Freescale unveils TPMS, applications processors and entry-level MCU
During its Technology Forum in Tokyo this week, Freescale Semiconductor (www.freescale.com) introduced a tire pressure monitoring system based on a capacitive pressure sensor, formally introduced the application processor that drives the Ford SYNC infotainment system, and unwrapped a family of 8-bit, 8-pin MCUs for cost-sensitive automotive applications.
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Mentor Graphics, Tongji University create auto electronic training center
Mentor Graphics Corporation (www.mentor.com) and the College of Automotive Engineering of Tongji University (www.tongji.edu.cn) have agreed to set up a Joint Lab and Technical Training Center for Auto Electronic System Design in Shanghai. ...
CMC Limited achieves Automotive SPICE Organizational Maturity Level 3
CMC Limited (www.cmcltd.com) said its Automotive Solutions Group has achieved Automotive SPICE Organizational Maturity Level 3 certification under the PATHFINDER interim assessment and certification scheme for process capability and organizational maturity.
The Automotive SPICE initiative sets software quality standards through a common framework for the assessment of suppliers based on ISO/IEC 15504.
Mentor Graphics, Tongji University create auto electronic training center
Mentor Graphics Corporation (www.mentor.com) and the College of Automotive Engineering of Tongji University (www.tongji.edu.cn) have agreed to set up a Joint Lab and Technical Training Center for Auto Electronic System Design in Shanghai. Mentor Graphics will donate over $16 million worth of software to Tongji University to support Tongji’s teaching and research programs on auto electronic and electric design. Mentor Graphics has also set up joint labs with Peking University (www.pku.edu/cn) and China Academy of Science (www.english.cas.cn).
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NXP PNX1702 scores high on EEMBC tests
The Embedded Microprocessor Benchmark Consortium (www.eembc.org) said NXP’s (www.nxp.com) PNX1702 media processor achieved exceptionally high scores for a 499.5 MHz device, with out-of-the-box scores of 89.9 Consumermarks and 94.4 DENmarks. ...
Garmin integrates STMicro’s Teseo GPS chipset
STMicroelectronics (www.st.com) has begun volume production of its Teseo GPS chipset for use in certain Garmin (www.garmin.com) Portable Navigation Devices (PNDs) and handheld GPS receivers.
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Johnson Controls-Saft Li-Ion to power Dodge Sprinter plug-in hybrid
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries developed by Johnson Controls-Saft Advanced Power Solutions (www.johnsoncontrols.com) (www.saftbatteries.com) will power a test fleet of advanced, Dodge Sprinter plug-in hybrid delivery vans.
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Nokia integrates GPS, music player with hands-free car kit
Nokia (www.nokia.com) has introduced Nokia 500 Auto Navigation, a Bluetooth hands-free car kit with integrated GPS and Nokia Maps navigation software, a 4.3-inch color display, and digital signal processing for the speaker system. ...
Cypress Semi joins EEMBC Automotive/Industrial Workgroup
Cypress Semiconductor (www.cypress.com) has joined the Embedded Microprocessor Benchmark Consortium (www.eembc.org) as a member of the consortium’s workgroup focused on developing multicore and system-level benchmarks for automotive/industrial applications.
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Actel ProASIC3 FPGAs gain AEC-Q100 qualification
Actel Corp. (www.actel.com) said its low-power ProASIC3 field-programmable gate array (FPGA) family has achieved AEC-Q100, Grade 2 and Grade 1 qualification and can serve as an alternative to application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). ...
ABI says automotive camera market should top $100 million by 2012
The market for camera-based automotive safety should be “well in excess of $100 million” by 2012, according to a new study by ABI Research (www.abiresearch.com/products/market_ research/CBAS).
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TRG survey finds connectivity vital; hands-free phone a must-have
Bluetooth connections for hands-free phone operation, navigation, and support for digital music devices will be available as standard or optional equipment on the majority of 2008 models according to a recent survey by the Telematics Research Group (www.telematicsresearch.com).
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Behr America completes headquarters in metro Detroit
Behr America (www.behrgroup.com), which supplies automotive engine-cooling and air-conditioning systems, has completed an $8.5-million, three-story office building on its North American corporate campus in Troy, Michigan. ...
Fujitsu Ten ending production at Indiana plant
The Detroit News (www.detnews.com) reported that infotainment products supplier Fujitsu Ten Corp. of America (www.fujitsu.com) plans to end production at its plant in Rushville, Indiana, in October, idling 126 workers. ...
Eaton sells automotive mirror controls business
Eaton Corp. (www.eaton.com) has completed the sale of its Mirror Controls Division to funds managed by Englefield LLP (www.englefieldcapital.com), a €1.8 billion private equity firm, for $111 million. ...
Enerize and FiFe partner on Li-Ion batteries for HEVs
Enerize Corporation (www.enerize.com) and FiFe Batteries Limited (www.fifebatteries.com) have formed a partnership to develop rechargeable lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries for applications including hybrid-electric vehicles (HEV).
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Linear Technology 36 V, 3.5 A, 2.4 MHz step-down dc/dc draws 75 µA
Linear Technology (www.linear.com) has introduced the LT3680, a 3.5A, 36V step-down DC/DC switching regulator with a Burst Mode operation said to keep quiescent current under 75µA and output ripple below 15mV (peak-to-peak). ...
Renesas powertrain MCU integrates 90 nm flash
Renesas (www.renesas.com) has introduced the SH72546RFCC, a 32-bit, 200MHz SuperH microcontroller that integrates up to 3.75MB of flash memory built with a 90 nanometer process node. ...
Fairchild adds Global Power Resource Center in Michigan
Fairchild Semiconductor (www.fairchildsemi.com) has opened a Global Power Resource Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan to meet automotive industry requirements for functional power solutions.
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Strategy Analytics sees audio streaming boosting automotive Bluetooth
Bluetooth is likely to account for 94% of in-vehicle communications system shipments by 2013, the research firm Strategy Analytics (www.strategyanalytics.com) says in a new report, “Automotive Bluetooth: Head Unit Integration and A2DP Present New Opportunities.”
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GM partners with A123 for battery cell development
General Motors Corp. (www.gm.com) and A123Systems (wwwa123systems.com) will co-develop battery cells based on A123’s nanophosphate battery chemistry. ...
