Automotive MCUs pack dual Cortex-R5 core
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The first product to come out of Spansion's new Traveo automotive MCU family is the MB9D560. The device packs a dual ARM Cortex-R5 core with 2MB of embedded flash and operates at 200MHZ.
"This is the first MCU from Spansion to address motor control for hybrid vehicles," said Mathias Brauer, Spansion's manager of automotive MCU marketing.
"The dual R5 cores mean it is easier to achieve functional safety and to work without lock step. Each core is dedicated to a motor channel, with additional hardware creating diagnostic data, assuring the right level of functional safety."
The dual core structure has two interface circuits for resolver sensors for motor control, and two hardware IP for motor control operations.
Each core has a built-in FPU and operates at 1.66DMIPS/MHz, with each motor running independently but monitoring the operation of each other. The system's reliability is achieved with a memory protection unit, error correction code, parity error detection and correction functions.
Defending the company's decision to choose the R5 over the R7, Bauer continued: "The Cortex-R5 core is a real step forward. It replaces the R4 and brings better features. An R7 isn't needed for these applications. Although it runs faster, the R5 is the better choice."
