DALI and DMX512 Lighting Control Systems Integrated with NXP’s ARM Cortex-M0

NXP Semiconductors declared that DALI and DMX512 wired lighting control systems will have industry's first development platforms. These systems utilize the low-power and affordable 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0 processor.

The new evaluation systems consist of a NXP LPC1100XL series microcontroller that can better leverage the communication demands for intelligent lighting projects based on DALI and DMX. Furthermore, the DMX512 system features a master controller board including LPC11U00, a versatile USB microcontroller that utilizes Cortex-M0. During the LIGHTFAIR International 2012 at Las Vegas, NXP will demonstrate a single system based on DALI and DMX.

The DALI and DMX512 systems can be linked to any of NXP's lamp drivers utilizing the Cortex-M0 processor’s PWM outputs. The RGB LED power stage design can be simplified through NXP’s optional evaluation system.

NXP’s first DALI and DMX512 evaluation systems consist of a LPC1114 microcontroller powered by the Cortex-M0. The versatile LPC1100XL series microcontroller is effective for carrying out intelligent lighting projects based on DMX512 or DALI, the Digital Addressable Lighting Interface.

The 50-MHz LPC1100XL series has performance capability up to 45 DMIPS, and provides the resources needed for a MCU to decode and code DMX512 or DALI messages. It consumes just 110 uA/MHz of power, and standby power consumption is below 2 uA. Storage of scene settings can be facilitated using EEPROM emulation in flash or by utilizing LPC11E00 series-integrated EEPROM.

The LPC1100XL series enables up to four 16-bit and 32-bit timers, generating up to 11 PWM signals for ballast dimming and control. Embedded lighting applications can be programmed in C, ensuring minimal development complexity. It also promotes cost savings in the overall BoM.

The DMX512 evaluation system consists of a master unit with LPC11U14 microcontroller based on ARM Cortex-M0.

NXP also presents a small form factor RGB LED power stage with minimal component count. The GreenChip TEA1721 buck converter facilitates power conservation.

The first DALI evaluation system, OM13026 is currently available, while the DMX512 evaluation systems will be available by end of May 2012.

Source: http://www.nxp.com/