MCF51CN features on-chip Ethernet and world-class development platforms to help speed time to market

Freescale's modular, reconfigurable Tower System enables rapid prototyping
MCF51CN ColdFire microcontroller: the the ultimate Ethernet connectivity solution
MCF51CN ColdFire microcontroller: the the ultimate Ethernet connectivity solution

AUSTIN, Texas – June 22, 2009 – Freescale Semiconductor is helping developers bring Ethernet connectivity to a wide range of industrial applications with a new cost-effective, low-power 32-bit ColdFire® microcontroller (MCU).

The MCF51CN MCU combines an energy-efficient ColdFire V1 core with an on-chip 10/100 BASE-T Ethernet media access controller (MAC), serial interfaces and other communications peripherals. This powerful combination makes the MCF51CN an ideal embedded controller for serial-to-Ethernet gateway devices and other industrial applications, such as building control and HVAC, security/access control, industrial automation, medical monitoring and point-of-sale systems.

Combined with the complimentary Freescale MQX™ real-time operating system (RTOS) and TCP/IP software stacks, as well as the modular, cost-effective Tower System development platform, the MCF51CN provides a comprehensive Ethernet connectivity solution for industrial applications. This highly customizable hardware/software offering is designed to help developers accelerate prototyping and reduce development cost through reuse of software and hardware modules.

The energy-efficient MCF51CN MCU’s ultra-low-power modes include a deep sleep option that enables peripherals to be idled or shut down – a key capability for remote battery backed-up networks and power over Ethernet (PoE) applications. In reduced-power wait mode, Ethernet can continue direct memory access (DMA) transfers to RAM and wake up the MCU core upon completion, resulting in lower power consumption.

The MCF51CN features an external bus interface that allows designers to expand memory options to serve multiple Web pages or collect data, as well as connect to custom interfaces through programmable logic.

MCF51CN MCU features

• ColdFire V1 core delivering up to 46 Dhrystone 2.1 MIPS at 50 MHz
• Mini-FlexBus support with up to 2MB external memory
• 128K flash; 24K SRAM
• Integrated 10/100 Fast Ethernet Controller with DMA and half/full-duplex operation
• Additional peripherals: 2x I2C, 2x SPI and 3x UART
• 12-channel, 12-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC)
• Up to 70 general-purpose I/O
• Ultra-small, cost-effective 48-pin QFN (7mm x 7mm) package
• Ultra-low-power mode – Ethernet operation supported at 3V and above
• Single voltage supply: 1.8V - 3.6V

MQX software solution

• Complimentary software offering valued at $95,000 (USD)
• RTOS with full priority-based, preemptive scheduler
• Real-time TCP/IP communication suite (RTCS) with TCP/IP, FTP, Telnet, DHCP, SNMP and more
• Time-stamped status retrieved though e-mail alerts
• Telnet communications support
• WebPages and view-specific device data
• Board support package (BSP) I/O driver supporting SCI, SPI, RTC, A/D, Mini-Flex bus and more

Tower System features

• Modular evaluation platform with easy-to-use, reconfigurable, open-source hardware
• Customizable system with off-the-shelf modules available individually or as kits
• Single MCU/MPU module serves as the main control board and functional development board
• Modules plug into backplane boards
• Connections on all modules are through PCB edge connectors

Pricing and availability
Samples of the MCF51CN MCU are available now, and production quantities are planned for Q4 2009. Suggested resale pricing for MCF51CN MCUs starts at $2.99 (USD) in 10,000-unit quantities.

To learn more about the MCF51CN family and ColdFire MCUs, visit www.freescale.com/coldfire.

About the Virtual Freescale Technology Forum
The Virtual Freescale Technology Forum (FTF),  to be held July 14-16, 2009, is an online supplement to Freescale’s existing global FTF program. Created to inspire innovation and collaboration, FTF has become the developer event of the year for the embedded semiconductor industry. The Forum, which debuted in 2005, has drawn more than 28,000 attendees at FTF events worldwide since its inception. For more information about Virtual FTF, go to: www.freescale.com/vftf.

About Freescale Semiconductor
Freescale Semiconductor is a global leader in the design and manufacture of embedded semiconductors for the automotive, consumer, industrial and networking markets. The privately held company is based in Austin, Texas, and has design, research and development, manufacturing or sales operations around the world. www.freescale.com.

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