Freescale Expands 16-bit Automotive Microcontroller Capabilities with S12 MagniV Mixed-Signal MCU

A solution that integrates analog functions to reduce system cost and size by connecting the MCU directly to the car battery voltage.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (Freescale Technology Forum), June 21, 2011 – Freescale Semiconductor (NYSE: FSL, www.freescale.co.kr ) today introduced the S12VR64, the first single-chip device in its S12 MagniV mixed-signal microcontroller (MCU) family. The device is designed for DC motors in automotive window lift and sunroof applications connected to a Local Interconnect Network (LIN) automotive body network.

The S12VR64 MCU builds on Freescale’s innovative LL18UHV technology (announced in October 2010) which enables developers to connect high-voltage signals and power supplies directly to the MCU in automotive designs, saving board space, increasing system performance and reducing complexity by supporting comprehensive analog integration into the MCU.

Previously, automotive electrical design required multiple devices—one manufactured using a high-voltage process to connect to the battery and power actuator outputs, and one MCU manufactured using a low-voltage digital logic process—which presented challenges when the end application had space constraints. The S12VR64 MCU integrates multiple devices required for relay-driven electric motor control functions, including the LIN physical layer, voltage regulators, low-order and high-order drivers, into a single device.

This level of integration is possible with Freescale’s proven low-leakage 0.18-micron (LL18) manufacturing process, which combines 40V analog non-volatile memory (NVM) and digital logic on a single silicon chip, called LL18UHV technology. The result is a cost-effective, compact solution that can do what current designs require up to four chips to do: Fewer components means customers can use smaller boards, ultimately reducing vehicle weight and improving overall quality.

“Freescale is leveraging its leadership in automotive semiconductors and proven process technology expertise to develop more efficient solutions for networked automotive applications,” said Reza Kazerounian, executive vice president and general manager of Freescale’s microcontroller solutions group. “The S12VR64 mixed-signal MCU is the first device manufactured using our LL18UHV technology, and we continue to add products to our S12 MagniV family that deliver the right level of precision and intelligence for motor control and lighting applications in body electronics and other automotive areas.”

The S12 MagniV family leverages the proven and well-supported S12 16-bit MCU, ensuring software compatibility and tool reuse across a wide range of applications. The family includes:

• Latest S12VR64 mixed-signal MCU: A single-chip device developed based on LL18UHV technology that supports integration of high-voltage analog, NVM, and digital logic into a single semiconductor chip. This device offers the smallest footprint within its family of products.
• Existing SiP (System-in-Package) Solutions (MM912F634, MM912G634, MM912H634): Devices that integrate the S12 MCU and SMARTMOS analog control ICs, manufactured in a single package from two separate processes. These SiP devices are ideal for customers who require a dual-die solution for high-current applications.

Freescale is expanding its S12 MagniV family to include a full range of AEC-Q100 qualified products that integrate the MCU, automotive voltage regulator, LIN and CAN physical layers, and motor driver – all in a single-package solution, whether in single-chip or dual-die form. The next parts planned for the S12 MagniV family are single-chip solutions for applications such as brushless DC motor control, LED lighting, stepper motor control, general-purpose LIN slave nodes, or a combination of general-purpose MCU and high-voltage I/O.

The S12VR64 MCU is included in Freescale’s product life extension program and is guaranteed to be available for a minimum of 15 years. For more information, visit www.freescale.com/productlongevity .

Supply and price
The S12VR64 MCU is currently sampling. Freescale expects automotive AEC-100 qualification for the S12VR64 in early 2012. Budget pricing is $1.65 (USD) in 10,000-unit quantities.

Freescale Technology Forum Information
Created to foster innovation and collaboration, the Freescale Technology Forum (FTF) has become the premier annual event for developers in the embedded systems industry. Launched in 2005, the forum has attracted more than 40,000 customers from around the world to FTF events since its inception. Freescale’s annual flagship event, FTF Americas, is scheduled to take place June 20-23, 2011 at its new facility in San Antonio, Texas.