Why Hercules microcontrollers?
Hercules dual-CPU lockstep MCU block diagram
Hercules safety microcontrollers
are based on TI’s 20+ years of
safety-critical system expertise,
industry collaboration and proven
hardware for the automotive mar-
ket. The platform consists of three
ARM Cortex™-based microcon-
troller families (RM48x, TMS570
and TMS470M) that deliver scal-
able performance, connectivity,
memory and safety features.
Unlike many microcontrollers that
rely heavily on software for safety
capabilities, Hercules microcon-
trollers implement safety in hard-
ware to maximize performance
and reduce software overhead.
The Hercules RM4x family pro-
vides the highest level of perfor-
mance for broad safety applica-
tions, including medical and indus-
trial, and are developed to the
IEC 61508 SIL-3 safety standard.
The Hercules TMS570 family provides high performance for transportation
applications and is very well suited for applications that need to meet IEC
61508 SIL-3 or ISO 26262 requirements. The Hercules TMS470M family
cost efficiently meets the needs of applications that require less
performance and lower safety levels.
The RM48x and TMS570 dual-CPU lockstep architectures simplify develop-
ment while eliminating redundant system requirements to reduce cost. CPU
hardware built-in self test (BIST) detects latent defects without complex safe-
ty software and code-size overhead. Hardware comparison of CPU outputs
provides nearly instant safety response time without any additional perfor-
mance impact. ECC logic is integrated in the CPU to protect both memories
and busses. All RAM memories can be tested using hardware BIST for high
diagnostic coverage and an integrated Memory Protection Unit (MPU) helps
protect against deterministic errors in application software.
(www.ti.com/hercules)
Key features
RM48x Safety MCUs
• ARM Cortex-R4F core with floating-point support
• Up to 220 MHz
• Lockstep safety features built-in simplify SIL-3 applications
• Up to 3-MB Flash/256-KB RAM with ECC
• Memory protection units in CPU and DMA
• Ethernet, USB, CAN
• External memory interface
TMS570LS Safety MCUs
• ARM Cortex-R4F core floating-point support
• Up to 180 MHz
• Lockstep safety features built-in simplify SIL-3/ASIL D applications
• Up to 3-MB Flash/256-KB RAM with ECC
• Memory protection units in CPU and DMA
• Flexible timer module with up to 44 channels
• Ethernet, FlexRay™, CAN, LIN, SPI
• External memory interface
TMS470M Safety MCUs
• 80-MHz ARM Cortex-M3 CPU
• Up to 640-KB Flash / 64-KB RAM with ECC protection and
EEPROM emulation
• Single 3.3-V supply (Vreg on-chip)
• Flexible timer module (16 ch)
• 2 CAN, 2 MibSPIs, 2 LIN/UART
• Safety features (ECC, BISTs, CRC)
• Pin- and software-compatible family
• Embedded debug module
Hercules
™
ARM
®
safety microcontrollers
6
www.ti.com/hercules
