e2v Extends Availability of Freescale 68K-series Microprocessors
e2v demonstrates its long experience in obsolescence mitigation through an agreement with Freescale Semiconductor to extend the life of 68K-series microprocessors for military, aerospace, commercial and industrial markets.
e2v today announced the long-term availability of the Freescale 68K microprocessor line by continuing manufacture for all markets following discontinuance of these popular products by Freescale Semiconductor.
The companies have agreed that once Freescale ceases production of the 68020, 68882 and 68C000 processors, e2v’s portfolio of high-reliability grade products will be extended with commercial-grade versions in both plastic and ceramic packages. This arrangement is based on e2v’s long-term experience in extending the availability of strategic semiconductors used in the aerospace and defense markets. These Freescale products will remain available from e2v for the next 10 years, or longer.
e2v advises that customers for these products should make contact with their e2v regional sales office as soon as possible, as securing the future supply of finished product may require immediate actions, including, for example, the advanced banking of die etc.
“As our long-term extended reliability applications partner, e2v, is now serving other industries with its extended life solutions”, said June Lewis, Consumer & Industrial Business Operation Manager, Microcontrollers Group at Freescale Semiconductor. “e2v is alone in its category with the depth and breadth of products and services needed by both semiconductor companies and electronics systems OEMs. “
As a Freescale aerospace and defense partner, e2v has been licensed by Freescale to deliver high-reliability versions of their products to the aerospace, defence and other extended reliability markets, for more than 25 years. The current arrangement allows e2v to build and sell its own products, from the 68K family to high-performance Power Architecture™devices, by sourcing commercial wafers and devices from Freescale and then repackaging, screening, characterising and testing at extended temperatures. Utilising its proven, reliable wafer banking methodology, e2v will offer a comprehensive range of products for this extended period.
“We are extending our product range for a wider set of applications, where system redesign is complex”, said Thierry Gouvernel, Head of Strategic Business Development, with the Specialist Semiconductor division of e2v. “This confirms our commitment to the military-aerospace industry and extends our experience in obsolescence mitigation to other key markets.”
Availability
These products are available now. The e2v sales organisation will coordinate with its Freescale counterparts to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of supply.
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Press contact:
Sylvie Mattei, Communications Manager
Phone: +33 4 76 58 30 25, mailto:sylvie.mattei@e2v.com
NOTES FOR EDITORS:
About e2v
e2v’s objective is to be a global leader in the design and supply of specialised components and sub-systems that enable the world’s leading systems companies to deliver innovative solutions for medical & science, aerospace & defence, and commercial & industrial markets.
e2v is organised into four divisions:
• High performance electron devices and subsystems for applications including defence electronic countermeasures, radiotherapy cancer treatment, radar systems, industrial heating, satellite communications amplifiers and digital television transmitters.
• Advanced CCD and CMOS imaging sensors and cameras for applications including space, science and life science imaging, industrial process control, intra-oral and panoramic dental X-ray systems, military surveillance and automotive imaging.
• Specialist Semiconductors – including logic, memory and microprocessors for high reliability microprocessor and MRAM requirements, in partnership with Freescale Semiconductor and Everspin, mission-critical avionics and defence programs requiring high reliability integrated circuits, high speed data converters and sensor data acquisition utilising mixed signal application specific devices.
• A range of professional sensing products for applications including environmental safety, x-ray spectroscopy, automotive alarm and security systems, microwave radar and safety and arming devices, fire rescue and security thermal imaging.
For the year ended 31 March 2009, e2v achieved sales of £233m and is listed on the London Stock Exchange. In October 2008 e2v acquired QP semiconductor, a leading US-based designer and supplier of specialty semiconductor components used in military and aerospace applications, establishing e2v’s first US manufacturing base.