e2v extends availability of Freescale 68K-series MPUs

GRENOBLE, FRANCE: e2v announced the long-term availability of the Freescale 68K microprocessor line by continuing manufacture for all markets following the discontinuance of these popular products by Freescale Semiconductor.

The companies have agreed that once Freescale ceases production of the 68020, 68882 and 68C000 processors, e2v’s portfolio of high-reliability grade products will be extended with commercial-grade versions in both plastic and ceramic packages.

This arrangement is based on e2v’s long-term experience in extending the availability of strategic semiconductors used in the aerospace and defense markets. These Freescale products will remain available from e2v for the next 10 years, or longer.

“As our long-term extended reliability applications partner, e2v is now serving other industries with its extended life solutions,” said June Lewis, Consumer & Industrial Business Operation Manager, Microcontrollers Group at Freescale Semiconductor. “e2v is alone in its category with the depth and breadth of products and services needed by both semiconductor companies and electronics systems OEMs. “

As a Freescale aerospace and defense partner, e2v has been licensed by Freescale to deliver high-reliability versions of their products to the aerospace, defence and other extended reliability markets, for more than 25 years.

The current arrangement allows e2v to build and sell its own products, from the 68K family to high-performance Power Architecture devices, by sourcing commercial wafers and devices from Freescale and then repackaging, screening, characterising and testing at extended temperatures. Utilising its proven, reliable wafer banking methodology, e2v will offer a comprehensive range of products for this extended period.

“We are extending our product range for a wider set of applications, where system redesign is complex,” said Thierry Gouvernel, Head of Strategic Business Development, with the Specialist Semiconductor division of e2v. “This confirms our commitment to the military-aerospace industry and extends our experience in obsolescence mitigation to other key markets.”

These products are available now. The e2v sales organisation will coordinate with its Freescale counterparts to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of supply.