32-Bit MCUs Hit The Road

Providing a common system-development platform for advanced powertrain, car body, safety, and cluster applications, the company unveils four Power Architecture families of 32-bit MCUs that combine the scalable e200-core 32-bit Power Architecture with an application-optimized peripheral set and flash memory. For engine-management and powertrain applications, the SPC563M family controls robotized transmission systems or four-cylinder engines. The devices integrate up to 1.5 MB of flash with a dedicated coprocessor. The first available MCU in the family, the SPC563M60 packs 1 MB of flash. The SPC560B family targets car-body applications. Features include 128 KB to 2 MB of flash, an ADC for sensor-less positioning, a hardware module to generate control signals for multiple power devices, power-saving modes, a wide range of communication interfaces, and support for EEPROM emulation techniques. The SPC560B50 with 512 KB of flash is the first available SPC560B family member. The SPC560P family handles converging applications in the chassis and safety area by focusing on compatibility, performance and safety. The first device in the family, the SPC560P50, comes with 512 KB of flash memory and features serial connectivity, integrated safety features, and DMA/CRC units to process data in airbag systems. The fourth family, the SPC560S covers instrument cluster applications including TFT-display dashboards. The first family member, the SPC560S60, features a four-plane display-control unit with graphical memories. All devices in the family will also offer a standard peripheral set, i.e., analog gauge drivers with zero position detection and diagnostics, LCD interfaces, and sound channels. Additionally, all four families support current automotive standards including the AUTOSAR open-systems architecture and FlexRay networking. STMICROELECTRONICS, Lexington, MA. (888) 787-3550.