Field-Programmable I/O Augments 8- And 32-Bit Microcontrollers

The use of Verilog to define new peripherals is more restrictive than most FPGA environments. Likewise, FPCA components are less numerous and more functional, so migrating an FPGA Verilog design of any sophistication to PSoC is unlikely to work.

On the other hand, some amazing things can be done using Verilog and PSoC. It’s possible to start from an existing peripheral design and modify it. This includes the configuration dialog box accessible from the PSoC Creator associated with each peripheral that allows customization. PSoC Creator also handles signal routing. Almost any signal can be connected to a pin, providing flexible board layout.

The IDE is integrated with a number of compilers to handle the range of PSoC processor architectures. The PSoC 3 support includes the Keil CA51 C compiler with no code size limits, though it only works with PSoC parts.

An integrated debugger works with all three platforms and the various development kits currently available. This includes the $49 PSoC 3 Starter Kit as well as the more flexible PSoC Development Kit (Fig. 3). The module socket accepts the PSoC 3 or PSoC 5 modules that come with the kit or a PSoC 1 module.

The new PSoC chips and design software give developers significantly more powerful platforms with more peripheral design flexibility than ever before. With this approach, a single chip can address a wide range of applications.

BILL WONG

CYPRESS SEMICONDUCTOR
www.cypress.com