Microchip Technology MEC1404-NU

Overview

MEC1404-NU from Microchip Technology is a 32-bit ACPI-compliant embedded controller (EC) for notebook and tablet platforms, integrating a MIPS32 M14K™ core, 128 kB code+data SRAM, LPC host interface, 106 GPIOs, and support for keyboard matrix scan (18×8), SMBus (6 ports), PS/2 (2 controllers), and eSPI (not enabled in this variant). It operates at 3.3V with VTR/VBAT dual-power planes and delivers system power management, thermal monitoring, and fan control in ultra-low-power sleep states.

For engineers reviewing the MEC1404-NU datasheet, MEC1404-NU pinout, MEC1404-NU application, or MEC1404-NU equivalent, key selection criteria include LPC interface compatibility, 128 VTQFP package constraints, 32 kHz RTC/week timer accuracy, secure boot ROM loader with AES-128, and integrated PECI 3.0 for CPU thermal telemetry - all critical for Windows Connected Standby and Intel Platform Environment design validation.

Technical Context

The MEC1404-NU implements a tightly coupled MIPS32 M14K microcontroller core with microMIPS instruction set, programmable clock frequencies (48/12/3/1 MHz), and deep-sleep debug support via 2-wire ICSP and Trace FIFO Debug Port (TFDP). Its vectored interrupt controller manages 32+ maskable hardware wake-up sources including GPIO edges, RTC alarms, and PS/2 activity.

It integrates a full LPC 1.1 interface with decoded I/O and memory cycles, supports CLKRUN#, SERIRQ, SMI#, and EC_SCI# signals, and operates across 19.2–33 MHz bus clocks. The embedded subsystem includes dual 16-bit auto-reloading timers, a 32-bit RTOS timer running continuously on 32 kHz, hibernation timer with 0.5 ms–128 min wakeup range, and week timer with sub-second alarm resolution.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MEC1404-NU is housed in a 128-pin Very Thin Quad Flat Package (VTQFP), RoHS-compliant, with 0.4 mm pitch and exposed thermal pad. Pin functions are fully multiplexed and configured by firmware via GPIO control registers; default power-on state sets all host interface pins to GPIO inputs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar embedded controller applications.

Compared with MEC1404-NU, MEC1406-NU offers +32 kB SRAM for expanded firmware features without layout change, while MEC1414-NU replaces LPC with eSPI - requiring PCB redesign and firmware stack migration but enabling next-generation platform compliance.

Availability

MEC1404-NU is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for notebook power management, thermal control, and keyboard subsystem applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MEC1404-NU includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Microchip Technology Inc. is a leading provider of microcontrollers, analog, FPGA, and connectivity solutions, serving automotive, industrial, consumer, and computing markets with vertically integrated silicon and development tools.

The MEC140x/1x family is designed specifically for PC embedded controller roles in notebooks and tablets, delivering ACPI-compliant power management, secure firmware execution, and mixed-signal peripheral integration in a single-chip solution.

FAQ

What host interface does the MEC1404-NU support?

The MEC1404-NU supports only the LPC 1.1 host interface - not eSPI or I2C. This is confirmed in the "Products" table on page 3 of DS00001956E, where MEC1404-NU lists "• LPC • I2C" under Host Interfaces but explicitly omits eSPI. Its pin configuration defaults to LPC alternate functions (e.g., LAD0–LAD3, LFRAME_N, LPC_PD_N), and firmware must initialize GPIO control registers accordingly. MEC1404-NU does not support eSPI clock or alert signals.

Does the MEC1404-NU include secure boot functionality?

Yes, the MEC1404-NU includes a Secure Boot ROM Loader that validates firmware images using CRC-32 and AES-128 encryption before loading into SRAM. It supports up to four code images in shared flash and enables crisis recovery over keyboard matrix scan pins - a documented feature in the "Common Features" section of DS00001956E. This ensures tamper-resistant firmware updates and field recovery without external programming hardware.

What is the maximum ADC resolution and accuracy of the MEC1404-NU?

The MEC1404-NU integrates an 8-channel, 10-bit ADC with ±0.5 LSB integral non-linearity (INL) and ±0.5 LSB differential non-linearity (DNL), achieving conversion in 10 µs. These values are specified in the "ADC Interface" subsection on page 2 of DS00001956E. Accuracy is maintained across temperature and supply variations, and the ADC supports external analog voltage reference for improved precision in thermal sensing applications.

Can the MEC1404-NU operate in Connected Standby mode?

Yes, the MEC1404-NU is explicitly designed for Connected Standby (S0ix) operation. It maintains full functionality of SMBus ports, GPIOs, RTC, timers, and PECI 3.0 while powered solely by VTR and VBAT supply planes. The datasheet confirms "Connected Standby Support" as a common feature and specifies low standby current in sleep mode - enabling continuous sensor monitoring and wake-event responsiveness without main system power.

What package type and pin count does the MEC1404-NU use?

The MEC1404-NU uses a 128-pin Very Thin Quad Flat Package (VTQFP), RoHS-compliant, as stated in the "Package" section on page 2 of DS00001956E and confirmed in the "Products" table. It is distinct from the 144-WFBGA option used by MEC1404-SZ. The VTQFP package features 0.4 mm pitch and an exposed thermal pad, optimized for notebook motherboard layouts requiring manual rework and thermal dissipation control.