New 8-bit MCU family with USB hub ICs and modules

Alpha Micro has announced it is now stocking FTDI's FT51A Series of 8-bit microcontrollers with two development modules.

The FT51A is an 8051 compatible MCU that integrates USB device and hub port capabilities to deliver an enhanced IO bridging functionality on 8-bit architectures. The devices allow for cascading distributed computing tasks over USB.

The MCU has been designed for data acquisition and control usage scenarios, incorporating IOs for UART, SPI, I2C, ADC and PWM as well as 8 kB of RAM and 16 kB of internal program flash to store and run applications.

Evaluation and development modules have also been created for the MCU. The UMFT51AA is a dual in line module that gives access to all IOs of the FT51A as well as offering USB type A plug and socket connectors.

The UMFT51A_EVM further extends the UMFT51AA module and offers on-board sensors with an integrated display.

Additionally, the UMFTPD-1 debugging / programming module will support the above modules by giving a USB bridging between the FT51A Eclipse IDE develop meant tools running on a PC and the FT51A-wire debug pin.