Freescale Provides MCU Tech for GM 2008 Full-Size Hybrid SUVs
February 29, 2008 // Published as a news service by IHS
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Freescale Semiconductor Inc. is providing microcontroller (MCU) technology for the hybrid drive train used in the General Motors (GM) Chevy Tahoe hybrid and GMC Yukon hybrid, which are hybrid full-size sport utility vehicles (SUVs).
The Tahoe hybrid and Yukon hybrid models are entering the market as hybrid vehicles sales in the U.S. have reached an all-time high.
According to J.D. Power & Associates, U.S. hybrid sales surged 40% in 2007. The research firm also estimates that hybrid vehicles may account for 2.4% of new vehicle sales in the U.S.
GM's two-mode hybrid transmission is a powertrain design that is aimed at boosting the fuel economy of the SUVs and large luxury vehicles by up to 50% in city driving compared with traditional gasoline engines, Freescale said.
Based on the GM-Allison hybrid system for city buses, this patented hybrid technology is optimized for city and highway driving. In addition, the 2008 Tahoe/Yukon models have a 6,000 pound towing capacity.
The power inverter module used in the GM two-mode hybrid powertrain is controlled by Freescale 32 b Power Architecture MCUs. All of the switching is controlled by the powertrain control units and the software, which monitor driving and select the proper transmission mode.
"With the introduction of the world's first full-size hybrid SUVs, GM is pioneering a niche in the automotive market that's in step with today's growing concerns about the environment and global warming," said Paul Grimme, senior vice president and general manager of the Freescale microcontroller solutions group.
GM's patented hybrid technology features two modes for city and highway driving. In the first mode, at low speed and light loads, the vehicle can operate in three ways: electric power only, engine power only or in any combination of engine and electric power.
When operating with electric power only, the two-mode powerplant provides the fuel savings benefits of a full hybrid system, according to GM. Leaving the engine shut off for extended periods of time while moving under electric power at low speed is key to reducing fuel consumption in heavy stop-and-go traffic, according to GM.
The second mode is used primarily at highway speeds. In addition to electric assist, the second mode provides eight-cylinder engine power when conditions demand it, such as when passing other vehicles, pulling a trailer or climbing a steep grade. A control unit determines when the vehicle should operate in either mode of the two-mode drive system.
Source: Freescale Semiconductor Inc.