Embedded Access Solutions for ColdFire®

In 1994, the innovative ColdFire Microprocessor family was added to Freescale’s legacy 68K Family tree. The ColdFire variable-length RISC 68K family architecture delivers the aggressive price and performance required by the cost-sensitive embedded market. The ColdFire core was designed for scalability, allowing developers to migrate between performance levels without significant changes to hardware or software. ColdFire continues t obe a widely used 32-bit processor used in industrial, medical, and consumer devices.

Embedded Access specializes in solutions for ColdFire processors for applications in the industrial, medical and consumer markets.  Our engineers have been working with the ColdFire architecture since its launch 15 years ago and with the 68K architecture before that.  This level of understanding for ColdFire processors results in fully integrated, verified and tested solutions specifically designed with the ColdFire in mind. This tight integration ensures a very good out-of-box experience with ColdFire and PowerPC development boards and easy integration of the Embedded Access software with a customer's hardware.

Solutions for ColdFire Processor Families

Products for ColdFire | ColdFire Design Services | CodeWarrior Integration | Licensing

ColdFire V4 MPU Family | ColdFire V3 MPU Family | ColdFire V2 MPU Family | ColdFire V2 MCU Family

Software Products for ColdFire Processors

With decades of experience in embedded software, the engineers at Embedded Access have been powering customers to market quickly with advanced products that support the entire ColdFire product line. Our products, tools, and technologies are behind thousands of successful products shipping millions of units.  With almost twenty years enabling industry-leading embedded devices, MQX products provide a wealth of advanced software for ColdFire-based applications.

The software listed below has all been tested and used with ColdFire processor in fielded products. Embedded Access ensures these software components are integrated on ColdFire development boards and can build custom software platforms to suit specific customer needs.

MQX RTOS
The MQX Real-time Operating System provides real-time performance within a small, configurable footprint. The MQX RTOS is designed to be easy to configure to balance code size with performance requirements. The easy to use MQX API and out-of-box experience ensures first-time RTOS users can start developing their application on the first day but is powerful enough for experienced OS developers easily migrate a legacy code base to an MQX-based platform.  MQX RTOS is tightly integrated with the latest ColdFire processors from Freescale. It is provided with commonly used device drivers for UARTs, Ethernet, USB, I2C, SPI, PCI CAN and many other ColdFire peripherals. Integrated with the CodeWarrior tools and complemented with profiling and debugging capability provided by the powerful MQX Host Tools, the MQX RTOS brings a lot of value to a ColdFire-based project.
(More info on MQX RTOS...)

RTCS Embedded Embedded Internet Stack
The RTCS embedded Internet stack provides IP networking for the MQX platform. RTCS is provided with a rich assortment of networking application protocols and uses the MQX RTOS drivers for Ethernet connectivity. RTCS is tightly integrated with the latest ColdFire processors from Freescale and the MQX RTOS and MFS file system. It is developed and supported with the CodeWarrior development tools and additional profiling and debugging capability is provided by the powerful MQX Host Tools.
(More info on RTCS ...)

MFS FAT File System
MFS is an embedded FAT file system compatible with Microsoft file systems. MFS is fully reentrant and uses the MQX RTOS file device driver to access disk devices. MFS is developed and supported with the CodeWarrior development tools.
(More info on MFS ...)

SFFS Flash File System
SFFS is a failsafe flash file system for NOR and NAND flash devices. It provides complete reliability and protection against unexpected power failures or resets. SFFS allows you to use part of the on-chip flash memory available on many ColdFire microcontrollers as file storage for your applicaiton. SFFS provides wear leveling and ECC algorithms to ensure optimal use of flash.
(More info on SFFS ...)

PEG+ Graphics Library for MQX
PEG+ for MQX is a graphics library that supports multiple languages, fonts and video output devices including the ColdFire on-chip LCD interface. It includes utilities that capture fonts, convert images and design windowing interfaces.
(More info on PEG+ ...)

EUSB Host Stack
EUSB Host is an embedded USB host stack. It supports OHCI, EHCI, on-chip host controllers for ColdFire processors and NXP host controllers that are commonly available on many ColdFire development boards. EUSB Host supports Class Drivers for Hub, HID, Comms Device, Mass Storage and Printer.
(More info on EUSB Host ...)

EUSB Device Stack
EUSB Device is an embedded USB device stack. It provides Class Drivers for HID, Comms Device and Mass Storage. EUSB Device supports on-chip device controllers for ColdFire processors and NXP device controllers that are commonly available on many ColdFire development boards.
(More info on EUSB Device ...)

CAN and CANopen
The MQX RTOS provides CAN drivers for ColdFire processors with on-chip CANBus peripherals. Embedded Access also supplies CANopen Master/Slave protocol software containing all the functions required for the implementation of CANopen slave or simple master devices. It is fully integrated with the MQX RTOS for an excellent out-of-box experience.
(More info on CAN and CANopen ...)

MQX Evaluation Kits
MQX Evaluation Kits for ColdFire processors let you evaluate the MQX RTOS and the unique and powerful MQX Host Tools, with seamless integration with CodeWarrior Development Studio. This tight integration gives embedded developers a complete out-of-box environment delivering a high quality, interoperable embedded software development platform. MQX Evaluation Kits for ColdFire processors are designed to run on Freescale development boards using CodeWarrior Development Studio.  They provide pre-built libraries for the MQX RTOS and RTCS Embedded Internet stack. Evaluators can run the provided MQX RTOS examples, RTCS networking examples or build their own MQX-based application. 
(More info on MQX Eval Kits ...)

Design Services for ColdFire Applications

Using a Coldfire expert from the Embedded Access engineering team to work on developing, integrating and supporting key software components of your system can shorten your design cycle, reduce risk, and reduce costs. Our Embedded Software Consultants can help you integrate the core software infractructure of your embedded platform. Embedded Access offers embedded software services for ColdFire such as:

• Board Support Package (BSP) Development
• Device Driver Development
• Boot Loader Development
• Communication Protocol Development
• Embedded Systems Integration
• Custom Development Work
• Product Cost Reduction Services
• Embedded Access Product Training
• Installation and Quick Start Programs
• Performance Optimization Services
• 3rd Party Software Integraiton Services
• New Architecture Support
• Product and Platform Customization
• Testing and Quality Assurance Services

(More info on Embedded Access Design Services ...)

ColdFire V4 Embedded MPU

The ColdFire V4 family of embedded MPUs are high-end microprocessors designed for network connected industrial control applications.  These processors feature CAN, USB device, Ethernet, PCI, Encryption, and industrial temperature ranges. These ColdFire families are well suited for network-connected control applications that require a broad range of communications peripherals and high performance to enable competitive and cost-effective system solutions.

Embedded Access provides a number of software components that support the ColdFire V4 Family. These components are combined into an integrated platform that make it easy for embedded device application developers to create advanced products within a very short time frame. Embedded Access software platforms for the ColdFire V4 family include the MQX RTOS, RTCS Embedded Internet stack, MFS or SFFS file systems, the EUSB Device stack, CANopen and a host of MQX drivers that support the ColdFire V4 platforms. By combining these product into integrated platform Embedded Access can dramatically shorten the development time for embedded software developers. Device manufactures can use the Embedded Access software platform to handle the hardware integration with their ColdFire platform of choice, for example an industrial control device based around a ColdFire MCF5485. Embedded Access software platforms free up the device manufacture's software team from low level software development and integration and allows them to focus on key features of the application. These are the features that differentiate your product in the market. The more time spent on developing and enhancing these features of your product the more sucessful your product will be.

Software Products and Drivers for ColdFire V4 Embedded MPU Processors

Available Board Support Packages

Embedded Access offers the a range of ColdFire V4 board support packages to help you with board bring-up and design. Our relationships with Freescale and board manufacturers enable us to offer ready-to-use products supporting the latest ColdFire V4 microprocessors, so you can choose the best development platforms for your specific application. Our list of supported development boards lets you spend less time shopping for compatible components, more time making winning products.

For customers seeking assistance in developing a custom BSP, Embedded Access Design Services offers our Board Support Package service to help you customize the BSP to your device's specific needs.

Board Support Pacakges for ColdFire V4 MPUs

Embedded Access provide BSPs for the following ColdFire V4 boards:

• Freescale M5407C3 Design Evaluation System for MCF5407
• Freescale / LogicPD M5485 EVB Development System for the ColdFire MCF548x Family
• Freescale / LogicPD M5484 LITE Development Kit for the ColdFire MCF548x Family
• Phytec phyCORE®-ColdFire/MCF548x Single Board Computer
• Freescale / LogicPD M5475EVB Development System for the ColdFire MCF547x Family
• Freescale / LogicPD M5474LITE Development Kit for the ColdFire MCF547x Family

ColdFire V3 Embedded MPU

The ColdFire V3 family of embedded MPUs are connectivity microprocessors offering up to 211 MIPS of performance.  These processors feature Ethernet, USB host, USB device, CAN,, LCD displays and Encryption. These ColdFire families are well suited for network-connected industrial control applications that require a broad range of communications peripherals and advanced user interfaces to enable competitive and cost-effective system solutions.

Embedded Access provides a number of software components that support the ColdFire V3 Family. These components are combined into an integrated platform that make it easy for embedded device application developers to create advanced industrail control products within a very short time frame. Embedded Access software platforms for the ColdFire V3 family include the MQX RTOS, RTCS Embedded Internet stack, MFS or SFFS file systems, the EUSB Device stack, EUSB Host stack, CANopen, PEG+ Graphics Library and a host of MQX drivers that support the ColdFire V3 prcoessors. By combining these product into integrated software platforms Embedded Access can dramatically shorten the development time for embedded software developers. Device manufactures can use the Embedded Access software platform to handle the hardware integration with their ColdFire platform of choice, for example a medical device based around a ColdFire MCF5329. Embedded Access software platforms free up the device manufacture's software team from low level software development and integration and allows them to focus on key features of the application. These are the features that differentiate your product in the market. The more time spent on developing and enhancing these features of your product the more sucessful your product will be.

Software Products and Drivers for ColdFire V3 Embedded MPU Processors

Available Board Support Packages

Embedded Access offers the a range of ColdFire V3 board support packages to help you with board bring-up and design. Our relationships with Freescale and board manufacturers enable us to offer ready-to-use products supporting the latest ColdFire V3 microprocessors, so you can choose the best development platforms for your specific application. Our list of supported development board lets you spend less time shopping for compatible components, more time making winning products.

For customers seeking assistance in developing a custom BSP, Embedded Access Design Services offers our Board Support Package service to help you customize the BSP to your device's specific needs.

Board Support Pacakges for ColdFire V3 MPUs

Embedded Access provide BSPs for the following ColdFire V3 boards:

• Freescale M5307C3 Design Evaluation System for MCF5307
• Freescale / LogicPD M5329EVB Evaluation and Development System for the MCF532x Processor Family
• senTec COBRA5329
• Freescale M5373EVB Development System for the ColdFire MCF547x Family

ColdFire V2 Embedded MPU

The ColdFire V2 family of embedded MPUs are connectivity microprocessors offering up to 159 MIPS of performance. These processors feature Ethernet, USB device, CAN and Encryption. These ColdFire families are well suited for general industrial control applications that require a broad range of communications peripherals to enable competitive and cost-effective system solutions. The processor also provide a high-performance upgrade for users of 68k processors.

Embedded Access provides a number of software components that support the ColdFire V2 Family. These components are combined into an integrated platform that make it easy for embedded device application developers to create advanced industrail control products within a very short time frame. Embedded Access software platforms for the ColdFire V2 family include the MQX RTOS, RTCS Embedded Internet stack, MFS or SFFS file systems, the EUSB Device stack, CANopen, and a host of MQX drivers that support the ColdFire V2 prcoessors. By combining these products into integrated software platforms Embedded Access can dramatically shorten the development time for embedded software developers. Device manufactures can use the Embedded Access software platform to handle the hardware integration with their ColdFire platform of choice, for example an industrail networking device based arounds a ColdFire MCF5235. Embedded Access software platforms free up the device manufacture's software team from low level software development and integration and allows them to focus on key features of the application. These are the features that differentiate your product in the market. The more time spent on developing and enhancing these features of your product the more sucessful your product will be.

Software Products and Drivers for ColdFire V2 Embedded MPU Processors

Available Board Support Packages

Embedded Access offers the a range of ColdFire V2 board support packages to help you with board bring-up and design. Our relationships with Freescale and board manufacturers enable us to offer ready-to-use products supporting the latest ColdFire V2 microprocessors, so you can choose the best development platforms for your specific application. Our list of supported development board lets you spend less time shopping for compatible components, more time making winning products.

For customers seeking assistance in developing a custom BSP, Embedded Access Design Services offers our Board Support Package service to help you customize the BSP to your device's specific needs.

Board Support Pacakges for ColdFire V2 MPUs

Embedded Access provide BSPs for the following ColdFire V3 boards:

• Freescale M5206EC3 Design Evaluation System for MCF5206e
• Freescale M5208EVB MCF5207 and MCF5208 Development Kit
• Freescale M523xEVB  ColdFire M523xEVB Evaluation Board
• Freescale M5249C3 Design Evaluation System for MCF5249
• Freescale M5253EVB MCF5253 Evaluation Board
• Freescale M5271EVB Design Evaluation System for MCF5270 and MCF5271
• Freescale 5272C3 Design Evaluation System for MCF5272
• Freescale M5275EVB Design Evaluation System for MCF5274 and MCF5275 ColdFire Microprocessors

ColdFire V2 MCU

The ColdFire V2 family of embedded MCUs are entry-level 32-bit ColdFire embedded microcontrollers that combine high performance and extended functionality with the flexibility of advanced Flash memory technology in a compact, inexpensive package. These processors feature Ethernet, USB device and CAN peripheral as well as various sizes of on-chip flash arrays. These ColdFire families are well suited for general industrial control. medical, and consumer applications that require a range of communications peripherals to enable competitive and cost-effective system solutions. These microcontrollers also provide a high-performance upgrade for users of 8 and 16 bit mincrocontrollers.

Embedded Access provides a number of software components that support the ColdFire V2 microcontroller family. These components are combined into an integrated platform that make it easy for embedded device application developers to create advanced industrail control products within a very short time frame. Embedded Access software platforms for the ColdFire V2 MCU family include the MQX RTOS, RTCS Embedded Internet stack, MFS or SFFS file systems, the EUSB Device stack, EUSB Host stack, CANopen and a host of MQX drivers that support the ColdFire V2 microcontrollers. By combining these products into integrated software platforms Embedded Access can dramatically shorten the development time for embedded software developers. Device manufactures can use the Embedded Access software platform to handle the hardware integration with their ColdFire platform of choice, for example a ColdFire MCF5282. Embedded Access software platforms free up the device manufacture's software team from low level software development and integration and allows them to focus on key features of the application. These are the features that differentiate your product in the market. The more time spent on developing and enhancing these features of your product the more sucessful your product will be.

Software Products and Drivers for ColdFire V2 Embedded Microcontrollers

Available Board Support Packages

Embedded Access offers the a range of ColdFire V2 microcontroller board support packages to help you with board bring-up and design. Our relationships with Freescale and board manufacturers enable us to offer ready-to-use products supporting the latest ColdFire V2 microcontrollers, so you can choose the best development platforms for your specific application. Our list of supported development board lets you spend less time shopping for compatible components, more time making winning products.

For customers seeking assistance in developing a custom BSP, Embedded Access Design Services offers our Board Support Package service to help you customize the BSP to your device's specific needs.

Board Support Pacakges for ColdFire V2 MPUs

Embedded Access provide BSPs for the following ColdFire V3 boards:

• Freescale M5213EVB Evaluation Board
• Freescale M52235EVB Evaluation Kit for MCF5223x Microcontrollers
• Freescale M5282EVB Evaluation Board supporting MCF5282/81/80/16/14

CodeWarrior Integration

Embedded Access products are tightly integrated with Freescale’s CodeWarrior Development Studio for ColdFire, providing a great out-of-box experience for high productivity. Our product's software libraries and examples work with ready-to run CodeWarrior IDE project files installed with the MQX run-time products. The MQX RTOS, RTCS Embedded Internet Stack, and other products allow developers to quickly create their own ColdFire applications within the CodeWarrior environment.

For example, the MQX RTOS's MQXDebug plug-in for CodeWarrior, provides CodeWarrior users with transparent visibility of MQX tasks and key RTOS information. This includes task templates, task queues, semaphores, lightweight semaphores, mutexes, events, message queues, message pools, partitions, user memory blocks, system memory blocks, names, the kernel data structure, the MQX initialization structure, interrupt handlers, and the kernel log.

This complete integration of ColdFire processors, CodeWarrior tools and Embedded Access software creates a highly productive embedded development environment that has proven to lead to highly successful products for our customers.

Business-Friendly, Royalty-Free, Source Licensing Model

Embedded Access licenses and delivers all of our ColdFire products with full source code, so there are no mysteries about how they operate.  The source code includes all of the ColdFire driver code we have developed so that users can quickly adapt it and reuse the provided code to port the software to their own hardware.

These simple licensing terms ensures there are no legal ambiguities. Embedded Access provides excellent source code without leaving you wondering about potential exposure to the open-source legal issues. Whatever our customers develop is theirs; their proprietary features and code can remain as private as they decide. What's more, Embedded Access licenses software without royalties, so it offers a blend of the best of both the professional software world and the open-source world.