response, the ML640Q464/466 generates PDF files and integrates key USB data logging functions onto a single chip, leveraging LAPIS Semiconductor's expertise in low power consumption, high noise immunity, and high performance. These new microcontrollers utilize the 32-bit ARM Cortex M0+ CPU core to achieve high performance with low power consumption. Logged data can be easily converted to PDF in approximately 4 seconds and can operate for up to 380 days*1 using a single coin cell battery. Furthermore, the products benefit from LAPIS Semiconductor's high noise immunity, enabling stable operation even under harsh conditions.
Main features
1. All the main functions of USB data logger integrated into one chip, thus reducing the space on the board by 30%.
These ICs incorporate all the main features required by USB data loggers, such as USB I/F, high-speed clock generator, LCD controller, and high-precision RC oscillation A/D converter.
The A/D converter offers a temperature measurement accuracy of ±0.5℃ using only a thermistor and a resistor/capacitor, unlike typical temperature measurement circuits consisting of a temperature sensor, a thermistor, and a reference voltage generation circuit. This reduces the board footprint by 30% compared to conventional solutions.
Furthermore, high performance is achieved thanks to the use of an ARM Cortex M0+ CPU core and the integration of an optimized PDF generation program within the IC, enabling the creation of an A4 page PDF file with 2,500 measurement points in just 4 seconds. Additionally, the combination of the client's AES cryptography software, the built-in AES function, and a random number generator allows users to generate password-protected PDF files.
2. Providing high performance and low power consumption allows operation for up to 380 days on a single coin cell battery.
The USB data logger's operation is essentially divided into two parts: (1) reading and recording sensor data at predetermined intervals, and (2) generating a PDF file when the USB connection is re-established at the end of use. However, standby power consumption will have a significant impact on battery life, as the data logger is in sleep mode most of the time.
These new microcontrollers achieve best-in-class standby current consumption of 0.8µA thanks to their four low-power modes. As a result, they can operate for up to 380 days on a single CR2032 coin cell battery, using only one-third the capacity of conventional batteries required by microcontrollers in standard data loggers.
3. The optional USB data logger reference kit helps customers accelerate development.
A reference kit for developing data loggers using the ML630Q46x is supplied. In addition to hardware information such as circuit diagrams and device lists, the reference kit includes various software codes for operating the USB flash drive and generating PDF files, all necessary documentation, and methods for managing the power supply and the high-precision RC-type A/D converter. This allows for a better understanding of the microcontroller's operation and accelerates customer development.
4. High noise immunity (achieved thanks to LAPIS Semiconductor's "Tough" series of microcontrollers) helps stabilize operation even in adverse environments.
To protect important recorded data (for verifying package quality) from external noise, these new microcontrollers take advantage of the low power and noise immunity technologies adopted in LAPIS Semiconductor's "Tough Low Power" series of microcontrollers.
The ML630Q46x microcontrollers have exceeded ±30kV, well above the measuring instrument limit for test voltage level 4 (±8kV indirect contact discharge) of the IEC 61000-4-2*4 standard established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). [Measured using the ML630Q466 reference board]. This enables stable operation even under harsh environments.
Notes
*1: Calculation conditions: CR2032 coin cell battery, 10-minute sensor data reading intervals, LCD display enabled.
*2: US Food and Drug Administration, responsible for setting standards for food, beverages, cosmetics, drugs, medical equipment, radiation equipment, and veterinary products marketed in the US.
*3: GDP (Good Distribution Practice), standards for the proper distribution of pharmaceutical products. Standards to ensure pharmaceutical quality (safety and efficacy).
*4: A standard established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) used to evaluate the noise immunity of electronic equipment against electrostatic discharge.
