Freescale technology helps bring prototypes to life on Discovery Channel TV series

Freescale technology helps bring prototypes to life on Discovery Channel TV series

PROTOTYPE THIS! Engineering “dream team” uses latest Freescale MCU and sensor technology to create tomorrow’s innovations  today

AUSTIN, Texas .- Freescale Semiconductor is providing critical, behind-the-scenes semiconductor technology for PROTOTYPE THIS, an all-new Discovery Channel series, premiering Wednesday, Oct. 15. PROTOTYPE THIS takes viewers on a first-hand journey through the system design process to discover how inventions come to life. The series features a team of expert engineers who in each episode work to come up with one-of-a-kind prototypes of tomorrow for people to experience today. The PROTOTYPE THIS team features Joe Grand, electrical engineer and inventor; Terry Sandin, professional special effects creator; Dr. Zoz Brooks, a robot and computer expert; and Dr. Mike North, material science and biomimetics expert.

Freescale involvement

Freescale provided advanced semiconductor devices and development boards for the PROTOTYPE THIS team to work with during the series. A sampling of key Freescale products and boards used includes:
# QG8 8-bit microcontroller (MCU)
# MMA7260 3-axis, low-g accelerometer
# QE8 ultra-low-power 8-bit MCU
# MPC5121e development board
# Flexis™ AC development kit
# SH8 8-bit MCU

The PROTOTYPE THIS team used Freescale technology to create a wide range of innovative prototypes designed to help people with everyday activities, such as pizza delivery, fire fighting, personal crash safety and road rage management.

Viewers can see these prototypes and others come to life when the PROTOTYPE THIS series begins on the Discovery Channel, Oct. 15, 2008. Viewers also can submit show feedback and prototype ideas on the "PROTOTYPE THIS message board.

Joe Grand and Freescale collaboration

PROTOTYPE THIS Co-host Joe Grand has worked with Freescale for several years on a variety of design projects and was a finalist in the 2007 Freescale Black Widow "Design Challenge. In a recent interview with Wired.com, Grand discussed the recent Defcon conference where he received support from Freescale in designing the Defcon 16 conference badges. ”They [Freescale] have a lot of engineers who truly love engineering and they love coming up with new products that use their technologies,” said Grand.

Grand considers Freescale to be an integral part of the PROTOTYPE THIS team. “Freescale has been a vital part of the PROTOTYPE THIS production since the beginning,” said Grand. “From actively engaging in the brainstorming process to supplying the parts that bring our creations to life, the engineers at Freescale have been invaluable in making our ideas reality.”

Series schedule

PROTOTYPE THIS is a 13-part series premiering Oct. 15, 2008. Viewers should check their local listings for show times in their areas.