Freescale ColdFire® Microprocessors Enable High Performance Human-Machine Interface for Industrial Markets

Freescale MC34710

32-bit families provide designers more control options with on-chip LCD controller and increased USB functionality

Providing multiple capabilities on a single-chip, Freescale Semiconductor's ColdFire® MCF532x and MCF537x processor families address the growing demand for a human machine interface with flexible connectivity options for industrial applications.

Freescale enhances its 32-bit leadership with the introduction of the MCF532x and MCF537x device families. Providing greater control, connectivity and security solutions to customers, these families are ideally suited for embedded applications such as factory automation, healthcare monitoring and retail point-of-sale scanners.

The MCF532x and MCF537x device families are the first among an expanding ColdFire portfolio to feature an on-chip USB host module and a USB on-the-go module. Both families are based on the V3 ColdFire core, which delivers performance up to 211 MIPS at 240MHz, placing them among the highest performing in their class. In addition, the MCF532x features an on-chip LCD controller that enhances system performance and reduces system cost for applications that require LCDs for human machine interfaces.

Both families include USB on-the-go, which allows two USB devices to communicate with each other without the need for a host interface. This allows the USB controller to perform a dual role that acts as either the USB host or device, making it ideal for markets that require system-to-system communication.

To accommodate the growing trend toward industrial applications to use more standardized connectivity protocols, these devices feature an integrated controller area network (CAN) module and an integrated Fast Ethernet Controller, which provide engineers added on-chip network connectivity functionality. The MCF532x and MCF537x families also feature an on-chip hardware encryption accelerator that supports leading encryption algorithms and protocols for secure connectivity while maintaining system performance. Both device families feature four different low power management modes that optimize power consumption without sacrificing system performance.

Family features at-a-glance

  • ColdFire® V3 Core
  • Up to 211 (Dhyrstone 2.1) MIPS @ 240 MHz
  • Enhanced multiply accumulate (EMAC) module and hardware divide
  • Integrated SVGA LCD controller
  • USB 2.0 full-speed host controller
  • USB 2.0 full-speed on-the-go controller
  • 10/100 Fast Ethernet controller
  • Enhanced CAN 2.0B controller
  • Hardware accelerated encryption
  • Four operation modes to support low-power management

To assist with processor design-in efforts, Freescale offers comprehensive design and evaluation platforms for the MCF532x and MCF537x ColdFire families. Both development platforms feature a plug-in system on the module called a Fire Engine that can be designed directly into an application and is expected to be available for individual resale. The evaluation boards come with a complimentary Special Edition of CodeWarrior Development Studio for ColdFire® Architectures. Freescale also offers a full line of software and tools solutions through partnerships with world-class embedded suppliers, including Green Hills, MQX Embedded, Wind River and Accelerated Technology, as well as many other independent suppliers. Customers can expect to have access to full open source software solutions and third party off the shelf boards.

To support these ColdFire families, Freescale has developed an affordable companion power management integrated circuit (IC), the MC34710. The programmable output voltages feature supports a wide variety of uses, and the power sequencing feature helps to ensure a seamless match to the two MCF532x and MCF537x ColdFire device families.

MC34710

Pricing and availability

Samples of the MCF532x family are available today, and samples of the MCF537x family are expected to be available in January, 2006. Production quantities for the MCF532x and MCF537x families are anticipated in the second quarter of 2006. Suggested resale pricing in 10,000-piece quantities starts at $10.00 (USD) for the MCF532x and $11.00 for the MCF537x devices.

The MC34710 is currently sampling with production quantities expected to be available in Q1 2006. The suggested resale price in 10,000-piece quantities starts at $1.92.

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