Atmel ARM-based processors: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 15:52, 20 December 2008

Revision as of 15:59, 20 December 2008

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'''AT91SAM''' ('''AT91SAM Smart ARM-based Microcontrollers''') are a family of [[Atmel]] [[microcontroller]]s based on the [[32-bit]] [[RISC]] microprocessors from [[ARM architecture|ARM]]<ref>[http://www.atmel.com/products/at91/ Atmel product website]</ref>. They include embedded [[Flashflash memory|Flash]] and [[Staticstatic random access memory|SRAM]] [[memories]] together with a number of [[peripherals]] and standard communications and [[computer networking|networking]] [[computer bus|interface]]s. This qualifies them as [[system-on-a-chip]] devices.

The AT91SAM comes in both [[ARM7TDMI|ARM7]] and [[ARM9E|ARM9]] versions.

External interfaces include [[Universal Serial Bus|USB]], [[Controller Areacontroller-area Networknetwork|CAN]], [[Ethernet]], [[SPI]], [[USART]] and [[Analoganalog-to-digital converter|ADC]]. A [[Directdirect memory access|DMA]] controller provides direct communication channels between external interfaces and memories, increasing [[data]] throughput with minimal [[Centralcentral processing unit|processor]] intervention.

Peripherals include counter/timers, [[power-on reset]] generators, [[voltage regulator]]s and advanced [[interrupt controller]]. This enhances the [[Real-time computing|real time]] performance of the processor. A [[power management]] controller keeps power consumption to a minimum by powering down unused peripherals and interfaces, and enabling the processor to be put in standby mode.