Bosch and Freescale collaborate on joint chipset

Cost-effective automotive airbag reference platform

- First presentation at the Freescale Technology Forum, Bangalore/India
- Automotive airbag reference platform available from first quarter 2012

Bosch’s Automotive Electronics division and Freescale Semiconductor have combined their leading positions in automotive electronics and systems expertise to create an automotive airbag reference platform for the growing safety segment in emerging countries such as India and China.

The new airbag reference platform is based on chipsets from Freescale’s 32-bit microcontroller family and Bosch’s Airbag ASSP family and works with sensors from both companies. It demonstrates how the Qorivva MPC560xP MCU family, a scalable MCU used for safety applications, works with the CG147 Airbag ASSP family, a single, integrated airbag system IC that combines power supply, firing loops, sensor interfaces, and safety controller.

“A platform based on a proven ASSP and MCU chipset is the key to fulfilling market demand fast,” said Erich Biermann, senior vice president engineering for Bosch Automotive Electronics. “Combining our scalable range of Airbag ASSPs with Freescale’s microcontroller family enables ECU makers to tailor their systems exactly to the market needs.”

“With this new reference platform, Bosch and Freescale are enabling local suppliers to adopt an airbag safety solution that helps them improve time to market, reduce design risks, is easy to use and affordable, and delivers the highest automotive quality standards,” said Henri Richard, senior vice president and chief sales and marketing officer for Freescale Semiconductor.

The reference design platform comes with preloaded demonstration software. Sales and application support for their respective components will be offered by Bosch and Freescale individually.

Freescale and Bosch plan to make the airbag reference platform available in the first quarter of 2012. It is scheduled to be first demonstrated at the Freescale Technology Forum (FTF) India and FTF China events. More information is available at http://www.freescale.com/arp.

Automotive Technology is the largest Bosch Group business sector. In 2010, its sales came to 28.1 billion euros, or 59 percent of total group sales. This makes the Bosch Group one of the leading automotive suppliers. The roughly 167,000 Automotive Technology associates worldwide work in seven areas of business: injection technology for internal combustion engines, powertrain peripherals, alternative drive concepts, active and passive safety systems, assistance and comfort functions, incar information and communication, as well as services and technology for the automotive aftermarket. Bosch has been responsible for important automotive innovations, such as electronic engine management, the ESP® anti-skid system, and common-rail diesel technology.

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology, some 285,000 associates generated sales of 47.3 billion euros in fiscal 2010. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 350 subsidiaries and regional companies in over 60 countries. If its sales and service partners are included, then Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. Bosch spent 3.8 billion euros for research and development in 2010, and applied for over 3,800 patents worldwide. With all its products and services, Bosch enhances the quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial.

Additional information can be accessed at www.bosch.com, www.bosch-press.com, and www.125.bosch.com.