Freescale Announces New Qorivva Microcontroller for Developing Cost-Effective Parking Assist Systems

The 32-bit MPC5604E MCU integrates Ethernet connectivity and video compression capabilities to support safer, more efficient parking and cost savings across a wide range of vehicle models.

June 16, 2011, Seoul — Freescale Semiconductor [NYSE: FSL, www.freescale.co.kr ] today announced a new Qorivva 32-bit MCU (microcontroller) based on Power Architecture® technology that enables the economical application of surround camera parking assist systems, typically found in high-end luxury vehicles, to a wider range of vehicles.

The Qorivva MPC5604E 32-bit MCU supports easier and safer parking by transmitting high-resolution, compressed video data of a 360° view around the vehicle over high-speed Ethernet. Typically, transmitting video from a vehicle requires five low-voltage differential signal cables, each costing approximately $10 USD. By compressing the video signal and transmitting it over Ethernet, cables are eliminated, reducing the need for cables and lowering the Bill of Materials (BOM).

Automotive manufacturers can use Ethernet 2-wire networks to reduce material costs and weight while simultaneously increasing performance. The introduction of Ethernet is a critical step in migrating from closed applications to open, highly scalable driver assistance networks where multiple systems can easily access information from sensors.

"Ray Cornyn, Director of Freescale’s Automotive MCU Business Unit, said, 'Freescale is committed to providing automotive manufacturers with embedded processing solutions that reduce costs and expand the application of advanced safety features.' He added, 'With this latest MCU from Freescale’s Qorivva 32-bit MCU family, the automotive industry will be able to widely apply 360° parking assist systems to the mainstream market.'"

The Freescale Qorivva 32-bit MCU is positioned next to multiple cameras mounted around the vehicle, enabling direct interfacing with CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) image sensors. After video images are captured, the video data is compressed using low-latency motion JPEG compression and finally transmitted via a 2-wire Ethernet cable. Additionally, hardware-assisted AVB-compatible time stamping ensures accurate real-time communication as well as synchronization of camera exposures.

"Freescale and BMW have collaborated on the development of MCUs for automotive networks for several generations," said Thomas Koenigseder, Senior System Architect at BMW Network. "The MPC5604E is the latest product of our collaboration and will serve as a testament to Ethernet being a reliable, long-term solution for broadcasting video and other forms of data around the vehicle."

The Qorivva MPC5604E 32-bit MCU is a solution that expands Freescale's MCU family, designed for the rapidly growing ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) market. Last March, Freescale introduced the Qorivva MPC567xK family for advanced driver assistance systems, along with the Qorivva MPC56xB/C/, designed to significantly reduce security risks associated with automotive electronics tampering.