Energy Micro announces the 'Lizard Lounge' – an online forum for energy friendly design using EFM32 Gecko microcontrollers

Forum launches with a chance for visitors to win Giant Gecko starter kits and prizes worth 3500 USD for the best low power designs is on offer

OSLO, Norway--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Energy Micro, the energy friendly microcontroller and radio company, has launched the Lizard Lounge, a user community for technical discussions related to the company’s energy-friendly microcontroller, the 32-bit ARM-based EFM32 Gecko MCU. At the same time, the company has announced a design competition for the best low power design that uses its products. To join the design competition, participants only need to enter their ideas before 31^st October 2012.

“Designers are used to share information and helping each other online, so we’ve set up this platform for those who need to achieve the most energy efficient applications based around microcontrollers.”

To help realize their concepts, 40 participants will receive an EFM32 Cortex-M3 starter kit, and the person submitting the winning implementation receives the first prize of 2000 USD for his or her energy-saving design.

For all EFM32 Gecko designers, the community includes FAQs, technical how-to guides, and a user forum where both fellow EFM32 users and Energy Micro’s own technical experts contribute. Community members also get early access to better versions of new tools and software.

Energy Micro’s Support and Training Manager, Rasmus Larsen, commented, “Designers are used to share information and helping each other online, so we’ve set up this platform for those who need to achieve the most energy efficient applications based around microcontrollers.”

EFM32 ARM-based devices are the world's most energy friendly microcontrollers. They come with Flash memory configurations up to 1024KB with the option of embedded USB connectivity, direct drive TFT, EBI and CPU speeds up to 48MHz. Depending on the version, the MCUs are offered with AES encryption, pulse counter, low energy UARTs and autonomous sensor interface, LESENSE, and on-chip operational amplifiers. Package options include small QFN24 to large BGA120.