Freescale Powertrain MCUs Feature Emissions Control Tech Aimed at Combating Global Warming
May 27, 2008 // Published as a news service by IHS
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Freescale Semiconductor introduced a family of 32 b automotive microcontrollers (MCUs) with integrated emissions control technology targeted at reducing automotive emissions that contribute to the greenhouse effect and global warming.
The devices offer up to 1.5 MB of flash memory, 81 KB of static random access memory (SRAM) and a Power Architecture core that scales up to 80 MHz.
Like other Freescale powertrain microcontrollers, these MCUs are engineered to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and enable cost-effective engine control designs for emerging markets, the company said.
The MPC563xM family includes three 32 b powertrain MCUs aimed at improving the efficiency of small engines scaling from one to four cylinders.
Built on Power Architecture technology, the MPC563xM devices offer powertrain functionality, such as on-chip emissions control, and address the cost constraints of engine and transmission suppliers, Freescale said.
The devices are manufactured on 90 nanometer (nm) technology and result from a joint development program with STMicroelectronics.
The MPC563xM powertrain MCUs feature emissions control technology that is based on a digital signal processing (DSP) engine built into the Power Architecture e200 core.
Freescale said this DSP capability enables engine designers to maximize fuel economy and performance while minimizing engine knocking, resulting in a 3% to5% reduction in CO2 emissions.
Based on single-input/multiple-data (SIMD) processing techniques, the DSP functionality also can be used for patented sensor diagnostics schemes that address on-board automotive diagnostics.
"The impressive processing power of our MPC563xM MCUs enables engine designers to develop powertrain solutions that help reduce CO2 emissions, as well as to address current and future automotive emissions requirements," said Paul Grimme, senior vice president and general manager of the Freescale microcontroller solutions group.
"These advanced, cost-effective MCUs are the right products at a time when green automotive technology is critical to addressing the growing concern of global warming," he said.
According to Freescale, the MPC563xM family's pricing makes advanced emissions control technology more affordable for emerging markets. For example, cost-sensitive engine designs of up to four cylinders are prevalent in emerging automotive markets such as China and India, where government regulations are moving in a direction of requiring automakers to manufacture more efficient engines that emit fewer harmful emissions.
The MPC563xM has a quad flat pack (QFP) option, and the devices are software compatible with Freescale's existing MPC55xx family.
Samples of MPC563xM products are planned to be available to lead automotive customers throughout 2008.
Source: Freescale Semiconductor Inc.