Freescale Introduces Analog ICs for Small Engine Electronic Control Units

Emission control regulation and fuel economy and environmental concerns drove the first wave of electronic engine control for cars and trucks in the 1980s. The same conditions are fueling innovation in today’s small internal combustion engine market. The small engine market is migrating from carbureted systems to cleaner, more efficient electronic ignition controls and electronic fuel injection (EFI). Engine manufacturers are now able to design smaller, more efficient engine controls that precisely schedule engine events, enabling greater reliability, fuel efficiency and pollution reduction.

“Small engine makers are increasingly deploying electronic engine controls, including EFI or e-Carb and electronic ignition for motor bikes, motor scooters and power equipment, driven by mandated emission reductions and a global desire for environmental friendliness and energy efficiency,” said Gavin Woods, vice president and general manager of Freescale’s Analog, Mixed Signal and Power division. “Current solutions rely mainly on discrete components. Freescale’s new analog devices integrate the requirements from the tier one engine ECU developers who supply the leading motorcycle and scooter manufacturers.”

Target applications for the MC33813 and MC33814 include electronic controls for one and two cylinder gasoline motors used in motorcycles, mopeds, scooters and three-wheeled taxis. The devices also can be applied to small engine designs for a wide range of outdoor power equipment, such as lawnmowers, garden tractors, trimmers, edgers, chain saws, snow and leaf blowers, tillers, electrical generators and outboard motors.

The MC33813 is an engine control analog power IC intended for one-cylinder motorcycle and other small engine applications. It consists of five integrated low-side drivers and two pre-drivers.

The MC33814 is intended for two-cylinder engine applications. It consists of six integrated low-side drivers and three pre-drivers.

Both ICs include a variable reluctance sensor (VRS) input circuit, a voltage pre-regulator using an external pass transistor and two five-volt internal regulators (one for the MCU Vcc supply and the other for use as a protected sensor supply). Also included is an MCU reset control circuit with watchdog, an ISO 9141 K Line interface for diagnostic communication and a serial peripheral interface (SPI). The low-side drivers can drive up to two fuel injectors, a lamp, two relays or other loads, such as a fuel pump and a tachometer. The pre-drivers can drive IGBT or MOSFET transistors to control ignition coils and a HEGO heater. The devices are packaged in a 48-pin LQFP with an exposed pad.

The reference ECU design gets the extended capability of two cylinders. Low level drivers will be provided for the MC9S12 MCU family to take advantage of the improved diagnostic reporting via SPI. Software is provided to track crank position, read analog sensors, determine fuel quantity and ignition timing, and schedule ignition coils and fuel injectors. The pin compatible S12EXP calibration device will be retained and a new cost effective Calibration solution using the K-line diagnostics port is in development.

Both the MC33813 and MC33814 are included in the Freescale product longevity program, with a minimum of 15 years of product availability.

Availability and pricing

The MC33813 and MC33814 are now available in sample quantities, with production volumes planned for Q3 2013. Pricing for 10K units is $1.69 (USD) for the MC33813 and $2.06 (USD) for the MC33814. To obtain pricing for larger quantities, please contact a Freescale sales representative.

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