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