NXP Announces ‘World’s Smallest’ Single-Chip SoC, Embedded World 2017 Plans

NXP Semiconductors has announced a new system-on-a-chip solution. Called the MC9S08SUx microcontroller family, it doesn’t quite roll off the tongue, but it does lay claim to the title of the world’s smallest single-chip SoC, according to NXP.

The chip comes in at a size of only 4 x 4 x 0.65mm. It’s an eight-bit chip designed for IoT applications, offering a supply voltage range of 4.5V-18V. In a statement announcing the device, NXP highlighted potential for use in “drones, robots, power tools, DC fan, healthcare and other low-end brushless DC electric motor control (BLDC) applications.”

NXP is likely to show off the solution at next week’s Embedded World 2017 conference in Nuremberg, Germany, where the company is scheduled to present a keynote address on March 14th, the opening day of the event. In announcing its participation in the conference, NXP indicated that it will also showcase technologies including applications processors, NFC solutions for authentication in the IoT, a Bluetooth Low Energy heart rate monitor, and various offerings with automotive applications, among other solutions.

The company’s various efforts underline its value to Qualcomm, which recently extended its share tender offer to NXP as it pursues an acquisition that could expand its reach into the automotive sector and other IoT areas.

Sources: Investopedia, TheStreet