Freescale ColdFire(R) Microprocessors Enable High Performance Human-Machine Interface for Industrial Markets
32-bit families provide designers more control options with
on-chip LCD controller and increased USB functionality
AUSTIN, Texas—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Nov. 16, 2005—
Providing multiple capabilities on a single-chip, Freescale
Semiconductor's (NYSE:FSL) (NYSE:FSL.B) ColdFire(R) MCF532x and
MCF537x processor families address the growing demand for a human
machine interface with flexible connectivity options for industrial
applications.
Freescale enhances its 32-bit leadership with the introduction of
the MCF532x and MCF537x device families. Providing greater control,
connectivity and security solutions to customers, these families are
ideally suited for embedded applications such as factory automation,
healthcare monitoring and retail point-of-sale scanners.
The MCF532x and MCF537x device families are the first among an
expanding ColdFire portfolio to feature an on-chip USB host module and
a USB on-the-go module. Both families are based on the V3 ColdFire
core, which delivers performance up to 211 MIPS at 240MHz, placing
them among the highest performing in their class. In addition, the
MCF532x features an on-chip LCD controller that enhances system
performance and reduces system cost for applications that require LCDs
for human machine interfaces.
Both families include USB on-the-go, which allows two USB devices
to communicate with each other without the need for a host interface.
This allows the USB controller to perform a dual role that acts as
either the USB host or device, making it ideal for markets that
require system-to-system communication.
"With its strong and successful legacy in the 32-bit market,
Freescale's 68K/ColdFire architecture continues to be the mainstay for
industrial markets," said Tony Massimini, chief of technology, Semico
Research Corporation. "The expansion of the on-chip LCD and USB
capabilities on these devices will enable Freescale to remain a strong
competitor in the 32-bit embedded controllers."
To accommodate the growing trend toward industrial applications to
use more standardized connectivity protocols, these devices feature an
integrated controller area network (CAN) module and an integrated Fast
Ethernet Controller, which provide engineers added on-chip network
connectivity functionality. The MCF532x and MCF537x families also
feature an on-chip hardware encryption accelerator that supports
leading encryption algorithms and protocols for secure connectivity
while maintaining system performance. Both device families feature
four different low power management modes that optimize power
consumption without sacrificing system performance.
Family features at-a-glance
-- ColdFire(R) V3 Core
-- Up to 211 (Dhyrstone 2.1) MIPS @ 240 MHz
-- Enhanced multiply accumulate (EMAC) module and hardware divide
-- Integrated SVGA LCD controller
-- USB 2.0 full-speed host controller
-- USB 2.0 full-speed on-the-go controller
-- 10/100 Fast Ethernet controller
-- Enhanced CAN 2.0B controller
-- Hardware accelerated encryption
-- Four operation modes to support low-power management
To assist with processor design-in efforts, Freescale offers
comprehensive design and evaluation platforms for the MCF532x and
MCF537x ColdFire families. Both development platforms feature a
plug-in system on the module called a Fire Engine that can be designed
directly into an application and is expected to be available for
individual resale. The evaluation boards come with a complimentary
Special Edition of CodeWarrior Development Studio for ColdFire(R)
Architectures. Freescale also offers a full line of software and tools
solutions through partnerships with world-class embedded suppliers,
including Green Hills, MQX Embedded, Wind River and Accelerated
Technology, as well as many other independent suppliers. Customers can
expect to have access to full open source software solutions and third
party off the shelf boards.
To support these ColdFire families, Freescale has developed an
affordable companion power management integrated circuit (IC), the
MC34710. The programmable output voltages feature supports a wide
variety of uses, and the power sequencing feature helps to ensure a
seamless match to the two MCF532x and MCF537x ColdFire device
families.
Pricing and availability
Samples of the MCF532x family are available today, and samples of
the MCF537x family are expected to be available in January, 2006.
Production quantities for the MCF532x and MCF537x families are
anticipated in the second quarter of 2006. Suggested resale pricing in
10,000-piece quantities starts at $10.00 (USD) for the MCF532x and
$11.00 for the MCF537x devices.
The MC34710 is currently sampling with production quantities
expected to be available in Q1 2006. The suggested resale price in
10,000-piece quantities starts at $1.92.
For more information about the MCF532x and MCF537x families and
available services and support, visit
http://www.freescale.com/files/pr/dfw.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 after more
than 50 years as part of Motorola, Inc. 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 2004 sales of $5.7 billion (USD).
www.freescale.com
Reader Inquiry Response:
Freescale Semiconductor
P.O. Box 17927
Denver, CO 80217 USA
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.
2005.
Contact:
Freescale Semiconductor
North America:
Greg Warren, 512-895-7631
Email Contact
or
Lois Paul & Partners
Emilie Harris, 512-638-5321
Email Contact
or
Asia Pacific:
Gloria Shiu, (85-22) 666-8237
Email Contact
or
Europe, Middle East and Africa:
Regina Cirmonova, (41-22) 799-1258
Email Contact
or
Japan:
Koichi Yoshimura, (81-3) 5437-9350
Email Contact
or
Latin America:
Ruth Ruiz, 480-814-4897
Email Contact
|
Be the first to review this article
