32-Bit MCUs Handle Extreme Temperatures

Logging on as the industry's first 32-bit microcontrollers with an operating temperature range from -55°C to +125°C, the MPC555 and the MPC566 are the latest additions to the MPC500 family of PowerPC devices. The two MCUs extend the family's previous temperature range of -40°C to +125°C, making them suitable for use in aerospace and avionics applications. The MPC555 and MPC566 employ 40 MHz and 56 MHz PowerPC cores, respectively, and include 26 KB to 56 KB of SRAM, queued serial multi-channel modules, two A/D converter modules with up to 40 analog input channels, two to three controller area network (CAN) modules, a modular I/O system with 22 timing channels, and JTAG and background debug modules. Other features include support for real-time operating systems. The MPC555 in a 272-ball PBGA and MPC566 in a 388-ball PBGA are priced at $89.16 and $107.29, respectively each/10,000. MOTOROLA INC., Austin, TX. (512) 895-2000.