cortex-m0
Latest
World's tiniest 'computer' makes a grain of rice seem massive
You didn't think scientists would let IBM's "world's smallest computer" boast go unchallenged, did you? Sure enough, University of Michigan has produced a temperature sensing 'computer' measuring 0.04 cubic millimeters, or about a tenth the size of IBM's former record-setter. It's so small that one grain of rice seems gigantic in comparison -- and it's so sensitive that its transmission LED could instigate currents in its circuits.
ARM Cortex-M0+ is a low-power, low cost 32-bit processor for the 'internet of things'
The "internet of things" is quite the buzzed about phenomena these days and everyone wants in on the action. But, much of the hype so far has been associated with that DIY staple, the Arduino, and its admittedly under-powered 8-bit MCU. ARM is looking to put more power at developers fingertips, though, with the Cortex-M0+, an ultra low-power processor designed for embedded applications. The 32-bit chip is based on the existing M0, but with significant tweaks that greatly improve performance while keeping power draw to a minimum. Freescale and NXP should be first out the box with licensed processors and, while we wouldn't anticipate these showing up in a refrigerator or printer just yet, we wouldn't be shocked if they drew some interest from hobbyists. Check out the complete PR after the break.
Make Angry Birds awesome again with DIY slingshot controller
Look, we're as tired of Angry Birds as you are -- the phenomena has certainly run its course. But, if we had Simon Ford's home-made slingshot controller, we might still be addicted to hurling the pissed-off poultry through the air. The DIY peripheral is built around an mbed microcontroller, three-axis accelerometer and a stretch sensor. Pinching and pulling the band initiates a click and drag, while the position of the slingshot itself determines the angle of launch. It's not the easiest gaming controller hack we've ever seen but, if you can follow directions, you could build your own courtesy of the instructions at the source link. If you're a little too intimidated to try it yourself, check out the video after the break to see it in action.
Cortex-M0: smallest, lowest power ARM processor available
If you love superlatives, you'll love ARM's new Cortex-M0. Hailed as the smallest, lowest power and most energy-efficient ARM processor available, this chip reportedly enables MCU developers to "achieve 32-bit performance at an 8-bit price point." The company asserts that this processor can consume as little as 85 microwatts/MHz (0.085 milliwatts) in an area of under 12K gates when using the ARM 180ULL cell library, and while that's probably over most of your heads, let's just say that this thing is ripe for use in medical devices, e-metering, lighting, smart control, gaming accessories and the like. Those looking to get this into their next widget should be thrilled to know that it's available today for licensing, though you'll have to phone up someone in the know to talk dollars and cents.
