Eval board puts ColdFire in networking role

In a departure from traditional ColdFire evaluation platforms, the latest development kit adopts a systems solution focusing on the embedded networking properties of the MCF5272.

In a departure from the traditional nature of ColdFire evaluation platforms, Motorola's latest development kit, available from Arrow Electronics, adopts a systems solution focusing on the embedded networking properties of the MCF5272.

Providing a complete bundled solution based on hardware, software, documentation and evaluation code of leading development tools, the M5272C3 platform potentially reduces the development cycle of applications based on the MCF5272 processor by up to six months, particularly in connectivity driven applications such as SOHO routers and Internet access devices.

The M5272C3 evaluation kit is based on the ColdFire MCF5272 microprocessor - a mid-range microprocessor running at 66MHz, based on a V2 ColdFire core with fast Ethernet media access controller and USB module.

The evaluation kit includes a TCP/IP software stack and network applications development software from Metrowerks, WindRiver, Lineo, Accelerated Technology and Green Hills.

In addition to the MCF5272 processor, the hardware features 4Mbyte of SDRAM, 2Mbyte of Flash memory, integrated 10/100BaseT Ethernet connectivity via an RJ-45 connector, two serial ports and a USB device port.

To begin development with the toolkit, the designer simply has to supply a DC power source.

Designed for ease of development, the evaluation kit incorporates a debug module interface connector for simplified connection to PC-based source level debuggers.

A serial cable gives access to the on-chip ROM monitor which includes an inline assembler, while all CPU signals are available via two 120-pin expansion connectors.

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