32-bit embedded controllers provide single-chip connectivity solutions

28 June 2006 DSP, Micros & Memory

Connecting 32-bit controlled applications in industrial, commercial and consumer markets is fast becoming a necessity rather than an option. Applications require high-performance, highly connected and secure solutions, while designers require economical price points. With the 68K/ColdFire family of embedded controllers, Freescale Semiconductor says it can offer development engineers the flexibility to choose the right 32-bit microcontroller from a broad portfolio of embedded controllers.

Integrating Ethernet and USB

The MCF5223x device family offers what the company says is the industry's first 32-bit microcontroller with a 10/100 Fast Ethernet controller (FEC), on-chip Ethernet physical layer (EPHY), CAN 2.0 and Flash. Built on the ColdFire Version 2 core for high performance at a reasonable cost, the manufacturer claims the MCF5223x delivers clear advantages in performance and integration. With this, designers may reduce their total component count and simplify board designs to help cut time to market.

With the MCF5222x device family, Freescale integrates a USB on-the-go (OTG) controller and Flash directly on the chip. This makes these devices well-suited for applications requiring device or host connectivity. USB OTG allows a device with a USB interface to act as either a host or device and to negotiate the appropriate role with a connected device. This provides customers who need a 32-bit microcontroller with the flexibility to upload, monitor and diagnose data from multiple devices with a common connectivity interface.

Design tools

The company's M52235EVB and M52223EVB development kits are full-featured and simplify development by including a no-cost version of the CodeWarrior 'Special Edition' with each kit. Open source and professional tools from Freescale partners are also available to aid designers.

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