Overview
The RM44L520APGET from Texas Instruments is a high-performance 16/32-bit RISC Flash Microcontroller (MCU) designed for safety-critical applications. It is part of the Hercules RM series, which is renowned for its industrial-grade ARM® Cortex®-R-based MCUs. This device is equipped with dual CPUs running in lockstep, ensuring high reliability and redundancy. It also features Error Correcting Code (ECC) on both flash and RAM interfaces, Built-In Self-Test (BIST) for CPU and on-chip RAMs, and an Error Signaling Module with an error pin. The RM44L520APGET is ideal for applications requiring robust real-time control and functional safety compliance, such as industrial automation, medical devices, and power generation systems.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | ARM Cortex-R4F 32-bit RISC CPU |
| Performance | Up to 180 MHz, 1.66 DMIPS/MHz |
| Flash Memory | Up to 768KB with ECC (RM44L520 specific) |
| RAM | 128KB with ECC |
| EEPROM | 64KB of Flash for Emulated EEPROM with ECC |
| Core Supply Voltage (VCC) | 1.14 to 1.32 V |
| I/O Supply Voltage (VCCIO) | 3.0 to 3.6 V |
| Packages | 144-Pin Quad Flatpack (PGE), 100-Pin Quad Flatpack (PZ) |
| Communication Interfaces | Up to three CAN controllers (DCANs), three MibSPIs, one SPI, two UARTs (one with LIN 2.1 support), I2C module |
| Timing Peripherals | Seven Enhanced PWM (ePWM) modules, six Enhanced Capture (eCAP) modules, two Enhanced Quadrature Encoder Pulse (eQEP) modules, two Next-Generation High-End Timer (N2HET) modules |
| Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs) | Two 12-bit multibuffered ADC modules (ADC1: 24 channels, ADC2: 16 channels) |
Key Features
- Dual CPUs running in lockstep for high reliability and redundancy
- ECC on flash and RAM interfaces for error correction
- Built-In Self-Test (BIST) for CPU and on-chip RAMs
- Error Signaling Module with error pin for fault detection
- Voltage and clock monitoring
- FPU with single and double precision
- 12-region Memory Protection Unit (MPU)
- Open architecture with third-party support
- Real-Time Interrupt Timer (RTI) OS Timer and 128-channel Vectored Interrupt Module (VIM)
- Direct Memory Access (DMA) controller with 16 channels and 32 peripheral requests
- Frequency-Modulated Phase-Locked Loop (FMPLL) with built-in slip detector
- IEEE 1149.1 JTAG, boundary scan, and ARM CoreSight components
- Advanced JTAG Security Module (AJSM)
- Up to 64 general-purpose I/O (GIO) pins, with up to 16 GIO pins having interrupt generation capability
Applications
- Industrial safety applications: industrial automation, safe programmable logic controllers (PLCs), power generation and distribution, turbines and windmills, elevators and escalators
- Medical applications: ventilators, defibrillators, infusion and insulin pumps, radiation therapy, robotic surgery
- Automotive and industrial fields requiring reliable serial communication and multiplexed wiring
Q & A
- What is the primary use of the RM44L520APGET microcontroller?
The RM44L520APGET is primarily used in safety-critical applications requiring high reliability and real-time control, such as industrial automation and medical devices.
- What type of CPU does the RM44L520APGET use?
The RM44L520APGET uses an ARM Cortex-R4F 32-bit RISC CPU.
- What is the maximum system clock frequency of the RM44L520APGET?
The maximum system clock frequency is up to 180 MHz.
- What kind of memory protection does the RM44L520APGET offer?
The device features a 12-region Memory Protection Unit (MPU) and ECC on both flash and RAM interfaces.
- What communication interfaces are available on the RM44L520APGET?
The device includes up to three CAN controllers (DCANs), three MibSPIs, one SPI, two UARTs (one with LIN 2.1 support), and an I2C module.
- What are the package options for the RM44L520APGET?
The device is available in 144-Pin Quad Flatpack (PGE) and 100-Pin Quad Flatpack (PZ) packages.
- Does the RM44L520APGET support functional safety standards?
Yes, it supports the development of IEC 61508 functional safety applications.
- What kind of timing peripherals are included in the RM44L520APGET?
The device includes seven Enhanced PWM (ePWM) modules, six Enhanced Capture (eCAP) modules, two Enhanced Quadrature Encoder Pulse (eQEP) modules, and two Next-Generation High-End Timer (N2HET) modules.
- How many ADC channels does the RM44L520APGET have?
The device features two 12-bit multibuffered ADC modules with up to 24 channels (ADC1: 24 channels, ADC2: 16 channels).
- What is the purpose of the Error Signaling Module in the RM44L520APGET?
The Error Signaling Module monitors device errors and asserts an interrupt or external error signal (nERROR) when a fault is detected.
