While others are assiduously adding fuzzy logic to their microcontrollers designed for use in domestic appliances, National Semiconductor Corp has taken another tack, integrating complete safety features including error recovery on its new 8-bit COP820CJ, which is designed for use in coffee makers, irons, vacuum cleaners and food processors where its multiple error recovery functions offer users a far greater level of safety; it features fully static operation over a range of 2.5V to 6.0V and typically draws a current of 300nA; Multi-Input Wakeup Logic offers eight additional signal lines that switch the processor back from HALT-mode into its normal mode of operation; it can be set as normally off or normally on; an 8-bit Watchdog Timer assures that the microcontroller cannot remain stuck in an undefined state or in a software loop due to external disturbances; an Internal Brownout Protection Circuit monitors the operating voltage and resets the device automatically if it falls below the minimum Brownout voltage (typically 3V); in very high volume, it costs under $1.30.
