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Feb 03, 2024

FTDI bundles free 32bit MCU hardware with FT90x compiler

Glasgow-based FTDI is promoting its 32-bit RISC FT90x microcontrollers with a free development board when the associated compiler is bought from MikroElektronika. Rather than being any of the usual

Glasgow-based FTDI is promoting its 32-bit RISC FT90x microcontrollers with a free development board when the associated compiler is bought from MikroElektronika.

Rather than being any of the usual suspects, the processing core within the FT90x was developed by FTDI runs with zero wait states up to 100MHz and delivers 293DMips.

The development board, Clicker 2, also from MikroE, has power management, battery charging, LEDs, crystal oscillators and pushbuttons, as well as accepting MikroE’s multitude of ‘Click’ add-on boards, of which there are currently 118 – including wireless comms, motor control, cameras, displays and sensors.

The pay-for compilers cover C, Pascal and Basic.

“Each provides a full integrated development environment [IDE] with library support for all FT90x features plus a syntax colour-coded editor and project manager,” said FTDI. “To encourage adoption, the FT90x development package is being offered with free worldwide shipping.”

While stocks last, Clicker 2 with mikroC it is $299, or $249 for the mikroBasic or mikroPascal.

FT90x has 256kbyte flash (with 256kbyte shadow RAM for zero wait-state operation), 64kbyte data RAM, an ADC with seven input channels, and two 10bit DACs.

FTDI writes:

Based upon FTDI Chip’s new FT32 high performance, 32 bit RISC core, the FT90X series provides a plethora of connectivity options, making it the ideal choice for advanced technology bridging solutions. By executing instructions from shadow RAM, rather than flash memory, the FT90X can operate at true Zero Wait States (0WS) up to 100MHz with 310 DMIPS performance.

Using the industry standard GCC compiler, together with the Eclipse IDE, allows the FT90X to utilise a wide variety of third-party and open source software.