Motors & Drives Information

MUNICH, Germany -- Freescale Semiconductor (NYSE:FSL) (NYSE:FSL.B) is paving the way for the autonomous car by becoming the first company to offer both integrated and stand-alone FlexRay(TM) controllers -- the MC9S12XFR and MFR4300 -- based on the latest FlexRay version 2.1 protocol.

As the leading supplier of microcontrollers to the automotive industry and a founding member of the FlexRay Consortium, Freescale is positioned to help car manufacturers network in-car systems to make smarter, integrated active safety systems a reality.

The MC9S12XFR is Freescale's first microcontroller to integrate a FlexRay module with the 16-bit S12X core. By introducing the 9S12XFR & MFR4300 FlexRay node controller, Freescale has taken a significant step forward in providing the key semiconductor components for next generation X-by-wire subsystems.

"The automotive market is showing intense interest in FlexRay and is keen to see new technology developments supporting this protocol," said Chris Webber, vice president of the Automotive Practice at Strategy Analytics. "At this stage of the market development for the FlexRay protocol it is important that designers have the flexibility offered by components such as the ones announced by Freescale. As automobile makers continue to innovate in advanced safety, comfort, performance and infotainment features, FlexRay will help to make these concepts a reality."

The FlexRay protocol provides higher data rates and fault tolerance required for advanced control systems combining multiple sensors, actuators and electronic control units. Core member companies of the FlexRay Consortium include BMW, Bosch, DaimlerChrysler, Freescale, General Motors, Philips and Volkswagen. Other leading Japan-based manufacturers such as Honda, Nissan and Toyota have joined the consortium as premium associate members, adding momentum to the growing acceptance of the FlexRay protocol.

"FlexRay is rapidly becoming the de facto standard for high-speed in-vehicle networking," said Juergen Weyer, vice president and general manager of Freescale's transportation business in Europe. "As a founding member of the FlexRay Consortium, Freescale has made it a priority to proliferate this network protocol. The combined availability of integrated and stand alone products gives Freescale the opportunity to offer customers a choice with FlexRay devices, which was previously unattainable within the industry."

# posted by Medical Information : 5:17 AM