STMicroelectronics and Freescale say that since announcing their joint design effort last year they’ve accelerated automotive design activity in the areas of IP development, flash technology alignment and new product definition. They’re applying Power Architecture technology for powertrain, chassis, motor control and body systems and they’ve produced test chips in 90nm embedded flash technology.

Freescale VP Mike McCourt says the pair plan to deliver four new products early next year, and in the next couple of years they expect a “comprehensive roadmap” of scalable MCU designs. Mike reports that customers are interested in the MCU designs that are coming, as well as in the combined product and process capabilities and the dual-sourcing potential. The companies have set up four design centers employing a total of 130 design engineers.

ST VP Marco Maria Monti says that the common MCU architectural platform design facilitates the simultaneous design of multiple products with peripheral sets optimized for specific target applications, translating to faster time-to-market.

As Dr. Phil might ask, how is all of that working for you? Are you using Power Architecture technology and are you among the automotive customers anticipating delivery of samples in Q1? What’s your take on the collaboration?