Select a secure architecture
The EFM8 is based on a Harvard
architecture, allowing it to only execute code
fetched from program memory and allows
locking of program memory to prevent
unauthorized examination. These are two
advantages in the EFM8 hardware that
protect a product from security attacks.
Select a low latency system
Variations in interrupt response time can
cause adverse effects in some applications,
causing, for example, audio distortion or
motor noise and vibration. With the EFM8
it’s easy to work “close to the metal” and
have full control over the entire system.
Select a simple solution
The EFM8 microcontroller is ideal for
processing 8-bit data that comes from
port I/O or sensor inputs. A great many
applications don’t require complex
mathematics processing and benefit
significantly from the code density
advantages of an 8-bit processor when
not tasked with 16-bit or 32-bit
mathematics. Human interface functions,
sensor interfaces, and distributed
processing functions are examples that
easily benefit from the simplicity of the EFM8
solutions.
EFM8 microcontrollers are based on the popular
8051 core. The 8051 architecture ecosystem
represents nearly 25% of the existing MCU market.
“Sub-$0.50 MCU prices, tiny
footprints, ultra-low power, low
software overhead and design
simplicity, all prerequisites
for IoT devices. Silicon Labs
designed the new EFM8 family
to deliver best-in-class features
and functionality in each of
these application-critical areas.”
- IHS, 2015
EFM8 Applications
Industrial
POS equipment
Smart meters
Power converters
Control & automation
Optical modules
Consumer
Data cables
Gaming
LED wristbands
Home and Building
Fire and safety
Sensors
Automation
Health and Fitness
Medical
Wearables
Precision instrumentation
Motor Control
Model vehicles
Small motors
Electric tools
Appliances
Fast Processor Core
With up to 72 MHz operation and with 70% of the
instructions executing in less than 1 or 2 clock
cycles, the EFM8 MCUs offer an economical solution
that satisfy the performance needs of embedded
applications. Also, the efficient architecture reduces
memory requirements of the application.
Efficient Digital Peripherals
Autonomous digital peripherals reduce the processor
overhead and the configurable logic reduces
surrounding chip logic. The EFM8 MCUs include
high-performance timers, higher resolution PWMs
and fast serial communication peripherals including
12 Mbps SPI, 3 Mbps UART and 3.4 Mbps I2C.
High Performance Analog
The EFM8 family of MCUs offer high-performance
analog peripherals such as 14 bit ADCs at 900
Ksps, 12 bit ADCs at 1 Msps, and 10 bit ADCs at
1.125 Msps, high noise immune capacitive sensing
peripherals and temp sensors that reduce the
system cost and simplify designs.
Highly Integrated
The EFM8 family features high-precision oscillators,
integrated on-board voltage regulator, USB charger detect
circuitry and high performance peripherals in packages
as small as 1.65x1.78 mm to reduce the PCB area and
BOM cost.
No Performance Compromise
The EFM8 MCUs provide no-compromise peripherals
that are fully characterized with guaranteed
performance over temperature and voltage.
Ultra Low Power
EFM8 extends battery life with ultra-low sleep currents
down to 50 nA with brown out detection, fast wake
up times with less than 2 µs, active currents as low as
150 µA/MHz and Low energy USB module for power
consumption reduction of up to 90%.
Digital Crossbar and
Analog Multiplexer
Silicon Labs’ patented crossbar technology
enables maximum flexibility and unparalleled ease
of development, allowing designers to select any
peripherals with no conflicts in pin-out or PCB layout.
Simplicity Studio™ Software
Free Simplicity Studio with integrated IDE, free unlimited
code size Keil Compiler, demos, libraries and example
codes, energy and Capsense Profiler tools, configurators,
easily updated support packages, software and
documentation, all at your fingertips.
50nA
2µs
150uA/
MHz
Time
8 factors that make
EFM8 the world’s only
no-compromise
8-bit microcontroller.
EFM8
EFM8
ADC
PGA
DAC
VREF
CAP
Sense
Temp
Sense