FlexNode

FlexNode is an evaluation platform that is used to build FlexRay clusters. The intended use is from simple "learning-by-doing" clusters up to complex prototyping superstructures for real application scenarios.

The main advantages of this board is the great diversity of bus interfaces which you can use to  transfer data between different bus systems in union with suitable applications.

The huge amount of digital I/Os and analog inputs increases your options. Several sensor signals can be easily read in, and control signals are then generated, for example for power amplifiers.

To use this platform efficiently, Eberspaecher Electronics provides a programming library for the controller, which enables a comfortable way of C-programming. In this library, all main functions of the FlexNode are already included and can be directly used without further knowledge of hardware basics.

Thus, your projects can be integrated in an effective way on this platform! Your developing gets faster because the hardware already exists.

Highlights

• Freescale HCS12 microcontroller
• Completely configurable
• Two FlexRay bus channels provided
• Several inputs and outputs
• Interfaces for other bus systems like CAN, LIN
• Programming library with support of all main functions
• Gateway functionality possible
• Ideal for customer specific cluster applications

Technical Features

• CPU
  - Freescale HCS12 microcontroller
  - 256 KB external RAM
• Power supply
  - 10 V to 42 V battery supply voltage
• Communication Controller interface
  - Support of FlexNode specific
    Communication Controller module (FlexCC)
• Physical Layer
  - Includes two FlexTiny 1080DS
• Interfaces
  - 2 CAN interfaces (high-/low-speed)
  - LIN interface
  - Up to 8 general I/Os for sensors /
    actuators
  - Up to 8 pulse-width modulated outputs
  - Up to 16 analog inputs for sensing
    signals
  - BDM interface
  - RS232 serial interface
• Requirements
  - C compiler (e.g. GNU Compiler or
    Cosmic C Compiler for HCS12)
  - BDM download cable plus download
    software (e.g. NOICE Debugger)
• Board Dimensions
  - Outline 130 mm x 160 mm