- NXP Semiconductors
- NEXT Mobility
- ICT and Industrial
With the electrification of automotive systems, miniaturizing ECUs (Electronic Control Units) has become essential for reducing vehicle weight and saving space. For ECU developers, achieving miniaturization and rapid development poses challenges such as simplifying design, improving process efficiency, and accelerating prototyping and testing. This page explains some of the advantages of NXP's integrated microcontroller S12 MagniV, designed to address these challenges for ECU manufacturers.
What is S12 MagniV?
S12 MagniV integrates digital logic, non-volatile memory, and high-voltage analog circuits on a single chip.
The S12 MagniV is a functionally integrated microcontroller that incorporates three distinct technologies: digital logic such as the CPU, non-volatile memory, and high-voltage analog circuitry, all onto a single chip.
Compared to using a general-purpose microcontroller, this integrated approach eliminates the need for multiple external analog components, enabling ECU miniaturization.
S12 MagniV Technology
S12 MagniV provides a single-chip solution combining the MCU, voltage regulator (VREG), LIN/CAN physical layer (PHY), and motor driver. This optimizes both system cost and board footprint for various actuator and sensor applications.
S12 MagniV One-Chip Solution
Benefits of S12 MagniV | Helps to miniaturize the ECU and accelerate development
What are the benefits of replacing a general-purpose MCU with the integrated S12 MagniV?
In the increasingly electrified automotive sector, ECU developers face demands for smaller ECUs and shorter development times to reduce vehicle weight and optimize spatial efficiency. S12 MagniV directly addresses these automotive industry needs for miniaturization and rapid development.
As an example, let's consider an ECU designed to control LED lighting through external communication via CAN.
Comparison of the number of components between a general-purpose microcontroller and S12 MagniV
Using a typical general-purpose microcontroller required mounting multiple components on the PCB (Printed Circuit Board), including the microcontroller unit (MCU) for control and computation, a regulator IC to supply power to the MCU and its peripherals, a physical layer (PHY) IC for CAN communication, and a driver IC for the LEDs.
Since S12 MagniV integrates these functions onto a single chip, it significantly reduces the number of components required on the PCB.
Let's take a look at an example solution for motor control using the S12 MagniV.
3-Phase PMSM Electric Water Pump Reference Design
3-Phase PMSM Electric Water Pump Block Diagram
NXP’s reference design for a 3-phase permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) electric water pump.
This design utilizes the S12ZVML64 microcontroller from the S12ZVM family. Given that the S12ZVML64 comes in a compact 64LQFP EP package measuring 10mm by 10mm, using S12 MagniV enables a very space-efficient implementation of PMSM applications on a PCB.
Therefore, S12 MagniV provides several benefits for ECU development, including reduced board footprint leading to miniaturization, lower Bill of Materials (BOM) cost, improved manufacturing efficiency and quality, and simplified system development.
S12 MagniV Benefits
S12 MagniV Product Series
S12 MagniV Portfolio
Take a look at the S12 MagniV series lineup.
S12 MagniV Features
NXP has over 20 years of experience in integrated microcontrollers and offers the industry's leading portfolio for motor control and interface node applications.
The S12 MagniV product series is broadly divided into solutions for motor control and sensor interfaces. Within the motor control category, the S12VR family is optimized for relay-controlled motors, while the S12ZVM family is ideal for DC and brushless DC motors.
For sensor interfaces, the S12ZVC family is suited for CAN nodes, and the S12ZVL family is designed for LIN nodes.
Across the series, S12 MagniV devices feature NXP's proprietary 16-bit S12 or S12Z core, provide a wide range of integrated memory options up to 256KB, and include a built-in LIN or CAN physical layer. Compliant with the AEC Q100 standard essential for automotive components, select products support ambient temperatures up to 150 degrees Celsius and achieve functional safety levels up to ASIL B. Additionally, a comprehensive development environment supports these microcontrollers, addressing OEM specifications and demanding reliability requirements.
S12 MagniV Series Lineup
S12 MagniV Series Lineup
Product features are listed in the central "Feature" column, allowing you to compare specifications across the different product families.
Families from the center to the left of center are designed for sensor interfaces, while those to the right are intended for motor control applications. Let's take a brief look at the differences between product families.
notice, for example the "Gate Driver" and "Relay Driver" motor functions listed in the bottom two rows; these are exclusively included in the motor control families. In other words, families without motor drivers are classified as being suitable for sensor interfaces. The fourth row from the bottom, labeled "Comm. PHY," indicates whether the integrated communication physical layer supports LIN or CAN.
When selecting the appropriate product family, please consult this lineup first.
For a more detailed comparison of S12 MagniV series specifications, please use the parametric search tool on the NXP official website.
The NXP Product Longevity Program
The NXP Product Longevity program aims to ensure stable product supply, guaranteeing a minimum of 15 years of availability for designated automotive products. This longevity period represents a minimum guarantee, and the actual duration may be even longer depending on circumstances.
The S12 MagniV series is part of the minimum 15-year product longevity program.
The S12VR family, the first in the S12 MagniV series, has been available since 2011. You might worry about product availability after 2026 (15 years post-launch), but rest assured. The minimum product longevity program period has already been extended for the S12 MagniV series. This ensures you can continue using S12 MagniV devices with confidence, backed by their proven long-term supply stability.
As of the time of writing (June 20, 2024), the minimum product longevity program end date for the S12VR series has been extended to 2033.
| Finished product | Production Start Date | Product Longevity Program End Date |
|---|---|---|
| S12VR | 2011/12/1 | 2033/3/1 |
| S12ZVM | 2014/3/1 | 2036/3/1 |
| S12ZVL | 2015/1/1 | 2036/3/1 |
| S12ZVC | 2015/4/1 | 2036/3/1 |
For the latest information on NXP’s long-term product supply program, visit NXP's official Product Longevity page.
One-page introductions to the features of leading S12 MagniV products
Below are one-page summaries of the key features of leading S12 MagniV products.
S12VR | Relay-Driven DC Motors
S12VR Family
S12VR is an optimal device for relay-driven DC motors.
Recommended applications include automotive power windows, sunroofs, and LIN slave nodes.
- The CPU features NXP's proprietary 16-bit S12 core, operating at a maximum bus speed of 25 MHz. Built-in ROM of up to 64KB.
- It incorporates a built-in regulator, enabling operation by directly connecting the automotive 12V battery to the microcontroller's power input pin.
- A built-in LIN PHY eliminates the need for an external component for communication with external systems.
- Equipped with two low-side drivers, it can control bidirectional brushed DC motors by driving external relays. It also includes a high-side driver suitable for supplying power to LEDs and switches.
- It features a high-voltage input terminal capable of handling 12V inputs, utilizing a built-in programmable resistive voltage divider. Since the HVI input is internally connected to the ADC, 12V system signals can be monitored without requiring an external voltage divider circuit.
- Options for memory, package type, and operating temperature are listed in the bottom right corner. This product supports a maximum ambient temperature (Ta) of 125°C.
For more details, please see NXP's official S12VR website.
S12ZVM | Sensorless BLDC, PMSM
S12ZVM Family
S12ZVM is an ideal solution for sensorless BLDC, PMSM, etc.
Recommended applications include automotive cooling fans, HVAC blowers, etc.
- The CPU features NXP's proprietary 16-bit S12Z core, with a maximum bus speed of 50 MHz.
- Built-in ROM of up to 256KB
＊Optional models are available with built-in CAN PHY. - Equipped with a 6-channel gate driver for driving motors. Gate drive capability is max. 150nC, with a built-in charge pump for high-side and bootstrap diodes.
- Equipped with a programmable 12-bit list-based ADC, allowing motor voltage measurement synchronized with the PWM driving the motor.
- Includes two current sense amplifiers.
- Options for memory, package type, and operating temperature are listed in the bottom right corner. This product supports a maximum ambient temperature (Ta) of 150°C.
For more details, please see NXP's official S12ZVM website.
S12ZVL | LIN node for switches and sensors
S12ZVL Family
S12ZVL is an ideal solution for LIN nodes for switches and sensors, etc. This product also achieves chip miniaturization by omitting the motor driver.
Recommended applications include sensors, actuators, switch panels, etc.
- The CPU features NXP's proprietary 16-bit S12Z core, with a maximum bus speed of 32 MHz.
- Built-in ROM of up to 128KB
- Equipped with GPIO (EVDD) capable of sourcing up to 20mA for powering external sensors and GPIO (NGPIO) capable of sinking up to 25mA for external LEDs.
- Options for memory, package type, and operating temperature are listed in the bottom right corner. This product supports a maximum ambient temperature (Ta) of 150°C.
For more details, please see NXP's official S12ZVL website.
S12ZVC | CAN node for sensors and actuators
S12ZVC Family
S12ZVC is an ideal solution for CAN nodes for sensors and actuators, etc. This product also achieves chip miniaturization by omitting the motor driver.
Recommended applications include sensors, actuators, CAN-based user interfaces, etc.
- The CPU features NXP's proprietary 16-bit S12Z core, with a maximum bus speed of 32 MHz.
- Built-in ROM is up to 192KB
- A built-in CAN PHY eliminates the need for an external component for communication with external systems.
- Options for memory, package type, and operating temperature are listed in the bottom right corner. This product supports a maximum ambient temperature (Ta) of 150°C.
For more details, please see NXP's official S12ZVC website.
The above provided several one-page summaries on the main features of the S12 MagniV product family.
When choosing an S12 MagniV device to meet your needs, start by selecting either motor control or sensor interface. Then, review the series lineup to find a product family that offers the required features, such as CAN/LIN communication and appropriate memory size.
S12 MagniV Development Resources
Below is an introduction to S12 MagniV evaluation boards and software development tools.
S12 MagniV Evaluation Boards
This slightly larger evaluation board, featuring a green PCB, comes equipped with numerous switches and connectors. It also has many microcontroller pin monitoring terminals, making it a highly versatile board.
The evaluation board with the blue PCB is small and Arduino compatible. While its fewer pin monitoring terminals restrict its functionality, it offers a lower-cost option.。
| Family | Evaluation Board | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S12VR | S12VR64 Relay-based Motor Control Evaluation Board S12VR64EVB3
| S12VR64 Relay-based Motor Control Development Board DEVKIT-S12VR64
| S12VR32 Relay-based Motor Control Evaluation Board S12VR32EVB
| |
| S12ZVM | S12ZVM 12 V Electrical Fuel Pump (EFP) Reference Design S12ZVM-EFP
| S12ZVM32 3-phase BDLC and PMSM Evaluation Board S12ZVM32EVB
| S12ZVM BLDC Development Kit MTRCKTSBNZVM 128 
| S12ZVM PMSM Development Kit MTRCKTSPNZVM 128 
|
| S12ZVL | S12ZVL StarterTRAK Development Board TRK-S12ZVL
| S12ZVL128 CAN and LIN Evaluation Board DEVKIT-ZVL128
| S12ZVL32 CAN and LIN/SCI Evaluation Board DEVKIT-S12ZVL
| |
| S12ZVC | S12ZVC CAN Evaluation Board VLG-MC9S12ZVC 
| S12ZVC CAN and LIN/SCI Evaluation Board DEVKIT-S12ZVC
| ||
S12 MagniV Software Development Tools
For debugging S12 MagniV devices, PEmicro's Universal Multilink series is recommended.
Models designated with 'FX' in the part number offer faster communication speeds.
| Debugger | PEmicro Universal Multilink Development Interface Umultilink
| PEmicro Universal Multilink FX High-Speed Development Interface U-MULTILINK-FX
|
|---|---|---|
| Programmer | PEmicro Cyclone programmer CYCLONE
| PEmicro Cyclone FX programmer CYCLONE-FX
|
S12 MagniV software development uses the integrated development environment CodeWarrior®, provided by NXP. CodeWarrior facilitates C coding, compilation, debugging, and Flash programming.
It is important to note that the required CodeWarrior version depends on the specific S12 MagniV family: devices with the S12 core, like the S12ZVR, utilize CodeWarrior for HSC12(X) (Classic IDE), whereas those with the S12Z core (S12ZVM, S12ZVL, S12ZVC) use CodeWarrior for MCUs (Eclipse IDE). Note that supported CodeWarrior versions differ by family even within the same MagniV series.
| Development IDE and Build Tools | CodeWarrior® Development Studio for HCS12(X) Microcontrollers (Classic IDE) v5.2 CW-HCS12X
| CodeWarrior® for MCUs (Eclipse IDE) - ColdFire®, 56800/E DSC, Qorivva® 56xx, RS08/S08, S12Z - 11.1 CW-MCU10
|
|---|
S12 MagniV Part Numbering Convention
Finally, let's go over the S12 MagniV part numbering convention.
Please use this when specifying detailed product part numbers.
S12 MagniV Part Numbering
Summary
This overview has highlighted the advantages of the S12 MagniV integrated microcontroller, which combines digital logic, non-volatile memory, and high-voltage analog circuits onto a single chip.
As a product designed to meet the automotive industry's demands for ECU miniaturization and faster development cycles, S12 MagniV offers compelling solutions. If you have questions about these or other products, please do not hesitate to contact us at NEXTY Electronics for more information.
For a visual summary, a video covering the same content as this page is also available.
MagniV Product Introduction
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