Freescale launches RS08-based 8-bit microcontrollers

NEW DELHI: Freescale Semiconductor is offering engineers easy entry to its
expansive micro controller portfolio with an ultra-low-end, sub-50-cent 8-bit
device small enough to fit in the head of an electric toothbrush.

The first product to be built on the recently announced RS08 core, a
simplified version of Freescale's high-performance, low-power HCS08
architecture, the MC9RS08KA family is designed for applications with extreme
space and price constraints.

A Freescale statement said, this low-power, high-performance microcontroller
is ideal for traditional electro-mechanical designs and can efficiently power
small appliances such as toys, lighting, exercise equipment, watches,
calorimeters, security systems, fan and temperature control, and hundreds of
other general-market applications.

According to Sanjeev Keskar, Freescale Semiconductor India Pvt. Ltd, country
manager — Sales, “This move to the ultra-low-end combined with Freescale's
tools and support demonstrates that we are closely aligned to our customer base
in India and are providing them the fastest, easiest and most accessible
solutions in the market.”

The MC9RS08KA family offers a robust support environment and a pin-compatible
route into the MC9S08QG when designers need to add new functionality. Shared
peripherals and a common set of development tools help make it easy for
engineers to leverage their design investment upstream.

Fred Zieber, founder and president of Pathfinder Research, said, “This
product signals to the market Freescale's dedication to offering a breadth of
MCU products suited for any and all customer needs.”

Freescale's KA family offers more functionality and application options
than ultra-low-end, 6-pin devices available in the market today. Additionally,
the KA family includes reprogrammable flash across voltage ranges and performs
up to 10 MHz at 1.8 volts.

The product features a voltage regulator that minimizes voltage variation to
logic and keeps voltage supply (Vdd) lower, reducing overall power
consumption.The KA family is supported by the same Freescale development tools
that allow designers and programmers using other Freescale 8-bit products to
work efficiently and economically, the statement said.

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