Freescale Expands Portfolio of 16-Bit Automotive Microcontrollers with FlexRay(TM) Technology

  
    
  
  
    
      With the market debut of FlexRay™ technology 
      in 2007 model vehicles, high-speed communications networks are 
      redefining automotive safety and performance. To help drive 
      next-generation vehicle network architectures forward, Freescale 
      Semiconductor (NYSE:FSL) (NYSE:FSL.B) has expanded its family of 16-bit 
      automotive microcontrollers (MCUs) with FlexRay technology and flash 
      memory scaling to 512K.
    
    
      Based on Freescale’s widely used, high-volume 
      S12 architecture, the MC9S12XF family provides a high-performance 
      distributed control solution for embedded nodes on FlexRay networks used 
      in body, chassis and safety applications. FlexRay technology provides up 
      to 10 times the speed of existing communications protocols for 
      automotive networks. This leap in network performance can enable more 
      nimble and versatile stability control systems, more precise engine 
      management and weight-saving electronic “brake-by-wire” 
      systems that eventually may replace bulky hydraulic brakes.
    
    
      “FlexRay technology provides the high-speed 
      communications bandwidth required by today’s 
      active driving systems and tomorrow’s 
      autonomous cars with drive-by-wire capabilities,” 
      said Ray Cornyn, Freescale’s global manager 
      of automotive microcontrollers. “To help 
      proliferate this innovative technology, Freescale offers a growing 
      portfolio of standalone FlexRay controllers and 16- and 32-bit FlexRay 
      embedded MCUs. Today’s S12XF family expansion 
      broadens the choice of FlexRay solutions for automotive system designers.”
    
    
      The S12XF family features four highly integrated MCUs offering a variety 
      of memory configurations and Freescale’s 
      performance-boosting XGATE coprocessor. Package options range from the 
      112-pin low-profile quad flat-pack (LQFP) device to the 10mm x 10mm 
      64-pin LQFP – the smallest FlexRay controller 
      available.
    
    
      The small-footprint S12XF MCUs are ideal for space-restricted 
      applications, such as distributed actuator and sensor control modules 
      that communicate with 32-bit central controllers on a FlexRay network. 
      The 16-bit S12XF devices can serve as end nodes for a wide range of 
      advanced safety and active driving applications, such as suspension 
      control, active rollover prevention, active braking, lane departure 
      warning, parking maneuver assistance and electronic parking brakes.
    
    
      FlexRay communications protocol
    
    
      FlexRay technology is a deterministic, fault-tolerant communications 
      protocol that supports data rates of 10Mbps for advanced control 
      applications. By offering increased network throughput, this high-speed 
      communications technology can help enable system cost reductions by 
      reducing the number of parallel controller area networks (CAN) used to 
      solve bandwidth bottlenecks. The high bandwidth of FlexRay technology 
      makes it an ideal protocol for vehicle-wide network backbones, and the 
      dual-channel architecture addresses the redundancy requirements of 
      advanced safety systems. The combination of these benefits enables 
      next-generation vehicle designs that are safer, more responsive, more 
      reliable and more environmentally friendly.
    
    
      A co-founder of the FlexRay Consortium, Freescale was the first 
      semiconductor company to introduce to the automotive market a FlexRay 
      controller based on a 16-bit architecture. Freescale offers the industry’s 
      broadest array of FlexRay-based products and is currently the only 
      semiconductor supplier with a FlexRay controller in a production-ready 
      automobile. In addition, Freescale provides broad ecosystem support for 
      its FlexRay solutions, including development software and starter kits. 
      For more information about Freescale’s 
      FlexRay solutions, visit www.freescale.com/flexray.
    
    
      XGATE coprocessor
    
    
      In addition to offering FlexRay technology, the S12XF family integrates 
      Freescale's XGATE coprocessor module, which functions like a dedicated 
      coprocessor for the main CPU. Introduced on the S12X architecture in 
      2004, the RISC-based XGATE coprocessor addresses the design challenge of 
      achieving higher MCU performance without the cost and complexity of 
      adding separate processors.
    
    
      Running at twice the speed of the main CPU without any CPU processing 
      overhead, the XGATE coprocessor is engineered to boost system 
      performance by up to 100 MIPS at peak operation. As a result of this 
      coprocessor architecture, S12XF devices can deliver performance similar 
      to many 32-bit MCUs while retaining the benefits of Freescale’s 
      successful S12X architecture, such as low system cost and high code 
      efficiency.
    
    
      16-bit automotive MCU leadership
    
    
      Freescale’s S12 and S12X products enable 
      scalability, hardware and software reusability, and compatibility across 
      a broad array of automotive electronics platforms. The S12 MCU family is 
      the most widely adopted 16-bit architecture in the automotive market. 
      S12-based devices are now shipping at a rate of more than 100 million 
      units per year. The scalable S12 family offers developers a range of 
      choices for their application needs, with on-chip flash scaling from 
      32KB to 1MB and a smooth migration path to higher performance S12X 
      devices.
    
    
      MC9S12XF family features
    
    
      
        50MHz S12X core based on a highly efficient 16-bit CISC architecture
      
      
        Integrated single/dual-channel FlexRay v2.1 supporting data rates of 
        2.5, 5, 8 and 10 Mb/s per channel
      
      
        FlexRay clock derived from crystals ranging from 4MHz to 40MHz for 
        cost and EMC optimization using a PLL
      
      
        Integrated XGATE module delivering up to 100 MIPS of additional 
        processing power
      
      
        512KB, 384KB, 256KB and 128KB automotive-quality flash memory options 
        with error correction code (ECC)
      
      
        2KB and 4KB of EEPROM and 16KB, 24KB and 32KB of RAM
      
      
        Up to 16 channel analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with configurable 
        8/10/12-bit resolution capable of 3µs 
        conversion time
      
      
        Integrated motor control module using 6-channel pulse width modulator 
        (PWM) with fault protection and current sense inputs
      
      
        Support for control area network (CAN), local interconnect network 
        (LIN) and serial peripheral interface (SPI) protocols
      
      
        Enhanced periodic interrupt timer with three sync sources (ADC, PMF 
        trigger capability to enhance motor control algorithms)
      
      
        Small-footprint package options scaling to I/O needs
      
      
        Extensive tools support from S12X family
      
    
    
      MC9S12XF family availability
    
    
      Freescale plans to offer samples of MC9S12XF family devices 
      (MC9S12XF512, MC9S12XF384, MC9S12XF256 and MC9S12XF128) and evaluation 
      boards in Q1 2007. For more information about the MC9S12XF family, visit http://www.freescale.com/files/pr/s12xf.html.
    
    
      About Freescale Semiconductor
    
    
      Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. (NYSE:FSL) (NYSE:FSL.B) is a global leader 
      in the design and manufacture of embedded semiconductors for the 
      automotive, consumer, industrial, networking and wireless markets. 
      Freescale became a publicly traded company in July 2004. The company is 
      based in Austin, Texas, and has design, research and development, 
      manufacturing or sales operations in more than 30 countries. Freescale, 
      a member of the S&P 500®, is one of the 
      world’s largest semiconductor companies with 
      2005 sales of $5.8 billion (USD).
    
    
      www.freescale.com
    
    
      
        
          
            Reader Inquiry Response:
          
        
      
      
        
          Freescale Semiconductor
        
      
      
        
          P.O. Box 17927
        
      
      
        
          Denver, CO 80217 USA
        
      
    
    
      Freescale™ and the Freescale logo 
      are trademarks of Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. All other product or 
      service names are the property of their respective owners. © 
      Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. 2006.
    
    
      NOTE TO EDITORS: In the seventh bullet under the "MC9S12XF family 
      features" section, the micro symbol and "s" were replaced with 
      "microseconds" to facilitate transmission in some systems.
    
  
With the market debut of FlexRay(TM) technology in 2007 model
vehicles, high-speed communications networks are redefining automotive
safety and performance. To help drive next-generation vehicle network
architectures forward, Freescale Semiconductor (NYSE:FSL) (NYSE:FSL.B)
has expanded its family of 16-bit automotive microcontrollers (MCUs)
with FlexRay technology and flash memory scaling to 512K.

   Based on Freescale's widely used, high-volume S12 architecture,
the MC9S12XF family provides a high-performance distributed control
solution for embedded nodes on FlexRay networks used in body, chassis
and safety applications. FlexRay technology provides up to 10 times
the speed of existing communications protocols for automotive
networks. This leap in network performance can enable more nimble and
versatile stability control systems, more precise engine management
and weight-saving electronic "brake-by-wire" systems that eventually
may replace bulky hydraulic brakes.

   "FlexRay technology provides the high-speed communications
bandwidth required by today's active driving systems and tomorrow's
autonomous cars with drive-by-wire capabilities," said Ray Cornyn,
Freescale's global manager of automotive microcontrollers. "To help
proliferate this innovative technology, Freescale offers a growing
portfolio of standalone FlexRay controllers and 16- and 32-bit FlexRay
embedded MCUs. Today's S12XF family expansion broadens the choice of
FlexRay solutions for automotive system designers."

   The S12XF family features four highly integrated MCUs offering a
variety of memory configurations and Freescale's performance-boosting
XGATE coprocessor. Package options range from the 112-pin low-profile
quad flat-pack (LQFP) device to the 10mm x 10mm 64-pin LQFP -- the
smallest FlexRay controller available.

   The small-footprint S12XF MCUs are ideal for space-restricted
applications, such as distributed actuator and sensor control modules
that communicate with 32-bit central controllers on a FlexRay network.
The 16-bit S12XF devices can serve as end nodes for a wide range of
advanced safety and active driving applications, such as suspension
control, active rollover prevention, active braking, lane departure
warning, parking maneuver assistance and electronic parking brakes.

   FlexRay communications protocol

   FlexRay technology is a deterministic, fault-tolerant
communications protocol that supports data rates of 10Mbps for
advanced control applications. By offering increased network
throughput, this high-speed communications technology can help enable
system cost reductions by reducing the number of parallel controller
area networks (CAN) used to solve bandwidth bottlenecks. The high
bandwidth of FlexRay technology makes it an ideal protocol for
vehicle-wide network backbones, and the dual-channel architecture
addresses the redundancy requirements of advanced safety systems. The
combination of these benefits enables next-generation vehicle designs
that are safer, more responsive, more reliable and more
environmentally friendly.

   A co-founder of the FlexRay Consortium, Freescale was the first
semiconductor company to introduce to the automotive market a FlexRay
controller based on a 16-bit architecture. Freescale offers the
industry's broadest array of FlexRay-based products and is currently
the only semiconductor supplier with a FlexRay controller in a
production-ready automobile. In addition, Freescale provides broad
ecosystem support for its FlexRay solutions, including development
software and starter kits. For more information about Freescale's
FlexRay solutions, visit www.freescale.com/flexray.

   XGATE coprocessor

   In addition to offering FlexRay technology, the S12XF family
integrates Freescale's XGATE coprocessor module, which functions like
a dedicated coprocessor for the main CPU. Introduced on the S12X
architecture in 2004, the RISC-based XGATE coprocessor addresses the
design challenge of achieving higher MCU performance without the cost
and complexity of adding separate processors.

   Running at twice the speed of the main CPU without any CPU
processing overhead, the XGATE coprocessor is engineered to boost
system performance by up to 100 MIPS at peak operation. As a result of
this coprocessor architecture, S12XF devices can deliver performance
similar to many 32-bit MCUs while retaining the benefits of
Freescale's successful S12X architecture, such as low system cost and
high code efficiency.

   16-bit automotive MCU leadership

   Freescale's S12 and S12X products enable scalability, hardware and
software reusability, and compatibility across a broad array of
automotive electronics platforms. The S12 MCU family is the most
widely adopted 16-bit architecture in the automotive market.
S12-based devices are now shipping at a rate of more than 100 million
units per year. The scalable S12 family offers developers a range of
choices for their application needs, with on-chip flash scaling from
32KB to 1MB and a smooth migration path to higher performance S12X
devices.

   MC9S12XF family features

   --  50MHz S12X core based on a highly efficient 16-bit CISC
        architecture

   --  Integrated single/dual-channel FlexRay v2.1 supporting data
        rates of 2.5, 5, 8 and 10 Mb/s per channel

   --  FlexRay clock derived from crystals ranging from 4MHz to 40MHz
        for cost and EMC optimization using a PLL

   --  Integrated XGATE module delivering up to 100 MIPS of
        additional processing power

   --  512KB, 384KB, 256KB and 128KB automotive-quality flash memory
        options with error correction code (ECC)

   --  2KB and 4KB of EEPROM and 16KB, 24KB and 32KB of RAM

   --  Up to 16 channel analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with
        configurable 8/10/12-bit resolution capable of 3 microseconds
        conversion time

   --  Integrated motor control module using 6-channel pulse width
        modulator (PWM) with fault protection and current sense inputs

   --  Support for control area network (CAN), local interconnect
        network (LIN) and serial peripheral interface (SPI) protocols

   --  Enhanced periodic interrupt timer with three sync sources
        (ADC, PMF trigger capability to enhance motor control
        algorithms)

   --  Small-footprint package options scaling to I/O needs

   --  Extensive tools support from S12X family

   MC9S12XF family availability

   Freescale plans to offer samples of MC9S12XF family devices
(MC9S12XF512, MC9S12XF384, MC9S12XF256 and MC9S12XF128) and evaluation
boards in Q1 2007. For more information about the MC9S12XF family,
visit http://www.freescale.com/files/pr/s12xf.html.

   About Freescale Semiconductor

   Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. (NYSE:FSL) (NYSE:FSL.B) is a global
leader in the design and manufacture of embedded semiconductors for
the automotive, consumer, industrial, networking and wireless markets.
Freescale became a publicly traded company in July 2004. The company
is based in Austin, Texas, and has design, research and development,
manufacturing or sales operations in more than 30 countries.
Freescale, a member of the S&P 500(R), is one of the world's largest
semiconductor companies with 2005 sales of $5.8 billion (USD).

   www.freescale.com

-0-
*T
Reader Inquiry Response:
Freescale Semiconductor
P.O. Box 17927
Denver, CO 80217 USA
*T

   Freescale(TM) and the Freescale logo are trademarks of Freescale
Semiconductor, Inc. All other product or service names are the
property of their respective owners. (C) Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
2006.

   NOTE TO EDITORS: In the seventh bullet under the "MC9S12XF family
features" section, the micro symbol and "s" were replaced with
"microseconds" to facilitate transmission in some systems.