Freescale Expands Capabilities in 16-bit Automotive Microcontrollers with S12 MagniV Multi-Signal MCU

A solution that can reduce system cost and size by integrating analog functions and directly connecting the MCU to the automotive battery voltage

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

The S12VR64 MCU is based on Freescale’s innovative LL18UHV technology (announced in October 2010), which supports comprehensive analog integration for the MCU, enabling developers to directly connect high-voltage signals and power supplies to the MCU in automotive designs, thereby reducing board space, improving system performance, and mitigating complexity.

Previously, automotive electronics design required multiple devices—specifically, devices manufactured using high-voltage processes and MCUs manufactured using low-voltage digital logic processes—to connect to battery and power actuator outputs. This caused problems when there were space constraints in the final application. The S12VR64 MCU integrates multiple devices required for relay-driven electric motor control functions, such as the LIN physical layer, voltage regulator, and low- and high-order drivers, into a single device.

This level of integration was made possible by LL18UHV technology, which integrates 40V analog NVM (non-volatile memory) and digital logic onto a single semiconductor chip using Freescale's proven low-leakage 0.18-micron (LL18) manufacturing process. The result is a cost-effective, ultra-compact solution capable of handling tasks that currently require up to four chips with just a single chip. Fewer components improve overall quality, as customers can use smaller boards to ultimately reduce the weight of the vehicle.

"Freescale is developing more efficient solutions for networked automotive applications by leveraging its leadership and proven process technology expertise in the automotive semiconductor field," said Reza Kazerounian, Executive Director of the Freescale Microcontroller Solutions Group. "The S12VR64 multi-signal MCU is the first device manufactured based on LL18UHV technology, and Freescale will continue to add products to the S12 MagniV family that provide the appropriate level of precision and intelligence for motor control and lighting applications in body electronics and other automotive areas."

The S12 MagniV family utilizes the proven and well-supported S12 16-bit MCU, ensuring software compatibility and tool reuse across a wide range of applications. The family consists of the following:
• Latest S12VR64 Multi-Signal MCU: A single-chip device developed based on LL18UHV technology that supports the integration of high-voltage analog, NVM, and digital logic into a single semiconductor chip. This device provides the smallest footprint within the product family.
• Existing SiP (System in Package) Solutions (MM912F634, MM912G634, MM912H634): These devices integrate an S12 MCU and a SMARTMOS analog control IC, which are manufactured into a single package using two separate processes. These SiP devices are ideal for customers requiring dual-die solutions suitable for high-current applications.

Freescale is moving to expand the S12 MagniV family of products to include the full range of AEC-Q100 certified products that integrate MCUs, automotive voltage regulators, LIN and CAN physical layers, motor drivers, and more into a single-package solution, whether in single-chip or dual-die form. The next planned components in 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 combinations of general-purpose MCUs and high-voltage I/O.

The S12VR64 MCU is included in Freescale's Product Longevity program and is guaranteed to be available for at least 15 years. For more information, visit www.freescale.com/productlongevity .

Supply situation and prices
The S12VR64 MCU is currently being supplied in sample quantities. Freescale anticipates that the S12VR64 will receive automotive AEC-100 certification by early 2012. The budget price is $1.65 (USD) based on a quantity of 10,000 units.

Freescale Tech Forum Information
The Freescale Technology Forum (FTF), established to foster a spirit of innovation and collaboration, has established itself as the premier annual event for developers in the embedded systems industry. This forum, which began in 2005, has attracted over 40,000 customers from around the world to FTF events since its inception. Freescale’s annual flagship event, FTF Americas, is scheduled to be held from June 20 to 23, 2011, at its new facility in San Antonio, Texas.