11 Nov 2008 - Freescale delivers single-chip microcontroller solution for next-generation automotive gateways

Highly integrated 32-bit dual-core MCU simplifies design of gateway modules that connect leading automotive communications protocols

MPC5668G Signature Graphic

MUNICH, Germany (electronica 2008) – Nov. 11, 2008 – As the electronic and software content in automobiles continues to grow, so does the need for reliable communication between vehicle subsystems. Freescale Semiconductor is helping to address this networking design challenge by introducing the industry’s most powerful 32-bit automotive microcontroller (MCU) designed for in-vehicle gateway modules.

Freescale’s new MPC5668G MCU offers unparalleled performance and single-chip integration to help automotive developers reduce the cost and design complexity of connecting in-vehicle networks together at a single point. The dual-core Power Architecture® device supports the automotive industry’s leading communications interfaces, such as CAN, LIN, Ethernet, Media Local Bus and FlexRay™ technology.

“The MPC5668G MCU offers unmatched performance and integration that enables a single connection point to eliminate the bottleneck between various high-speed communication protocols,” said Kevin Klein, global automotive MCU marketing manager at Freescale. “Our new dual-core MCU also builds upon a strong Power Architecture software ecosystem, which is especially critical for gateways that require specific software enablement solutions.”

The MPC5668G is a member of a scalable family of Freescale automotive MCUs designed for body electronics applications. These highly integrated MCUs range from cost-competitive CAN and LIN gateway devices to high-end gateway MCUs that enable developers to reuse their knowledge and software investment in Freescale gateway solutions to address a wide range of automotive design requirements.

Single-chip solution for advanced gateways
The gateway module – analogous to a router in an enterprise network – is one of the most sophisticated, compute-intensive applications in the entire vehicle. Most electronic control units, whether they are located in the chassis, powertrain or body electronics domains, must pass information to other automotive subsystems through a central gateway. In addition to providing a focal point for diverse communications protocols, the gateway also is used as a router for centralized diagnostics and reprogramming of other modules.

Many of today’s automotive gateway solutions include two or more chips: a main MCU connected to external communication controllers, RAM or flash memory devices. These multi-chip solutions have performance limitations, increase system cost and pose electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) constraints.

In addition to contributing to module cost-savings benefits, the MPC5668G device helps deliver significant system performance improvements in the areas of communication bandwidth, diagnostic capabilities and module re-flashing time. Highly integrated MCU solutions like the MPC5668G ultimately will help drive more reliable and capable in-vehicle networking to handle the increasing electronic content in automobiles.

MPC5668G product features

• Dual Power Architecture e200 cores operating at up to 128 MHz with enhanced DSP capability
• 2 MB of program flash
• 592 KB embedded RAM, split into two blocks to allow concurrent accesses by bus masters
• Dual-channel FlexRay controller
• Media Local Bus DIM controller
• Fast Ethernet controller
• 6 x FlexCAN
• 4 x eSCI with LIN master support
• 3 x DSPI
• 64-channel analog-to-digital controller (ADC)
• 32-channel eDMA controllers
• 208-pin MAPBGA package

Comprehensive development support
The MPC5668G is backed by an extensive ecosystem of hardware and software development tools optimized for automotive MCUs built on Power Architecture technology. Access to this ecosystem of Freescale and third-party tools helps reduce application development complexity and debugging/validation time during prototyping and software integration.

Pricing and availability
Samples of MPC5668G are planned to be available to selected customers in February 2009. For product pricing, please contact local Freescale sales representatives.

For more information about the MPC5668G MCU and development ecosystem, visit www.freescale.com/files/pr/automotive.html .

Freescale: The leader in automotive semiconductors
Freescale is the world’s No. 1 supplier of automotive semiconductors, with more than 30 years of experience in the automotive industry. Freescale’s sensors, analog products and 8-, 16- and 32-bit MCU families provide intelligence and connectivity for advanced safety, body electronics, chassis, engine control, powertrain, driver information and telematics. Freescale is a pioneer in FlexRay™ technology and was the first supplier to integrate CAN, LIN™ and flash memory technologies on automotive MCUs.

About Freescale Semiconductor
Freescale Semiconductor is a global leader in the design and manufacture of embedded semiconductors for the automotive, consumer, industrial, networking and wireless markets. The privately held company is based in Austin, Texas, and has design, research and development, manufacturing or sales operations in more than 30 countries. Freescale is one of the world's largest semiconductor companies with 2007 sales of $5.7 billion (USD). www.freescale.com

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