Freescale Semiconductor has launched MEMS-based automotive sensor modules for its Tower System development platform.
The latest automotive sensor modules are developed to assist engineers to rapidly design and develop advanced automotive applications, including engine control systems, tilt angle measurement, electric parking brakes, electronic stability control and airbags.
Freescale's MEMS-based automotive sensor modules for its Tower System
The Tower System development kit comprises a complete range of exchangeable MEMS-based automotive sensor modules, including low-g XY accelerometer (MMA6900), medium-g XY accelerometer (MMA6500/MMA6800), high-g X and Z sensors with DSI protocol (MMA1600/MMA2600), high-g X and Z sensors with DSI protocol and development boards for DSI (MC33781) and PSI5 (MC33789) communication protocols.
Moreover, the kit has an on-board S08 8-bit MCU with 96 K of flash memory and 6 K of RAM. The open-source background debug mode enables every board to function as an individual debug tool. The Tower System is a reliable system for sensor programming that extends beyond simple device assessment. It has an extensive and greatly customizable embedded design setting that enables developers to couple and match peripheral boards and MCUs to form reconfigurable development platforms according to their requirements.
Exchangeable automotive sensor modules encourage reutilization of hardware across numerous architectures, and the modular design reduces overall instrument expenditures, while offering an economical entry point.
Seyed Paransun, who serves as Vice President and General Manager of Sensor & Actuator Solutions Division at Freescale Semiconductor, stated that the new automotive sensor modules for the company’s Tower System offer engineers with turnkey tools and software that assist decrease production time of automotive systems. The company augments its automotive MEMS leadership by offering user-friendly, inexpensive development tools that support unique designs, he said.