ROHM Group company LAPIS Semiconductor has recently announced the availability of 32bit microcontrollers ideal for data loggers used in logistics for acquisition and management of environmental information during package shipment. The ML630Q464/466 are the first ICs in the industry to integrate all major functions required for data logging (USB, high-speed clock generation, LCD driver, high-accuracy RC oscillation type AD converter), data acquisition (i.e. temperature, humidity, acceleration), data display, and PDF file generation on a single chip.
In recent years rising concerns about the safety and security of foods and medicines have expanded the use of logistics systems to maintain cold temperatures (cold chain) without interruption, from production to transportation and consumption, particularly for perishables and pharmaceuticals. Consequently, in the logistics industry it will be necessary to manage the transportation environment that affects package quality – namely temperature, humidity, and shock/vibration. This is expected to increase demand for management tools such as data loggers by more than 10% per year.
For data loggers, which are typically attached to packages and in many cases disposable, it is important to reduce both size and cost by utilizing smaller batteries along with fewer parts. In addition, operating guidelines such as FDA regulations on cold chain and GDP require reliable recording of package conditions during transport and the output of uneditable PDF files to prevent tampering of records (log data).
In response, the ML640Q464/466 provide PDF file generation and integrate key functions for USB data logging on 1 chip while leveraging LAPIS Semiconductor’s expertise in low power consumption, high noise immunity, and high performance. These new MCUs utilize an ARM Cortex M0+ 32bit CPU core to achieve high performance with low power consumption. Log data can be easily converted to PDF in about 4 seconds and operation is enabled for up to 380 days using a single coin battery. In addition, the products inherit LAPIS Semiconductor’s robust noise immunity, making it possible to achieve stable operation even under severe conditions.
