Freescale unveils new integrated technology for automotive intelligent network applications

S12 MCU SiP combined with LL18UHV technology enables direct connection to vehicle powertrain network and additional system cost savings

Freescale Semiconductor has introduced next-generation technology to serve the rapidly growing automotive intelligent distributed node market. Freescale's new LL18UHV integrated technology, combined with its existing S12 microcontroller (MCU) system-in-package (SiP) product family, meets the technical and commercial requirements (i.e., minimizing space requirements and costs) for applications such as window lifts, sunroofs and motor control.

In the past, automotive electronics designs required multiple devices: some devices were created with high-voltage processes to connect to the battery and power actuator outputs; some devices provided microcontrollers for low-voltage digital logic processes. Therefore, this poses certain challenges when the physical space of the end application is limited. Freescale provides two ways to solve this problem for customers:

• Current Products: SiP solutions that combine different MCU and analog mixed-signal chips assembled into a single package through two independent processes. These SiP devices are ideal for customers who need a high current dual-die solution.

•Next Generation Products: This is a new cost-competitive technology for monolithic devices. It allows the integration of high voltage analog, non-volatile memory (NVM) and digital logic on a single chip for applications where lower current is required.

“With the introduction of our S12-based SiP devices and the announcement of our new LL18 UHV technology, we are providing our customers with a strong roadmap for the evolution of automotive body networks,” said Ray Cornyn, Freescale’s director of automotive microcontroller products. “This new process technology will certainly advance our thinking on how to address the limitations of body microcontrollers.”

Local Interconnect Network (LIN) connected nodes are the fastest growing segment of the automotive networking market, and Freescale is addressing this market need with the introduction of its next-generation LL18UHV technology, which integrates nonvolatile memory, digital logic and 40V analog into a single chip using Freescale’s reliable, low-leakage 0.18-micron manufacturing process.

Freescale plans to develop a whole series of AEC-Q100 high-quality products based on LL18UHV technology, and plans to launch specific products next year. These products will integrate MCU, automotive voltage regulator, LIN and CAN physical layer, motor drive and other functions on a single chip to meet the specific needs of the car and reduce the overall system cost. These parts will also provide a common CPU, digital peripheral kit and common analog features.

MM912F634 Related Introduction

The MM912F634 series is now available - the latest device from Freescale's cost-effective S12 Intelligent Distributed Control (IDC) family. The MM912F634 series meets AEC Q100 standards and reduces cost and space in window-operated applications. These SiP devices combine chips based on Freescale's 0.25-micron SMARTMOS8 MV technology with industry-leading S12 MCU technology.

Product Features:

• Freescale's high-performance 16-bit S12 CPU products include 32KB of Flash memory and 2K of RAM;

• An internal RC oscillator, two automatic window watchdogs (including dedicated oscillator and real-time interrupt module);

• Cascaded low-dropout regulators (5V and 2.5V) including fault detection and low-voltage reset (LVR) circuits;

•LIN 2.1 physical layer interface;

• Two protected low-side outputs for driving inductive loads, two protected high-side outputs, six high-voltage inputs (shared digital and analog inputs, with wake-up function);

•Battery voltage sensing with low battery warning, reverse battery protection, configurable cycle sensing and forced wake-up function;

•Current sensing module with selectable gain;

• On-chip temperature sensor (read via ADC channel);

• Use Hall sensor power supply as switchable 18V regulator;

• Six digital (5V) general-purpose I/Os (shared with SPI), three 5V digital/2.5V analog I/Os (shared with 16-bit timers), 2-channel PWM, 10-bit ADC, and SCI (optional pull-up resistors are provided on each terminal).

Availability

The automotive-qualified MM912F634 family is available now for sampling. Suggested retail prices start at $4.07 in 10,000-unit quantities, with a variety of package and operating frequency options. Samples of the automotive-qualified LL18UHV are scheduled to be available in early 2011, with volume production scheduled to begin in mid-2012. The MM912F634 family is included in Freescale's longevity program, ensuring supply for at least 15 years. For availability terms, see www.freescale.com/productlongevity .