Atmel SMART

I talked last week about the internet of things (IoT) panel I attended at DAC. One thing that is clear is that IoT is not really a market on its own, but nonetheless the fact that billions of edge-node devices are going to be connected to the internet is a real trend. One company that takes IoT very seriously is Atmel, since they have an enormous range of microcontrollers (currently over 500 different models) both based on their proprietary AVR architecture and a range of ARM-based controllers. A lot of the IoT market is not going to be big integrated SoCs but rather small boards put together with a microcontroller, communications, some sensors and a lot of software.

Today Atmel launched SMART which is a new brand of ARM-based microcontrollers along with SmartConnect SAM W23 modules enabling WiFi connectivity combining the best of high performance and low power technology for IoT applications. Plus, of course, the software stacks required to make it all work.

These are flash-based microcontrollers based on the ARM Cortex M0+, M3 and M4 with memory ranging from 8KB to 2MB of flash including a rich peripheral and feature mix. There are also ARM Cortex A5 devices without on-chip flash memory.

As part of the Atmel | SMART product offering, the SAM W23 module offers the ideal solution for designers seeking to integrate Wi-Fi connectivity even with limited experience with IEEE802.11, RTOS, IP Stack or RF. These modules are based on Atmel’s industry leading ultra-low-power Wi-Fi SoC combined with Atmel’s ARM Cortex M0+ based microcontroller technology. This turnkey system provides an integrated software solution with application and security protocols such as TLS, integrated network services (TCP/IP stack) and a standard Real Time Operating System (RTOS) which are all available through a simple serial host interface (SPI, UART) within Atmel Studio 6’s integrated development platform (IDP). This makes it easy for designers to add internet connectivity to any system, so enabling it to participate in the nascent IoT market.

Atmel ARM-based MPUs range from entry-level devices to advance highly integrated devices with extensive connectivity, refined interfaces and ironclad security. Atmel provides a full range of hardware and software tools for ARM-based MPUs to make the design process easier and reduce time to market. Atmel also works with a worldwide network of partners to deliver additional hardware and software solutions for these devices.

To find Atmel microcontrollers you can use the microcontroller selector page here. This allows you to put in the choices you want and it will home in the the microcontrollers that meet your requirements.

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