AUSTIN, Texas -- Freescale Semiconductor (NYSE:FSL) (NYSE:FSL.B) is bringing enhanced system integrity and higher integration to designers of automotive body and multiplexing applications by extending its high-performance S12X 16-bit microcontroller (MCU) range. With more memory options, the advanced S12XE MCU family was designed to provide greater functionality in one package and reduce overall system costs.

The lead device, S12XEP100, doubles the memory size at the top of the S12X range to 1MB and significantly increases MCU performance for applications including central body control, instrumentation, door modules and chassis nodes. The advanced 208 MAP BGA package option delivers many more input/output ports than previously available.

Based on the popular HCS12 product line, the S12XE's advanced features are designed to enable current HCS12 users to retain the value of their investment in software and systems design, while providing the leap in functionality required by the next generation of vehicle electronics systems. With 16K to 1MB flash, the S12X MCU memory range is one of the broadest on the market. The S12XE family's leading-edge 0.18 micron process technology allows larger memory areas and more peripheral modules to fit on smaller die sizes.

The S12XE family includes a memory protection unit (MPU), which guards against systematic errors in software. The MPU tackles the potential problems of different modules incorrectly interacting with each other. This feature is crucial in automotive design as it helps to minimize the spreading of system failures within the automobile.

"System integrity in the product range reaches new levels with the introduction of self-correcting flash memory and a new MPU," said Kevin Klein of Freescale's Microcontroller Division. "The MPU is a particularly sought-after feature for today's market, where it is increasingly common for MCU software modules to be supplied by multiple vendors."

The S12XE family features the performance-boosting XGATE co-processor module which has become an indispensable component in many automotive S12X projects, providing such functions as display driving, sophisticated pulse with modulation (PWM) capability and interrupt handling. The XGATE significantly offloads the CPU, allowing it to focus on critical system activities and resulting in improved response time. The versatility of the XGATE enables manufacturers to add more innovative features to their designs.