ST PR: Automotive safety-critical systems leap forward with next-generation microcontrollers from STMicroelectronics and Freescale

Hi,

 

The announcement below was released today, October 6, 2009.

 

 

KEY MESSAGES:

 

*         ST and Freescale announce sample availability of a next-generation microcontroller family dedicated to functional safety in automotive electronics

 

*         Flexible, configurable architecture uniquely addresses both lockstep and dual parallel operation mode on a single dual core chip

 

*         Compliance with safety standards: redundant architecture provides a compelling solution for real-time applications that require compliance with the IEC61508 SIL3 & ISO26262 ASILD safety standards

 

*         Reduces system costs: Dual core architecture reduces the need for component duplication at the system level, and lowers overall system costs

 

Photo: None

 



 

 

Automotive safety-critical systems leap forward with 
next-generation microcontrollers from 
STMicroelectronics and Freescale

Devices based on the industry’s leading functional safety architecture available now in sample quantities   

AUSTIN, Texas and GENEVA – Oct. 6, 2009 – Freescale Semiconductor and STMicroelectronics , leading semiconductor suppliers to the automotive industry, have introduced a new dual-core microcontroller (MCU) family aimed at functional safety applications for car electronics. The 32-bit devices help engineers address the challenge of applying sophisticated safety concepts to comply with current and future safety standards. The dual-core MCU family also includes features that help engineers focus on application design and simplify the challenges of safety concept development and certification. 

Based on the industry-leading 32-bit Power Architecture® technology, the dual-core MCU family, part-numbered SPC56EL at ST and MPC564xL at Freescale, is ideal for a wide range of automotive safety applications including electric power steering for improved vehicle efficiency, active suspension for improved dynamics and ride performance, anti-lock braking systems and radar for adaptive cruise control. 

The dual-core MCU family resulted from the two companies’ joint development program. The devices are designed specifically to address the requirements of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61508 and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 26262 safety standards that are being applied to the growing number of safety-critical systems in road vehicles. 

“The increasing importance of safety systems in cars, including advanced driver assistance and vehicle dynamics control, strengthens the need for more reliable and robust electronics,�?? said Paul Grimme, Corporate Vice President and General Manager of STMicroelectronics’ Automotive Product Group. “The dual-core ST-Freescale turnkey solution, designed to comply with the new ISO and IEC standards, is set to accelerate the development of next-generation, high-performance automotive safety applications.�??

The single-chip MCUs combine two high-performance cores with up to one megabyte of flash memory and an optimized peripheral set for safety and motor-control applications (supporting control of up to two brushless 3-phase motors). The dual-core architecture reduces the need for duplication of components at a system level, and therefore lowers overall system costs. 

“This jointly developed technology will enable faster development and validation of advanced safety systems,�?? said Dr. Reza Kazerounian, senior vice president and general manager of Freescale’s Microcontroller Solutions Group. “The advanced dual-core MCU family provides critical technology that will help global automakers, tier one suppliers and our development partners meet the exacting requirements of advanced safety systems and enable them to develop truly innovative products.�??

The dual-core architecture also provides unique flexibility by allowing the user to select lockstep or dual parallel processing (independent core operation) modes, enabling support of multiple safety architectures that the user can configure to achieve the required balance between safety and performance level. 

Initiated in February 2006, the ST – Freescale joint development program has been accelerating innovation in the automotive industry by developing microcontroller products that provide high levels of power and enhanced intelligence in many segments of car electronics. Customers have benefited from faster product and technology design and innovation and a real dual-source environment for critical, leading-edge components. For more information, visit www.st.com <http://www.st.com/>  or www.freescale.com <http://www.freescale.com/> . 

Notes to Editors

In the market-unique architecture of ST’s and Freescale’s dual-core microcontroller, both cores can execute the same code to increase the safety (‘lockstep’ or redundant processing), or either core executes a different code at the same time to increase the performance (dual parallel processing). 

 

The comprehensive safety concept enabled of the Freescale-ST designed dual-core MCU operating in lockstep mode goes beyond the typical approach employed in other lockstep MCUs, by replicating more than the functions of the central processing unit. The ST-Freescale dual-core MCU’s safety concept combines on-chip redundancy by replicating key device components, such as the CPU core, DMA (Direct Memory Access) and crossbar switch, with automatic hardware diagnostics and numerous additional safety features, meeting the requirements of the highest ISO Automotive Safety Integrity Level: ASIL D. The unique on-chip safety approach enables car equipment manufacturers to avoid additional circuitry and software and to concentrate on the application hardware and software development.

 

About Freescale Semiconductor 
Freescale Semiconductor is a global leader in the design and manufacture of embedded semiconductors for the automotive, consumer, industrial and networking markets. The privately held company is based in Austin, Texas, and has design, research and development, manufacturing or sales operations around the world. www.freescale.com. Follow us on Twitter <http://twitter.com/freescale> .

About STMicroelectronics

STMicroelectronics is a global leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications with innovative semiconductor solutions. ST aims to be the undisputed leader in multimedia convergence and power applications leveraging its vast array of technologies, design expertise and combination of intellectual property portfolio, strategic partnerships and manufacturing strength. In 2008, the Company’s net revenues were $9.84 billion. Further information on ST can be found at  <http://www.st.com> www.st.com.  

 

Press Contacts

Andy North

Freescale Semiconductor

(512) 996-4418

andy.north@freescale.com

 

Michael Markowitz

STMicroelectronics

(781) 591 0354

  michael.markowitz@st.com

 

 

ST and the ST logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of ST in various countries. Freescale and the Freescale logo are trademarks of Freescale Semiconductor, Inc., Reg. U.S. Pat. & Tm. Off...�?? All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners. The Power Architecture and Power.org word marks and the Power and Power.org logos and related marks are trademarks and service marks licensed by Power.org. 
© Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. and STMicroelectronics N.V. 2009 


 


 

 

Carol Brown

STMicroelectronics

Media Relations

WW Technical Articles Manager

603 465 9213