Embedded: Freescale unleashes 10 ColdFire microcontrollers for low-end 32-bit systems

Addressing the need for flexible connectivity and energy efficiency in the embedded world, Freescale Semiconductor has added 10 highly integrated microcontrollers (MCUs) to the company’s extensive 32-bit ColdFire portfolio. The company says that these latest additions provide developers with a broad range of cost-effective, low-power connectivity options, coupled with comprehensive software tools.

The expanded lineup includes extensions to the MCF5223x Ethernet MCU family, the MCF5221x USB MCU family and the MCF51QE ultra-low-power MCU family. Target applications for these families include security control panels, barcode scanners, medical pumps/monitors, environmental monitoring and remote data collection.

These latest MCUs are part of the Freescale Controller Continuum, which the company claims is the industry’s only roadmap for compatible 8- and 32-bit architectures. Pin, tool and peripheral compatibility with other ColdFire MCUs provides an easy migration path to higher performance and integration.

The company offers full-featured evaluation and cost-effective demonstration kits for the MCF5221x, MCF5223x and MCF51QE families, which they designed to help developers quickly learn about the MCUs and jump start application development. The development systems contain an interactive DVD with software examples, walk-throughs, training material and application notes to speed learning and development. Complimentary versions of CodeWarrior Development Studio also are included on the DVD. The MCF5223x and MCF5221x development kits provide access to the complimentary Ethernet or USB stacks respectively.

For more information about the latest ColdFire devices for cost-sensitive applications, visit the company’s ColdFire product page .

— Edited by C.G. Masi , senior editor from information provided by Freescale Semiconductor

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