Fault-tolerant MCUs suit safety-critical in-car use

22nd April 2015

Barney Scott

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Datasheet

Utilising an in-house 40nm embedded Flash process, ST Microelectronics has added several devices to its multi-core MCU family, aimed at making cars safer. The automotive MCUs combine ISO 26262 ASIL-D compliance, encryption for security and increased memory size for the storage of vital programmes and data, strengthening ST’s line of fault-tolerant MCUs for demanding in-car applications.

These mission-critical applications include engine management, transmission, anti-lock braking, electric power steering, active suspension, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

Part of ST’s Power Architecture single-chip 32-bit automotive-MCU family, the SPC58NE product line combines multiple high-performance dual-issue cores with up to 6MB Flash and 768kB internal RAM memory, eight CAN (Controller Area Network) interfaces, and an optimised peripheral set based on the end application. The multiple cores ensure redundancy in these most-important applications to meet the safety and security demands of vehicle manufacturers and consumers.

“Security and functional safety compliance are essential to realising cutting-edge high-reliability SoC ICs for mission-critical automotive applications,” said Fabio Marchio, Group Vice President, General Manager, Automotive Microcontroller & Infotainment Division, ST Microelectronics. “Offering a simple and compelling upward-migration path from existing parts, our automotive MCUs enable improved vehicle performance and economy with no compromises in security, while delivering savings in development by promoting hardware and software reuse.”

The SPC58NE product line is currently available in BGA 292 and LQFP176 package configurations, with KGD versions planned in the near future. Compliant with the ISO 26262 ASIL-D and EVITA Medium class, the SPC58NE84 is sampling now.