e2v to Now Supply Freescale 68K-Series Microprocessors

e2v, a Freescale aerospace and defense partner, licensed by Freescale to deliver high-reliability versions of their products to the aerospace, defense and other extended reliability markets, announced that it will now be supplying the Freescale 68K microprocessor line on its own for all markets following discontinuance of these products by Freescale Semiconductor (News - Alert).

As per the current arrangement between the two companies, e2v is now allowed to build and sell its own products, from the 68K family to high-performance Power Architecture and trade; devices, by sourcing commercial wafers and devices from Freescale and then repackaging, screening, characterizing and testing at extended temperatures. Utilizing 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," Thierry Gouvernel, head of Strategic Business Development, with the Specialist Semiconductor division of e2v said.

"This confirms our commitment to the military-aerospace industry and extends our experience in obsolescence mitigation to other key markets," Gouvernel added.

Both the companies, as stated, have agreed that once Freescale ceases production of the 68020, 68882 and 68C000 processors, e2v's portfolio of products will be extended with commercial-grade versions in both plastic and ceramic packages. As stated, these Freescale products will remain available from e2v for the next 10 years, or longer. e2v's sales organization will coordinate with its Freescale counterparts to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of supply.

The company believes that this arrangement is based on its long-term experience in extending the availability of strategic semiconductors used in the aerospace and defense markets.

"As our long-term extended reliability applications partner, e2v is now serving other industries with its extended life solutions," June Lewis, consumer and industrial business operation manager, Microcontrollers Group at Freescale Semiconductor said.

"e2v is alone in its category with the depth and breadth of products and services needed by both semiconductor companies and electronics systems OEMs," Lewis added.