Fujitsu enhances MCU product lineup to support global automobile needs

SINGAPORE: Fujitsu Semiconductor Asia Pte Ltd (FSAL) announced that in order to support a wide range of requirements resulting from the globalization of the automobile industry, the release of 113 microcontrollers, including chips from the MB96600 Series of 16-bit microcontrollers and chips from the MB91520 Series of 32-bit microcontrollers.

Samples of the new chips will gradually begin shipping, starting today. In combination with the MB91570/MB91580/MB91590 Series of 32-bit microcontrollers, already launched last year, the two new series will enable comprehensive support for all kinds of automotive applications.

In recent years, a pressing need has emerged among manufacturers of automobile systems to support the widespread use of eco-friendly, fuel-efficient cars as a way of fighting global warming. Moreover, there is increased need for higher-quality safety and comfort features in automobiles that are sold in developed countries, as well as heightened demand for compact cars in quickly-growing emerging markets, such as China, India and Brazil. In order to accommodate these varying needs, next-generation automobile Electronic Control Unit (ECU) systems are beginning to require a lineup of microcontrollers that can handle a wide variety of requirements.

The new microcontroller lineup is eco-friendly, enabling a significant reduction of over 25% in power consumption compared to existing products. At the same time, Fujitsu Semiconductor has expanded the new lineup to deliver a wide-range of products that offer fine-tuned support for customer requirements, ranging from multi-function systems for developed countries to simpler systems for emerging markets.

In addition, all of the products come standard with flash memory for data storage which reduces system costs, as well as a low-voltage detection circuit, a CR oscillation circuit, and a hardware watchdog circuit. The chips also come with a standard A/D converter for reducing software workloads and upgraded assistance features for LIN hardware, including automatic check-sum and self-diagnosis functionality.

The 32-bit microcontrollers, which require high performance and security, are equipped with an industry-class 12-channel (Product with 100pin or more) multi-function serial interface. Given the increasing number of sensors and other peripheral devices that are being utilized due to the enhanced functionality of chips, this multi-function serial interface allows peripheral devices to be flexibly connected via I2C, SPI, UART or LIN.

To protect the integrity of the microcontrollers' features, 32-bit chips also come standard with a variety of diagnostic features, such as memory error detection and correction, bus error detection and port input/output protection.

In combination with the new product line, the FR81S MB91570/MB91580/MB91590 Series, which has already begun shipping, these new microcontrollers will provide support for a complete range of automobile applications, including auto-body applications, dashboard applications, safety applications, infotainment applications, and power-train applications.

Fujitsu Semiconductor plans to further enhance its product lineup in the future.