Freescale Introduces Industry's Most Powerful Microcontroller for Automotive Powertrain Systems

Freescale's new multicore Qorivva 32-bit MPC5676R MCU, built on Power Architecture(R) technology, provides four times the performance, double the memory space and more functionality than the previous-generation, single-core MPC5566 MCU. The combined benefits of the MPC5676R allow global automakers to incorporate state-of-the art technology, such as direct injection, turbo-charging and full drive by wire systems into a single controller.



Freescale understands the key role technology plays in helping automakers produce greener, more fuel-efficient vehicles, and we have a long history of working with the automotive industry to develop the solutions they need for their latest-generation designs, said Ray Cornyn, vice president of Freescale's Automotive MCU business. For powertrain, our goal is to produce the most powerful and flexible MCUs that can simultaneously manage all the complex control of a modern engine, while giving designers the tools and software platforms they need to reduce system complexity.



The 90-nanometer, dual-core MPC5676R MCU is equipped with:





6 MB of on-chip flash memory

384 KB of on-chip RAM

Three high-performance enhanced timing processor units (eTPU)

64-channel 12-bit analog-to-digital converter.

CAN and FlexRay(TM) communications systems

On-chip hardware for knock detection processing.

The device includes two parallel 180 MHz 32 Bit Power Architecture processors for maximum throughput and software flexibility.



The MPC5676R's increased performance and features address the competitive forces of the automotive industry head-on. Industry-standard Power Architecture cores make it easy for software engineers to reuse legacy code, helping drive down automakers' costs even when moving to advanced multi-core architectures.



The adaptability and capability of the MPC5676R make it ideal for a variety of powertrain control applications, including diesel, gasoline and natural gas engines and hybrid electric and plug-in electric vehicles. Freescale continues to work with global automotive OEMs, including GM, to provide 32-bit MCU solutions that can meet the performance demands required to manage complex powertrain systems.



Comprehensive ecosystem for Qorivva MCUs



The strength and value of Qorivva microcontrollers extend beyond the silicon. Each Qorivva MCU comes with a full run-time software solution, including AUTOSAR MCAL driver suites and AUTOSAR real-time operating system for single-core and multicore MCUs. Qorivva MCUs also are supported by development tools, including high-performance compilers and multicore debuggers from Freescale development partners. Access to this ecosystem of Freescale and third-party tools helps reduce application development complexity and debugging/validation time during prototyping and software integration.



In addition, the Qorivva powertrain portfolio is now supported by a new eTPU compiler, debugger and simulator, helping to lower customer development costs and providing them with a tool for creating advanced engine timer software.



Freescale's deep roots in the automotive electronics industry are apparent in its involvement with industry consortia. Freescale is a founding member of the DSI, FlexRay and LIN consortia, a premium member of AUTOSAR and an active member of the PSI5, JASPAR and GENIVI consortia. Freescale's Power Architecture products are also supported by its global systems labs and software customization services.



Availability



Freescale plans to offer evaluation kits and samples of the MPC5676R MCU in January 2012. For pricing, please contact your local Freescale sales representative.



Advanced powertrain controls white paper and video



Each new generation of powertrain control systems challenges designers with greater complexity and the need for increased computing performance. As a leading supplier of automotive powertrain MCUs, Freescale has helped address these challenges as it has facilitated the automotive industry's pioneering efforts in electronics control. To learn more about the need for an advanced control architecture and Freescale's multicore solution that addresses current and future powertrain needs, read the Challenges and Solutions in Advanced Powertrain Controls white paper or view a Freescale video about it here.