8-, 16- and 32-bit Microcontrollers/Microprocessors

Freescale Tower System

Overview

The Freescale Tower System is a modular development platform for 8-, 16- and

32-bit microcontrollers and microprocessors that enables advanced development

through rapid prototyping. Featuring multiple development boards or modules,

the Tower System provides designers with building blocks for entry-level to

advanced microcontroller development.

Modular development platform

The Freescale Tower System

Tower Plug-In (TWRPI)

•DesignedtoattachtomodulesthathaveaTWRPIsocket(s)• Addsfeaturesandfunctionality•SwappablewithotherTWRPIs• Examplesincludeaccelerometers,keypads,

touch pads, sliders and rotary touch pads

Controller/Processor Module (MCU/MPU)

• TowerMCU/MPUboard

•Worksstand-aloneorinTower System

• Featuresintegrateddebugging interface for easy programming and run control via standard USBcable

Secondary Elevator

•Additionalandsecondaryserialandexpansionbussignals

•Standardizedsignalassignments

•Mountingholesandexpansionconnectorsforside-mounting peripheral

Primary Elevator

•Commonserialandexpansionbussignals

• Two2x80connectorsonback side for easy signal access and side-mounting board(LCDmodule)

• Powerregulationcircuitry

•Standardizedsignalassignments

•Mountingholes

Size

• FullyassembledTowerSystemisapprox. 3.5”Hx3.5”Wx3.5”D

Board Connectors

• Fourcard-edge connectors

•UsesPCIExpress® connectors (x16,90mm/ 3.5”long,164pins)

Peripheral Module

•Addsfeaturesand functionality to your designs

• Interchangeablewithotherperipheral modules and compatible with all controller/processor modules

•Examplesincludeserialinterface,memory,Wi-Fi®,graphicalLCD,motor control, audio, Xtrinsic sensing and high precision analog modules

Modular and Expandable• Controllermodulesprovideeasy-to-use,

reconfigurable hardware

• Interchangeableperipheralmodules

(includingcommunications,memoryand

graphicalLCD)makecustomizationeasy

• Open-sourcehardwareandstandardized

specifications promote the development of

additional modules for added functionality

andcustomization

Speeds Development Time• Opensourcehardwareandsoftwareallow

quick development with proven designs

• Integrateddebugginginterfaceallowsfor

easy programming and run control via

standardUSBcable

Cost Effective• Interchangeableperipheralmodulescan

be re-used with all Tower System controller

modules, eliminating the need to purchase

redundant hardware for future designs

• EnablingtechnologieslikeLCD,Wi-Fi,motor

control, serial and memory interfacing are

offered off-the-shelf at a low cost to provide

acustomizedenablementsolution

Software Enablement and SupportTheincreasingcomplexityofindustrialapplications

andexpandingfunctionalityofsemiconductors

are driving embedded developers toward

solutions that require the integration of proven

hardware and software platforms. Freescale,

along with a strong alliance network, offers

comprehensive solutions, including development

tools, debuggers, programmers and software.

Complimentary Software and Tools• FreescaleMQX™RTOS,TCP/IPstacks,

filesystem,USBstacksandmore*

• FreescaleLinux®BSP*

• CodeWarriorDevelopmentStudio

• ProcessorExpertSoftware:Create,

configure,optimize,migrateanddeliver

software components that generate source

code for Freescale silicon

• FreescaleeGUI:GraphicalLCDdriverfor

MCUsandeMPUs

* Visit freescale.com/software for a list of supported devices 3. Connect each module to the elevator boards

2. Choose peripheral modules and desired Tower plug-ins (TWRPIs)

Build Your Tower System in Three Steps or Less

Tower System ModulesController/Processor Modules (8-, 16-, 32-bit) freescale.com/TowerController

•WorksstandaloneoraspartofTowerSystem •Allowsrapidprototyping

•Featuresopensourcedebugginginterface •ProvideseasyprogrammingandruncontrolviastandardUSBcable

Peripheral Modules freescale.com/TowerPeripheral

•Canbere-usedwithallTowerSystemcontrollermodules

•Eliminatestheneedtobuy/developredundanthardware

•Interchangeableperipheralmodules:serial,memory,graphicalLCD,prototyping,sensor

•Enablesadvanceddevelopmentandbroadfunctionality

Tower Plug-Ins freescale.com/TWRPI

•DesignedtoattachtoanyTowerSystemmodule withaTWRPIsocket(s)

•Addsfeaturesandfunctionalitywithlittleinvestment

•Swappablecomponents •Allowsfordesignflexibility

Elevator Modules freescale.com/TowerELEV

•Two2x80connectors •Provideseasysignalaccessandside-mountingboard(i.e.LCDmodule)

•Powerregulationcircuitry •Providespowertoallboards

•Standardizedsignalassignments •Allowsforcustomizedperipheralmoduledevelopment

•Fourcard-edgeconnectorsavailable •AllowseasyexpansionusingPCIExpress® connectors (x16,90mm/3.5”long,164pins)

EachassembledTowerSystemwillaccommodate:

• Onecontroller/processormodule

• Uptothreeperipheralmodules

• Oneormoreadditionalsidemounting

peripheral modules

• MultipleTowerplug-ins(TWRPIs)

• Twoelevatormodules(orrisers)

1. Choose a controller/

processor module

Partner ModulesTap into a powerful ecosystem of Freescale

technology alliances for building smarter, better

connectedsolutions.Designedtohelpyou

shorten your design cycle and get your products

to market faster, these technology alliances

provide you with access to rich design tools,

peripherals and world-class support and training.

Design Your OwnInterestedindesigningyourownTower

System module? View application note

AN4930“CreatingYourOwnTowerModule”

for a complete guide to starting your board

design available at freescale.com/Tower.

All power connectors are standard USB connectors that can be powered by a USB host/hub or an AC-to-DC adapter with a USB cable.

1. Processor module

via debugger connection

2. Tower elevator

3. Peripheral module

+ + + =

TWR-MCF5225x TWR-SENSOR-PAK TWR-SER TWR-ELEV

+ + + =

TWR-K40X256 TWR-LCD TWR-AUDIO TWR-ELEV

+ + + =

TWRK60N512 TWR-WIFI TWR-MEM TWR-ELEV

Sensors

Solution

Multimedia

Solution

Wi-Fi®

Solution

Example Configurations

Anumberofpartnershavedevelopedmodules

fortheTowerSystem.Someexamples

includethei.MX515ARM®Cortex™-A8Tower

ComputerModuleandStackableUSB™I/O

DeviceCarriermodulefromMicro/sys,aswell

astheRapidPrototypingSystem(RPS)AM1

andFM1modulesfromiMNMicroControl.

Acompletelistofpartner-developedmodulesis

available at freescale.com/Tower.

Multiple Power OptionsThe Freescale Tower System can be powered

entirelyoveraUSBcableviaahostPCor

USBwallpoweradaptor.Alternatively,power

can be supplied to the Tower System via a

screw terminal on the primary elevator.

ProtectioncircuitryisbuiltintoallTower

System modules to avoid contention on the

powerrails.Althoughpowercanbesupplied

through any module, power supplied through

the elevator modules takes precedence.

Tower Geeks Online CommunityTowerGeeks.org is an online design engineer

community that allows members to interact,

developdesignsandshareideas.Offeringa

directpathtoexploreandinteractwithother

engineers designing with the Tower System,

TowerGeeks.org is a great way to discuss

your projects, post videos of your progress,

ask questions through the forum and upload

software.WithupdatesthroughTwitterand

Facebook, it’s easy to get involved.

FollowTowerGeeksonTwitter

twitter.com/towergeeks

Visit Freescale on Facebook

facebook.com/freescale

For a complete list of development kits and modules offered as part of the Freescale Tower System, please visit freescale.com/Tower Freescale and the Freescale logo are trademarks of Freescale Semiconductor, Inc., Reg. U.S. Pat. & Tm. Off. Xtrinsic is a trademark of Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. ARM is a registered trademark of ARM Limited. Cortex-A8 is a trademark of ARM Limited. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners. © 2011 Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.

Document Number: TWRFS REV 12