Micronas Introduces World's First Fully Integrated Dashboard Controllers Capable of Driving up to Seven Stepper Motors (0217)

Transition To 32-Bit MCUs Gains Momentum With Growing Demand for More Powerful and Flexible Dashboard Controllers

Freiburg, Germany - September 16, 2002 - Micronas, a leading supplier of IC and sensor system solutions for multimedia, consumer and automotive electronics, launched the world's first fully integrated dashboard microcontrollers (MCU) capable of driving up to seven stepper motors for car instrumentation. The new chips integrate the 16/32-bit ARM7TDMI® RISC processor core to meet the growing demand for more powerful dashboard controllers that provide a scalable future proof design to an expanding customer base.

Due to the multi-functionality of the ARM core the new chips, dubbed the CDC 3207G and CDC 3272G, are able to perform both 16-bit and 32-bit operations, guaranteeing an easy and seamless transition to high performance 32-bit controllers. An additional unique feature of the CDC 3207G and CDC 3272G is the patented, on-chip EMI reduction module (ERM) that suppresses radiation and reduces electromagnetic interference.

"We are seeing more and more emphasis placed on controller flexibility as designers demand more powerful MCUs to control an increasing number of functions within today's and tomorrow's cars. The problem is that today's comparable chips cannot offer this design flexibility as they are only able to drive four or five stepper motors," commented Peter Zimmermann, market manager automotive at Micronas. "With these new chips, the customer has the power of being able to drive up to seven stepper motors and the freedom to select the number of CAN blocks or the RAM and ROM capacities from a wide range of options."

Also integrated into both the CDC 3207G and CDC 3272G are multi-function ports, a special function ROM (SFR) and multiple patch cells. The CDC 3207G offers three, the CDC 3272G offers two on-chip high speed CAN modules which support all 32 message objects (512 Byte RAM) and are compliant to the Bosch V2.0B specifications.

The new CDC 3207G dashboard controller has a 512 Kbyte (KB) flash memory, a 32 KB RAM and 8 KB special function ROM. The CDC 3272G is a pin and software compatible mask ROM version of the CDC 3207G. It features a 384 KB mask ROM, a 12 KB RAM and an 8 KB special function ROM.

Additionally, there are two UARTs, two SPI, two I2C and a graphic bus.

The three CAN modules on the CDC 3207G and the two CAN modules on the CDC 3272G manage up to 32 telegrams, enabling the dashboard controller to work as a gateway function. Gateways typically process and transfer data to and from the motor control, the radio/multimedia unit and the ABS module.

A dedicated module to display information on a segmented LCD, able to drive up to 192 segments (48 x 4) without any additional hardware, is also integrated on the chip. The chips are operated with single 5V power supply and can work down to 3.5V fulfilling special requirements of automotive manufacturers. They are specified for a temperature range between -40° and +105° C.

Price and availability

Packaged in a PQFP128 with 100 I/O pins, samples of the CDC 3207G dashboard controllers are available now. Volume production is slated for Q4 2002 with pricing set below $15 in high volumes (500.000 units). Also packaged in a PQFP128 with 100 I/O pins, sample shipments of the mask ROM type CDC 3272G will be available this quarter with volume shipments due in the first quarter 2003. The price for high quantities is set below $10.

Better EMI properties

The further improved EMI Reduction Module is one of the unique features of Micronas´ automotive controller families, employed successfully in many different applications since 1996. Particularly in automotive applications it is essential that ICs emit the lowest possible amount of radiation to reduce electromagnetic interference. Micronas solves the problem by eliminating the source of the radiation. By spreading the clock frequency of the IC by a random generator, which changes the clock frequency permanently, the power of the radiation at a certain frequency is reduced below effect levels. With this approach, named LEAP (low emission automotive processors), no expensive additional circuitry and shielding is required, which significantly reduces the number of components and system costs.

Scalable architecture

The architecture of the CDC processor family allows a quick and easy creation of new derivatives. Since only the functions such as ROM, RAM and CAN blocks are scaled while the controller logic remains unchanged, new derivates do not have to undergo a complete new qualification process. This approach allows the reuse of existing software and hardware, which contributes to a significant cost reduction through development, test and qualification stages. All different derivates are housed in the same pin compatible packages.

Micronas offers the dashboard controllers of the CDC family in different options. No unwanted functions and their dedicated pads are on the ICs. Compared to widespread solutions wherein unwanted functions are only shut down (not connected but physically existing on the IC) the Micronas approach offers a much more cost-effective solution.