Abstract: Systems and methods for multi-protocol serial communication interfaces are described. One example system includes an interface module including a buffer for storing a protocol selection. The system includes a protocol module coupled to the interface module and configured for providing one or more serial communication protocols. Based on the protocol selection, one of the serial communication protocols is selected. The system also includes a serial engine module coupled to the interface module and the protocol module. The serial engine module is configured for transmitting and receiving data or commands based on the selected serial communication protocol.

Abstract: Systems and methods for multi-protocol serial communication interfaces are described. One example system includes an interface module including a buffer for storing a protocol selection. The system includes a protocol module coupled to the interface module and configured for providing one or more serial communication protocols. Based on the protocol selection, one of the serial communication protocols is selected. The system also includes a serial engine module coupled to the interface module and the protocol module. The serial engine module is configured for transmitting and receiving data or commands based on the selected serial communication protocol.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for quickly switching active context between data pointer registers are disclosed. The apparatus can include a first register operable for storing a first data pointer and a second register operable for storing a second data pointer. A configuration register can provide a first signal specifying either the first or the second data pointer as an active data pointer. An instruction decoder can receive a data pointer instruction and output a second signal. The first and second signals can be independent from one another. Decoding logic coupled to the logic devices can output one of the first or second data pointers as the active data pointer in response to the first and second signals.

Abstract: A set of low-cost microcontroller extensions facilitates Digital Signal Processing (DSP) applications by incorporating a Multiply-Accumulate (MAC) unit in a Central Processing Unit (CPU) of the microcontroller which is responsive to the extensions.

Abstract: A microcontroller is operable to enable a compatibility mode where a clock source of the microcontroller is adjusted to support timing requirements of applications written for legacy microcontrollers. In some implementations, one or more scaling factors and/or wait state factors are applied to the clock source of the microcontroller to ensure timing compatibility.

Abstract: A set of low-cost microcontroller extensions facilitates Digital Signal Processing (DSP) applications by incorporating a Multiply-Accumulate (MAC) unit in a Central Processing Unit (CPU) of the microcontroller which is responsive to the extensions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for multiple data pointer registers and a means for quickly switching active context between the data pointer registers.