Product category:
Microprocessors, Microcontrollers and DSPs
News Release from: Freescale Semiconductor | Subject: FlexRay microcontrollers
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 22 November 2006
FlexRay microcontrollers hit the streets
BMW's new X5 Sports Activity Vehicle is the first commercial application for the FlexRay network communications system.
Freescale Semiconductor and the BMW Group are bringing a higher standard of innovation to the market with the industry's first use of FlexRay technology in BMW's new X5 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) The FlexRay network communications system is designed to meet the demand for high datarate networks driven by the increased high-speed electronic content in automobiles
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 20 Mar 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Motorola drives for driver information systems
Motorola is developing a family of microcontrollers for the driver information systems (DIS) market.
MCU and DSP features combine in Flash hybrids
The 56F826 and 56F827 are Motorola's newest Flash-based hybrid controllers.
BMW's adoption of FlexRay technology is expected to give drivers access to unprecedented handling and stability control capabilities based on FlexRay's capacity to transfer data rapidly between networked control devices and systems in an automobile.
With the simple press of a button, drivers of the new BMW X5 can choose a sporting or comfortable ride on the fly.
This innovative technology is the cornerstone of BMW's AdaptiveDrive feature, which gives drivers a combination of Active Roll Stabilisation and Electronic Damping Control.
The high-speed data FlexRay communications system was implemented to provide fast and reliable co-ordination of all AdaptiveDrive functions.
"The FlexRay communications standard is continuing to gain support with key OEMs in Europe, Japan and the United States and is expected to be used by vehicle makers to enable exciting new safety-critical and performance features, as well as making onboard networking of existing electronics systems more robust", said Chris Webber, Vice President of the Automotive Practice at Strategy Analytics.
"Bringing this technology to the market first clearly demonstrates BMW's dedication to cutting-edge technology in providing its customer with innovative product features and an enhanced driving experience".
A consortium of development companies, including FlexRay consortium cofounders BMW and Freescale, has enhanced FlexRay technology to production standards.
Freescale is currently the only semiconductor supplier that has FlexRay microcontrollers (MCUs) in a production-ready automobile.
Freescale's 32bit FlexRay MCUs announced this year help enable 10Mbit/s bandwidth for communication between systems for such automotive applications as active and passive safety, collision avoidance, powertrain management and driver assistance.
The new BMW X5 will be launched in North America at the end of November 2006.
It will be available in other markets worldwide in spring 2007.
• Freescale Semiconductor: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Electronicstalk email newsletter
• Electronicstalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
