Sharp Microelectronics Europe and Nordic ID, the manufacturer of mobile data capture instruments and auto ID products, are successfully co-operating to design ARM-based industry handheld devices. At the heart of the new PL3000 mobile computer is the 200 MHz ARM9 32-bit MCU LH7A400 from the Sharp BlueStreak family. Ever since it was introduced on
the market in February 2005, this mobile computer designed for inventory management has been very well received in industry, trade and logistical circles. The PL3000 handles all current transmission standards such as WLAN, Bluetooth, GSM and GPRS, making it possible to remain connected to the
company network at all times. This industry handheld device operates under
the Windows CE operating system. Even under variable light conditions, the
3.5 inch, VGA, transflective Sharp TFT-Display ensures good picture
quality.
"The efficient Sharp processor is ideally suited for demanding applications such
as in the Nordic ID PL3000. The MCU combines numerous features, such as
USB host, audio interface, video and serial and parallel interfaces, which are
essential for network and media applications ", explains Gunter
Wagschal, Product Marketing Manager for BlueStreak MCUs at Sharp
Microelectronics Europe.
The on-chip peripheral units include, for example, a programmable LCD
controller, touchscreen controller, interfaces with various storage media,
DMA controller, internal SRAM, infrared support, IC, real-time clock (RTC),
timer and PLL circuit. The LCD controller supports resolutions of up to
1024x768, up to 64,000 colours or 15 greyscales and permits direct
connection to STN, Color STN, TFT and Sharps HR-TFT and DMTN Displays. The
possible uses of the Sharp LH7A400 processor are just as varied and go all
the way from medical appliances and industrial control systems to mobile
communications and entertainment units and electronic toys. In March 2005,
the clock frequency of the LH7A400 was raised to 250 MHz . The MCU therefore
supplies sufficient power for even more demanding applications in future.
In addition to the peripheral units integrated in the LH7A400, Teemu
Ainasoja, Marketing Director of Nordic ID, also attaches particular value to
the effective development assistance provided by Sharp: "The LH7A400 MCU
fits in perfectly with our PL3000, which will considerably boost sales of
Nordic ID this year. The power of this processor means that functional
upgrades of the PL3000, for example through the addition of extra RFID and
biometrics options and other audio ID and communications technologies will
not be a problem in future, either."
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