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<b>Freescale Brings Analog-Digital Converter and 5V Operation to the Low-End S08 Microcontroller Family</b>

AUSTIN, Texas--Freescale Semiconductor is providing embedded developers a cost-effective microcontroller (MCU) solution to help expand their application possibilities. As personal electronic devices continue to become smaller, more sophisticated and more cost-sensitive, designers have a crucial need for affordable, feature-rich MCUs. To address this need, Freescale is introducing a new member of its 8-bit S08 MCU family, designed to reduce board space, system cost and power consumption for small appliance and DC fan applications.

The MC9S08QD4 (QD4) device provides the flexibility and functionality to help developers design a wider array of embedded applications. The QD4 device’s high level of integration and 5V support within a compact, 8-pin package make it ideal for cost-sensitive applications that require higher voltages. Application examples include motor control, security systems, walkie-talkies, camera zoom control, vacuum cleaners, industrial compressors, and ignition control for small motor applications, such as motorbikes that do not require Automotive Electronics Council (AEC) qualification.

The QD4 integrates a four-channel, 10-bit analog-to-digital controller (ADC) designed for higher resolution, faster conversion and an automatic compare function. The ADC enables the MCU to easily interface with analog inputs from devices such as sensors by converting the analog signal to a digital value. The automatic-compare functionality allows the MCU to compute values and perform comparisons to a preset threshold.

The QD4 also includes an internal clock source (ICS) module containing a frequency-locked loop (FLL) controlled by internal or external reference. The internal reference clock can eliminate the cost of all external clock components, which helps reduce board space and enhances system reliability.

“Building on the momentum of our Controller Continuum, we continue to broaden Freescale’s MCU portfolio and offer an array of price/performance options,” said Mike McCourt, vice president and general manager of Freescale’s microcontroller business. “We developed the QD4 to provide more functionality at the 4K Flash level and greater flexibility for designing embedded applications at attractive price points in today’s competitive consumer electronics and industrial control markets.”

The QD4 offers a robust support environment and pin-compatible migration within Freescale’s MCU portfolio when designers need to extend functionality. The QD4 is pin-compatible with the ultra-low-end MC9RS08KA2 and the highly integrated MC9S08QG8 microcontrollers. Shared peripherals and a common set of development tools help make it quick and easy for engineers to leverage their design investments.

MC9S08QD4 features

  • 16MHz HCS08 central processing unit
  • HC08 instruction set with added background (BGND) instruction
  • 4KB Flash memory
  • 256B RAM
  • Flash read/program/erase over full operating voltage and temperature
  • 4-channel, 10-bit ADC
  • Dual 16-bit on-chip timers
  • Internal clock oscillator with 2 percent deviation over temperature and voltage
  • Single-wire background debug interface
  • 8-pin PDIP and 8-pin narrow body SOIC packaging

Speeding system development

To help customers speed and simplify development, Freescale offers a complimentary Special Edition of its CodeWarrior™ development studio optimized for S08 core microcontrollers, such as the MC9S08QD4. The studio is included with the DEMO9S08QD4 demo board and also is available for download online at no charge. CodeWarrior Development Studio goes well beyond basic code generation and debugging. Designers can expect these tools to help streamline application design from the moment they open the box. It features an intuitive, state-of-the-art project manager and build system; a highly optimized compiler; a graphical, source-level debugger; integrated profiling capabilities; a full chip simulator, and more.

Pricing and availability

Samples of the MC9S08QD4 are available now in production quantities. Suggested resale pricing for 10,000-piece quantities is 69 cents (USD).

The DEMO9S08QD4 demonstration board is available now for the suggested resale price of $59.00 (USD).

A complimentary download of CodeWarrior v5.1, Special Edition is available under “Featured Tools” at www.freescale.com/8bit.

Visit http://www.freescale.com/files/pr/QD4.html for more information about the MC9S08QD4.

About Freescale Semiconductor

Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. is a global leader in the design and manufacture of embedded semiconductors for the automotive, consumer, industrial, networking and wireless markets. Freescale became a publicly traded company in July 2004. The company is based in Austin, Texas, and has design, research and development, manufacturing or sales operations in more than 30 countries. Freescale, a member of the S&P 500®, is one of the world’s largest semiconductor companies with 2005 sales of $5.8 billion (USD). www.freescale.com. 

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Freescale™ and the Freescale logo are trademarks of Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners. The HC08 products incorporate SuperFlash® technology licensed from SST. © Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. 2006.