Before checking out the test results, let’s have a look at the main features of Apollo MCU family:
- 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4F processor @ up to 24 MHz, with FPU, and wake-up interrupt controller with 12 interrupts
- Up to 512KB flash, 64-KB low-leakage RAM
- “Rich set of timing peripherals”
- Peripherals
- I2C/SPI master; I2C/SPI; UART;
- 10-bit, 13-channel, 1MS/s ADC
- Temperature sensor with ±2°C accuracy
- Voltage Range – 1.8 to 3.8V
- Power Consumption:
- active mode: 30µA/MHz (executing from Flash)
- sleep mode (with RTC on) – 100nA
- Packages – 64-pin BGA (4.5 x 4.5mm) with 50 GPIO, or 42-pin CSP (2.4 x 2.77mm) with 28 GPIO
One way to assess a micro-controller energy efficiency is to run EEMBC ULPBench benchmark, and Ambiq Micro Apollo MCU achieved a verified ULPMark-CP score of 377.50 points. That’s about double the score by the runner-up namely STMicro STM32L476RG MCU.
This ultra-low power consumption is made possible thanks to the SPOT platform which allows operation at lower voltages:
Ambiq Micro’s SPOT platform operates transistors at subthreshold voltages (less than 0.5V), rather than using transistors that are turned all the way “on” at 1.8V. It uses the leakage current of “off” transistors to compute in both digital and analog domains. The patented technology, implemented in an industry-standard CMOS process, has overcome the challenges of noise susceptibility, temperature sensitivity and process drift previously associated with subthreshold voltage switching.
Apollo MCUs are available now for $1.50 each in 10K+ volumes. Ambiq Micro has now a limited portfolio of products with only Apollo MCU and some RTC chips, but if the technology can also be applied to low power communication chips, we should see more coming.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
Also some more details @ https://community.arm.com/community/arm-partner-directory/partner-ambiq-micro/blog/2015/11/12/redefining-low-power-breakthrough-in-mcu-energy-consumption
Misfit Shine 2 is based on an Apollo MCU -> http://misfit.com/products/shine2
Sounds cute, but does it run MicroPython?
Ambiq Micro MCUs can now be bought outside the US through Fujitsu -> http://ambiqmicro.com/news/ambiq-micro-inc-signs-distribution-agreement-fujitsu-electronics-inc