Silicon Labs adds 8-bit MCU family

Silicon Labs has unveiled the BB5 family of 8-bit microcontrollers (MCUs), targeting space-constrained and low-cost applications that don’t require a 32-bit solution. Optimized for price and performance, the multi-purpose EFM8BB50 integrates advanced analog and communication peripherals into small packages.

Key features include an 8051 core, up to 12 multi-function 5-V capable I/O pins, a 1 × 12-bit analog-to-digital converter, an integrated temperature sensor, 3-channel PCA with pulse-width modulation (PWM), a 3-channel PWM engine, 4 × 16-bit timers, 2 × 8-bit timers and QFN packages as small as 2 × 2 mm.

(Source: Silicon Labs)

The BB5 8-bit MCUs are suited for battery-powered applications like power tools, handheld kitchen tools and children’s toys, supporting voltage options from 1.7 to 5.5 V, allowing them to last for years in the field on a coin-cell battery, according to the company. Other embedded applications include LED/lighting control, industrial automation, appliances, motor control and consumer electronics.

In addition, the company claims the BB5 family includes “the most powerful 8-bit MCUs” with the 50-MHz core frequency delivering 36% higher compute power than any other general 8-bit MCU.

Available in multiple variants, the BB50 is the smallest option housed in a 2 × 2 mm package. The BB51 and BB52 feature a 3 × 3-mm package with more peripheral options and increased analog functionality. In some applications, the BB52 offers a higher price/performance when compared to competitive 32-bit MCUs, according to Silicon Labs. Click here for the data sheet.

The BB5 MCUs leverage Silicon Labs’ Simplicity Studio, which eliminates design process complexity and shortens development cycles. This enables both 8-bit and 32-bit MCUs to share a single development platform, which has been challenging for developers, said the company, since most 8-bit and 32-bit devices use different development tools.

Silicon Labs also offers the EFM8 BB50 8-bit MCU Explorer Kit, BB50-EK2702A, as an evaluation starting point for the new MCUs. It provides Qwiic and MikroE connectors for rapid prototyping and an on-board debugger.