Freescale Semiconductor has introduced an S12XF series of 16-bit microcontrollers for use in embedded nodes on FlexRay networks for body, chassis and safety applications.
Based on a 50 MHz CISC core, Freescale’s S12XF microcontrollers feature XGATE co-processors, up to 512 KB of flash memory, and integrated single/dual-channel FlexRay v2.1 supporting data rates of 2.5, 5, 8 and 10 Mb/s per channel. Package options range from the 112-pin low-profile quad flat-pack (LQFP) to the 10 mm x 10 mm 64-pin LQFP, which is said to rank among the smallest FlexRay controllers available.
Ray Cornyn, Freescale’s global manager for automotive microcontrollers, said the small-footprint S12XF MCUs target space-restricted applications such as distributed actuator and sensor control modules that communicate with 32-bit central controllers on a FlexRay network. The 16-bit S12XF devices can serve as end nodes for applications such as suspension control, active rollover prevention, active braking, lane departure warning, parking maneuver assistance, and electronic parking brakes.