Freescale's RS08 ultra-low-end core is a simplified version of its high-performance, low-power HCS08 architecture. The core is 30 percent smaller and features a condensed instruction set, allowing compact and efficient coding of most embedded applications in small-pin-count devices with less than 16K of flash memory. These changes offer engineers a simpler, faster way to get microcontroller-based applications to market.
"Freescale has been a leading player in the 8-bit market for years," said Fred Zieber, founder and president of Pathfinder Research. "The introduction of this core positions Freescale to compete in the ultra-low-end, cost-sensitive 8-bit market that has evolved over recent years due to the development of new categories of disposable electronics."
Freescale is developing an advanced version of the CodeWarrior(TM) Development Studio to support the RS08 core, which is designed to accelerate application development with a built-in project wizard that helps create working projects in as few as seven clicks. The RS08 represents some of the initial returns on Freescale's investment to strengthen its 8-bit portfolio and is the starting point of a performance roadmap outlined today that will provide compatible peripherals and tools from 8- to 32-bit (See Freescale unveils microcontroller roadmap, blurring traditional bit boundaries, March 13, 2006) www.freescale.com/webapp/sps/site/news_release.jsp?nodeId=093623.
"We have focused on providing 8-bit solutions that are an easy-to-use alternative to simple logic," said Mike McCourt, vice president and general manager of Freescale's Microcontroller Division. "We are surrounding the silicon with a support environment that delivers the training, tools and software that will help accelerate our customers' time to revenue."
The RS08 core will introduce a tiny and short addressing mode, which allows for more efficient access and manipulation of the most commonly used variables and registers. Additionally, Freescale has added a shadow program counter to the core for more efficient subroutine calls. The RS08 will use the same bus structure as the HCS08, which will enable the use of the same peripheral and memory modules. In addition, both architectures will be supported by compatible debug interface hardware.
Freescale plans to announce a family of RS08-based processors in the spring of 2006. Preliminary pricing is targeting the sub 50-cent (USD) suggested resale range.
For more information about the RS08 core, go to www.freescale.com/files/pr/rs08.html.
About Freescale Semiconductor
Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. (NYSE: FSL) (NYSE: FSL.B) is a global leader in the design and manufacture of embedded semiconductors for the automotive, consumer, industrial, networking and wireless markets. Freescale became a publicly traded company in July 2004 after more than 50 years as part of Motorola, Inc. The company is based in Austin, Texas, and has design, research and development, manufacturing or sales operations in more than 30 countries. Freescale, a member of the S&P 500(R), is one of the world's largest semiconductor companies with 2005 sales of $5.8 billion (USD). www.freescale.com.
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Freescale(TM) and the Freescale logo are trademarks of Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners. The HC08 products incorporate SuperFlash(R) technology licensed from SST. (C) Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. 2006.
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