Date: 27/09/2008

VaST virtual models for Freescale's powertrain management microcontrollers

Freescale Semiconductor has announced the availability of virtual prototypes for its automotive Power Architecture microcontroller (MCU) portfolio using modeling technology from VaST Systems.
Design engineers are working hard to save every drop of fuel and on controlling emission. Virtual model will assist engineers to speed up their effort in developing microcontroller based power train control system.

Peter Schulmeyer, Freescale's director of strategy for automotive MCUs has said "Virtualization addresses these requirements by providing automotive developers with early access to pre-silicon development, key technology and validation capabilities. Market realities are driving the need for higher-level software solutions, and Freescale is responding with virtual platforms that can help customers save valuable development time and resources."

Virtual System Prototypes (VSP) are available for Freescale's MPC5554, MPC5566, and MPC5565 Power Architecture MCUs. These modeling solutions are built on VaST Systems' Virtual Processor Models (VPMs) for the e200Z6 core and the enhanced timer processing unit (eTPU). The solutions also are integrated with System C based peripheral models to help ensure a virtual replication of the specific device. Using traditional tools, compilers, debuggers and integrated development environments (IDEs), powertrain system engineers can work with virtual hardware to develop software, test/validation suites and perform system architecture analysis before receiving silicon samples.

VaST Systems technology enables high cycle count accuracy, fast simulation speed and the functional accuracy required by many electronic control unit (ECU) suppliers. These automotive system suppliers use simulation and modeling strategies as an effective substitute for the target hardware.