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| Freescale Unleashes 10 ColdFire Microcontrollers for Low-End 32-Bit Embedded Systems Freescale Semiconductor has added 10 highly integrated microcontrollers to the company's 32-bit ColdFire portfolio. These latest ColdFire MCU additions provide developers with a broad range of low-power connectivity options, coupled with comprehensive software tools. The expanded ColdFire MCU lineup includes extensions to the MCF5223x Ethernet MCU family, the MCF5221x USB MCU family and the MCF51QE ultra-low-power MCU family. Target applications for these families include security control panels, barcode scanners, medical pumps/monitors, environmental monitoring and remote data collection. These latest ColdFire MCUs are part of the Freescale Controller Continuum, the industry's only roadmap for compatible 8- and 32-bit architectures. Pin, tool and peripheral compatibility with other ColdFire MCUs provides an easy migration path to higher performance and integration. Freescale has added four Ethernet-enabled devices to the MCF5223x family, giving developers more performance options. These Ethernet MCUs feature an on-chip Ethernet controller with a 10/100 Ethernet PHY. The family's high level of integration gives developers more design flexibility at a competitive performance level. By embedding the Ethernet PHY on chip, designers can lower system cost, save board space and reduce the number of components in their design. Freescale is supporting the Ethernet MCU family with comprehensive software solutions, including a complimentary RFC-compliant TCP/IP stack that supports a wide range of protocols. The complimentary stack interfaces directly to CodeWarrior Development Studio to provide a full-featured software solution and a solid platform for application development. Freescale has added four USB-enabled devices to the MCF5221x family, giving designers more memory and performance options. The on-chip USB On-The-Go module featured throughout the device family gives designers the option of using the module in USB device or host modes. The MCF5221x family also integrates USB transceivers on chip, eliminating the need for an external component and simplifying system design. The USB MCUs feature optimized peripherals to enable low power consumption without compromising performance. The MCF5221x family has a six micro-amp current draw in standby mode and 10 micro-amp current draw in low-power run mode. Freescale is supporting the USB MCU family with comprehensive software solutions, including a complimentary USB stack that enables USB host and device modes of operation. The USB stack also supports several HID, CDC to UART, and host mass storage projects. The complimentary stack interfaces directly to CodeWarrior Development Studio, providing a productive, comprehensive development environment for designing embedded applications. Freescale has added two 32-bit devices to the recently announced Flexis QE family, providing developers with more memory options. Based on the V1 ColdFire core, the two MCF51QE32 devices provide ultra-low-power solutions for power-sensitive applications, such as battery-powered systems and portable devices. Offering 370 nA of current in the lowest power stop mode, these latest QE devices are designed to reduce power consumption and heat dissipation and address the growing market for energy-efficient "green" products. These latest MCF51QE32 devices are pin-for-pin compatible with the rest of the Flexis QE devices, providing an easy migration path to higher memory densities. CodeWarrior Development Studio supports Flexis QE devices, giving designers an easy-to-use design environment for Flexis QE MCUs. Freescale offers full-featured evaluation and cost-effective demonstration kits for the MCF5221x, MCF5223x and MCF51QE families. These kits are designed to help developers quickly learn about the MCUs and jumpstart application development. The development systems contain an interactive DVD with software examples, walk-throughs, training material and application notes to speed learning and development. Complimentary versions of CodeWarrior Development Studio also are included on the DVD. The MCF5223x and MCF5221x development kits provide access to the complimentary Ethernet or USB stacks respectively. write your comments about the article :: © 2007 Computing News :: home page |