Toshiba Corp has created its first proprietary derivative of the basic Echelon Corp Neuron node processor, the part that provides the distributed local intelligence that drives the Echelon Local Operating Network for controlling home appliances and other electrical and electromechanical systems and equipment. The new TMPN3120E1M is fabricated in 0.8 micron CMOS technology and doubles on-board EEPROM to 1Kb, meaning that more applications can be single-chip. It also has 10Kb of ROM and 1Kb of static RAM on board. The chip measures 5.4 square millimetres, draws operating current of 17mA typical, the sleep mode draws 20 microAmperes typical, so that current consumption is 5% that of the first-generation Neuron Chip. Samples are available now with volume production next month. Pricing in large quantities starts in the mid-$6 range Toshiba says.
