What Secrets Are Hidden in the Latest Hot List of ICs?

Introduction

Last week, we explored the unique advantages of the STM32 microcontroller. STM32 has always been a hot topic in the market. Today, let’s shift our focus and discuss some of the most popular ICs that have been making waves in the industry over the last two months.

We’ve done the legwork for you, and here’s the latest hot list of ICs that have been making headlines from May to August 2023:

1. TMS320F28335PGFA
2. STM32F103C8T6
3. ADSP-21060LCW-160
4. O3853AQDCARQ1
5. MPC5744P-144DS
6. NCP1342AMDCDAD1R2G
7. TPS929120QPWPRQ1
8. AM3703CBPA

In the sections that follow, we’ll be diving deep into the specifications, applications, and market trends surrounding these ICs. If you’ve ever wondered how to leverage these chips for your projects or what sets them apart in the market, you won’t want to miss what comes next.

The Decline of a Once-Dominant IC: A Deep Dive into TMS320F28335PGFA

Market Price Dips Below Official Listing

The TMS320F28335PGFA has experienced a market price drop to approximately $13.70 USD, falling below its official list price of $14.867 USD. While this decline could be a reflection of broader market trends, it also presents a unique procurement opportunity for manufacturers.

Technical Specifications and Versatility: More Than Just a Chip

This 32-bit MCU from Texas Instruments is engineered for high performance, featuring a clock speed of up to 150 MHz and a Flash memory of 512KB. It’s designed for real-time control applications and supports a multitude of interfaces such as SPI, I2C, and UART. Its architecture allows for dual-loop speed and position control, making it indispensable in sectors like industrial automation, advanced driving systems, and renewable energy solutions.

Financial Landscape and Its Impact on IC Choices

The semiconductor industry is navigating through a period of supply chain disruptions and increased competition. Texas Instruments has reported a decline in both revenue and profit, which could be influencing the current market price of the TMS320F28335PGFA. However, this chip remains a compelling choice for manufacturers who prioritize quality and are operating on a budget.

Why Manufacturers Should Still Consider TMS320F28335PGFA

Based on my extensive experience in PCB and PCBA manufacturing, the TMS320F28335PGFA stands as a testament to enduring quality and versatility. Despite its market price fluctuations, its technical features—such as real-time control capabilities and multiple interface support—remain steadfast. This chip is not just a component; it’s a building block for future innovations. Given the current market conditions, now could be an opportune moment for manufacturers to invest in this high-quality chip, especially for applications requiring precise control and robust performance.

The Resilient Performer: STM32F103C8T6

Market Price Returns to Normalcy

In recent months, the STM32F103C8T6 has seen a moderate decline in its market price, now trading at approximately $0.96 USD, down from its previous highs.

Technical Specifications and Versatility

The STM32F103C8T6 is part of the STM32F103xx series and falls under the low-density category with 64KB of Flash and 20KB of RAM. This chip is a staple in the STM32 family, widely used in consumer electronics, IoT, and industrial control systems. It supports a variety of interfaces, including SPI, I2C, and UART, making it a versatile choice for multiple applications.

The naming of this chip reveals a lot about its capabilities. For instance, “32” indicates a 32-bit MCU, “F” signifies the product sub-series, and “103” denotes an enhanced type within the series. The “C8T6” suffix provides additional details: “C” refers to the pin count, “8” indicates the Flash size, “T” signifies the packaging type, and “6” represents the temperature range (-40 to 85°C).

The Developer’s Angle: Community and Ecosystem

What sets the STM32 series apart is its robust developer community. Numerous open-source libraries and forums offer invaluable support, making it easier for developers to implement this chip in various applications. This strong ecosystem not only adds value to the chip but also makes it a preferred choice for both new and experienced developers.

A Comparative Analysis: STM32F103C8T6 vs. Competing ICs

While the STM32F103C8T6 is a strong contender in its category, it’s essential to consider alternatives. For instance, chips like the ATmega328P offer similar functionalities but may lack the extensive developer support that the STM32 series enjoys. On the other hand, higher-end chips like the ESP32 offer integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth but come at a higher price point. This comparative analysis aims to provide a balanced view, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs.

Market Trends vs. Technical Capabilities

Despite its price decline, the chip’s technical features remain consistent, making it a viable option for various high-tech applications. The current market conditions could be an opportune moment for budget-conscious manufacturers to invest in this high-quality component.

The Rising Star in DSP: ADSP-21060LCW-160

A Price Surge: More Than Just Numbers

The recent price increase to $2,397 USD correlates with its enhanced features like a maximum processing speed of 100 MHz and an operational voltage range of 3.15V to 3.45V. These specifications make it ideal for real-time analytics in industrial automation or advanced audio processing in smart home systems.

Technical Specifications: A Closer Look

The ADSP-21060LCW-160 is not just a 32-bit DSP; its architecture is optimized for low-latency processing, with a typical latency of just 2.5 cycles. This low-latency feature is crucial for real-time applications and makes it a preferred choice for sectors like robotics and autonomous vehicles, which require immediate data processing and feedback.

The Evolution of SHARC DSPs: What’s Next?

While the 2106x series laid the foundation, the newer 21469 model offers a computational speed of up to 450 MHz and the 21489 model provides an even lower operational voltage of 2.5V. This suggests a roadmap focused on sustainability and performance.

The Developer’s Insight: The SHARC Ecosystem

The SHARC series supports a wide range of data types, including 32-bit and 64-bit floating-point formats, and 8-bit, 16-bit, and 32-bit integer types. This flexibility is backed by a robust developer ecosystem, complete with comprehensive documentation and an active online community.

A Comparative Analysis: The Specialization Factor

What sets the ADSP-21060LCW-160 apart is its specialized instruction set optimized for complex algorithms like FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) and IIR (Infinite Impulse Response). While other DSPs aim for broader market appeal, the SHARC series excels in sectors requiring high computational power and precision, such as medical imaging or seismic data analysis.

The Underdog Takes the Lead: O3853AQDCARQ1

Emerging as a Cost-Effective Alternative

The O3853AQDCARQ1 is making waves as the official replacement for the once-popular O3853QDCARQ1. Priced between $6-7 USD by international distributors, it offers a more cost-effective solution compared to its predecessor, which was traded at significantly higher prices.

Technical Data:

• Input Voltage Range: 3.0V to 5.5V
• Output Voltage: Adjustable up to 24V
• Efficiency: Up to 95%

Technical Highlights: Safety and Versatility

Designed for safety-critical MCUs, the O3853AQDCARQ1 features a 350mA I/O voltage rail and rotary counter. It also complies with rigorous functional safety standards, making it a reliable choice for various applications.

Technical Data:

• Operating Temperature: -40°C to 125°C
• Safety Compliance: ISO 26262 ASIL-D

The Automotive Connection: A Chip for Luxury Cars

The predecessor, O3853QDCARQ1, was a hot commodity in the automotive industry, used by high-end brands like Porsche and Mercedes-Benz. With Texas Instruments recommending the O3853AQDCARQ1 for new designs, this chip is poised to take over the automotive sector, offering an advanced yet cost-effective alternative.

Technical Data:

• Automotive Grade: AEC-Q100
• EMC Performance: CISPR 25 Class 5

Market Outlook: A New Star on the Horizon?

With its predecessor no longer recommended for new designs, the O3853AQDCARQ1 is set to become the new market favorite. Its improved features and safety compliance make it a strong contender for next-generation applications, from automotive to industrial control systems.

The Spring of Development Boards: MPC5744P-144DS

A Price Surge Worth Noting

The MPC5744P-144DS has seen a significant uptick in market interest, with its official price listed at $509 USD. However, market speculations suggest that its trading price has skyrocketed to over $700 USD, indicating a strong demand.

Technical Data:

• Core: e200z4 32-bit CPU
• Frequency: Up to 200 MHz
• Flash Memory: 4 MB

More Than Just a Sub-Board: A Platform for Innovation

The MPC5744P-144DS is not just another sub-board; it’s part of the MPC5744PEVB development board designed specifically for the evaluation and development of the MPC5744P automotive MCU. This board serves as a comprehensive platform that facilitates both hardware and software development, as well as debugging.

Technical Data:

• I/O Pins: 120
• ADC Channels: 40
• Communication Interfaces: CAN, LIN, FlexRay

Setting Industry Standards: Safety First

What sets the MPC5744P series apart is its distinction of being the industry’s first automotive MCU to achieve ISO-26262 and ASIL-D Qualification. This makes it a go-to choice for applications that require the highest level of functional safety.

Technical Data:

• Safety Compliance: ISO-26262, ASIL-D
• Operating Temperature: -40°C to 125°C

Market Implications: A New Paradigm in Automotive Development

Given its advanced features and safety qualifications, the MPC5744P-144DS is poised to redefine automotive development. Its soaring market price reflects not just its scarcity but also its desirability among developers aiming for next-level automotive solutions.

The Perfect Companion for Power Adapters: NCP1342AMDCDAD1R2G

Price Trend and Market Insight

The NCP1342 has seen a significant price hike, currently trading at around $1.16 USD, up from its official price of $0.49 USD. This price surge could be indicative of its high demand in the market, possibly due to its advanced power conversion capabilities.

Technical Depth: Quasi-Resonant Flyback Controller

The NCP1342 is a highly integrated quasi-resonant flyback controller, designed for high-performance offline power converters. This design choice allows for Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS), which minimizes switching losses and enhances efficiency. It’s a crucial feature for applications that require high energy efficiency, such as notebook adapters and flat-screen TV SMPS (Switched-Mode Power Supplies).

Application Spectrum

This chip is not just another power controller; it’s engineered for specific high-demand applications. It’s primarily used in medium to high-power AC-DC adapters and ultra-high-density AC-DC adapters. Its compliance with USB Power Delivery (PD) standards makes it a future-proof choice for fast charging solutions in mobile devices and laptops.

Why It Stands Out: Efficiency and USB PD Compliance

The NCP1342 sets itself apart with its ability to offer high efficiency across a wide load range due to its variable frequency control. Its USB PD compliance aligns it with the industry’s move towards USB-C technology, making it a compelling choice for next-generation power solutions.

The Rollercoaster Ride of Dynamic Taillight Chips: TPS929120QPWPRQ1

Price Volatility in 2022: A Year of Peaks and Valleys

In the year 2022, the TPS929120-Q1 has experienced significant price volatility. The chip’s price initially surged to $20.50 USD in February, climbed further to $24.60 USD in May, and reached its peak at $27.40 USD in November. As of now, it’s trading at approximately $19.20 USD, marking a staggering 17-fold increase over its typical price of around $1.10 USD. This fluctuating price trend in 2022 suggests sporadic yet high demand for this chip.

Technical Specifications: Beyond Traditional Taillights

The TPS929120-Q1 is an automotive LED driver specifically designed for dynamic taillights. Unlike traditional taillights that primarily serve signaling functions, this chip offers a 12-channel LED driver. Each channel can drive 1-3 LEDs, and multiple chips can be cascaded to drive hundreds of LEDs. Its innovative architecture allows for intricate animations, supported by non-automotive systems, adding a new dimension to taillight designs.

Why It’s a Game-Changer: Scalability and Animation Capabilities

What sets this chip apart is its scalability and the ability to create complex animations. The 12-channel configuration allows for a highly scalable solution, capable of driving a large array of LEDs. This is particularly beneficial for automotive manufacturers looking to implement advanced, animated lighting solutions. Moreover, its compatibility with non-automotive systems opens up possibilities for intricate animations, setting a new standard in dynamic taillights.

Navigating High-Tech with AM3703CBPA: A Price Surge to Note

A Threefold Increase in Market Price

Since May, the market price of the AM3703CBPA has soared to over $110 USD, a significant increase considering its official website price of $18.50 USD and distributor prices around $30 USD. This marks a more than threefold increase over its typical pricing.

A Decade-Old Powerhouse: Technical Specifications

The AM3703 is a Sitara microprocessor unit (MPU) launched by Texas Instruments in 2010. It features a 1GHz ARM Cortex-A8 and finds applications in a variety of sectors, including portable data terminals, portable medical devices, home and building automation, navigation systems, smart displays, and Human-Machine Interface (HMI) industrial applications. Notably, a smartwatch manufacturer utilized the AM3703 Sitara processor for its products in 2015.

A Note for Future Designs

While the AM3703CBPA has a storied past and a wide range of applications, the “Not Recommended for New Designs” status on TI’s website suggests that it may soon be overshadowed by newer, more efficient technologies. Developers and procurement managers should weigh this when considering the AM3703 for new projects.