Freescale Semiconductors Inc. and Continental AG say they have jointly developed the auto
industry’s first triple-core microcontroller. The new 32-bit device has twice the processing
power of typical one-core electronic braking system microcontroller units, 3 MB of flash
memory and 96 KB of static random access memory, which is often used in microcontrollers.
The microcontroller uses Freescale’s e200 cores based on Power Architecture platform,
which is described as the most widely used microcontroller technology for 32-bit
automotive applications. This includes powertrain management, electronic braking systems,
stability control, navigation and telematics.
In addition, the new controller features industry-standard 130-nanometer line geometry
process technology and Continental’s proprietary fail-safe technology that meets SIL3
(Safety Integrity Level 3) requirements for electronic power steering, collision avoidance,
steer-by-wire and electronic braking applications. All software developed for the triple-
core microcontroller will be complaint with FlexRay and AUTOSAR specifications.
Initial application is for Continental’s next-generation electronic braking systems for
undisclosed 2009 model-year vehicles. Austin, Tex.-based Freescale plans to introduce
higher-performance, 90-nanometer triple-core microcontrollers in 2010-model vehicles.
[So, when can we F@H with our vehicles?
] [The steer-by-wire doesn't make me feel all that great.
]