Collaboration yields automotive airbag chipset

Freescale Semiconductor Inc. and the Bosch Group's automotive electronics division have developed an automotive airbag reference platform that brings together firing loops, safety controller, power supply and sensor interfaces. The airbag system combines Freescale's Qorivva MPC560xP MCU and Bosch's CG147 airbag ASSP for the expanding automotive safety segment in emerging markets such as India and China.

"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 VP and chief sales and marketing officer for Freescale.

"A platform based on a proven ASSP and MCU chipset is the key to fulfilling market demand fast," said Erich Biermann, senior VP of engineering for Bosch automotive electronics. "Combining Bosch's锟絪calable range of airbag ASSPs with Freescale's Qorivva MCU family enables ECU makers to tailor their systems exactly to the market needs."

The reference design platform comes with preloaded demonstration software. Bosch and Freescale will offer sales and application support for their respective components individually and plan to release the device by 1Q12.