Motorola Combines Flash MCUs with Analog ICs for Automotive Applications
New Devices Integrate Control and Power Functions To Help Reduce Components and Costs in LIN Systems
MUNICH, Sept. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- As the Local Interconnect Network (LIN) protocol, a low-cost serial communication system for vehicles, gains acceptance by automakers worldwide, demand is increasing for LIN enabled products. Motorola, Inc.'s Semiconductor Products Sector is addressing this market requirement with a new series of devices that combine high-performance flash microcontrollers (MCUs) with SMARTMOS(TM) analog integrated circuits (ICs) in a single package.
Many of today's LIN systems include a variety of different ICs and numerous discrete components. Motorola's new MM908E624 and MM908E625 Intelligent Distributed Control devices integrate virtually all of the features needed for a LIN node into a single 54-lead SOIC (small outline integrated circuit) package. These devices are designed to help automotive suppliers incorporate power and control functions into systems such as seat, mirror and window lift controls, door locks and other automotive electronics.
Communication, Intelligence and Power in One Small Package
For communication, Motorola's MM908E624 and MM908E625 devices include the LIN physical layer coupled with a flash MCU that integrates an enhanced serial communications Interface for simple yet flexible management of the LIN protocol. In addition, a special internal oscillator module in the MCU, called an internal clock generator, eliminates the need for an external quartz oscillator.
The HC908 microcontroller provides intelligence for demanding motion control decisions while its flash memory enables on-the-fly programming and production flexibility. Additional MCU features include dual timer channels, a 10-bit analog-to-digital converter and serial peripheral interface.
The analog ICs on the MM908E624 and the MM908E625 are manufactured using Motorola's proprietary SMARTMOS process. This enables the combination of high-density/high-speed logic with precision analog and high-voltage/high- current power circuitry.
The MM908E624 includes the drivers and inputs necessary for high-current DC motor control using low-cost relays. Its analog IC features include three high-side outputs that allow direct control of automotive relays with a minimal number of external components.
With an analog IC that features four half-bridges and one high-side output, the MM908E625 allows for direct control of the motors used in door locks and other small motor control applications. In addition to running DC motors, the MM908E625 can be configured to run bipolar stepper motors in current control mode up to 500mA in size.
The analog ICs on both Intelligent Distributed Control devices also incorporate a watchdog timer and an advanced voltage regulator with the capability to enter a battery-saving low-power mode with system wake up via LIN or external inputs.
Development Support, Price and Availability
Development support is offered with the LIN development kits, which are PC-interface boards combined with individual device evaluation boards. They allow users to program/debug software for the MM908Exxx product family and then to control the programmed device using a LIN master GUI. The kit includes a software monitor interface for the HC08 architecture, the MON08, to enable programming and debugging of MM908Exxx products. This debug tool allows flash programming and software debugging of all HC908 Flash MCUs. The kit is supported by most HC08 programming/ debugging utilities, including Metrowerks CodeWarrior(TM) for HC08, which is available separately.
Sample quantities of both of the new Intelligent Distributed Control devices for LIN are currently available, with production quantities expected to be available in first quarter of 2004. The suggested list prices (USD) for 10,000-piece quantities are $3.95 for the MM908E624 and $4.95 for the MM908E625.
The evaluation kits, KIT908EINTFCEVB, KIT908E624DWBEVM and KIT908E625DWBEVM, are each available now for a suggested list price of $100.00 (USD).
About the LIN Consortium
The LIN Consortium was initiated in 1998 as a group of seven companies focused on developing the LIN specification as a low-end multiplex solution to complement the Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol, while reducing the development, production and servicing of automotive electronics. The Consortium has evolved to today's 35 members - the original seven Steering Group members and 28 Associated members - made up of leaders in the automotive, semiconductor and communications sectors. Steering Group members include Audi, BMW AG, DaimlerChrysler, Motorola Inc., Volvo Car Corporation, Volkswagen and Volcano Communications Technologies AB (VCT). Since the release of the first documents in July 1999, the Consortium has disseminated the specification more than 10,000 times to industrial parties worldwide with the first LIN-based applications appearing in production vehicles in 2001.
About Motorola, Inc.'s Semiconductor Products Sector
As the world's #1 producer of embedded processors, Motorola's Semiconductor Products Sector creates DigitalDNA(TM) system-on-chip solutions for a connected world. Our strong focus on wireless communications and networking enables customers to develop smarter, simpler, safer and synchronized products for the person, work team, home and automobile. Motorola's worldwide semiconductor sales were $5.0 billion (USD) in 2002. For more information please visit: http://www.motorola.com/semiconductors.
About Motorola, Inc.
Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT) is a global leader in providing integrated communications and embedded electronic solutions. Sales in 2002 were $27.3 billion. Motorola is a global corporate citizen dedicated to ethical business practices and pioneering important technologies that make things smarter and life better, honored traditions that began when the company was founded 75 years ago this year. For more information, please visit: http://www.motorola.com/.
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