Freescale Semiconductor technology is powering Synerject's new family of M3 electronic control units (ECU), designed for motorcycles, such as the 2009 Ducati Monster 696, as well as many other recreational vehicles.

Freescale Semiconductor technology is powering Synerject's new family of M3 electronic control units (ECU), designed for motorcycles, such as the 2009 Ducati Monster 696, as well as many other recreational vehicles. The Monster 696 boasts a nine percent power output increase and an 11 percent increase in torque over the previous 695 model, giving the Monster 696 the best horsepower per litre ratio of all Ducati air-cooled motorcycles.

"Motorcycle enthusiasts around the world will welcome this convergence of state-of-the-art electronics with renowned Ducati styling and engineering," said Henri Richard, Freescale's senior vice president, chief sales and marketing officer. "By developing its latest family of advanced ECUs using Freescale technology, Synerject is setting new standards for efficient engine management and ultimately giving motorcyclists an exceptional riding experience."

The Monster 696's "electronic brain" is Synerject's M3C ECU, which features Freescale's high-performance S12X microcontroller (MCU). Synerject's most powerful and sophisticated ECU, the M3C is designed for a wide range of multi-cylinder and performance applications across the motorcycle and recreational global market.

"Recent advancements in electronics are enabling vehicle manufacturers like Ducati to design more sophisticated and innovative engines than ever before," said Claude Chateignon, BU powertrain electronics for Continental. "Freescale's advanced microcontroller and sensor technology enables us to build powerful and multipurpose engine management systems that meet and exceed the increasing demand for higher performance in the motorcycle market."

Electronic control unit

Synerject, a 50/50 joint venture partnership between Orbital and Continental, developed the M3 family of ECUs using Freescale's 16-bit S12X MCUs and MPXHZ6115A6T1 MEMS-based pressure sensors. By using Freescale MCUs and pressure sensors, Synerject is able to provide robust, cost-effective ECUs for two- and four-stroke engine designs, making it the only supplier in the industry to support both capabilities. Freescale's advanced technology ensures that Synerject does not compromise cost, space or functionality when designing high-performance ECUs. Synerject has chosen to entrust the manufacturing of its M3 family electronics to Continental, combining Synerject's customized solutions for the non-automotive world with best-in-class automotive quality from Continental. Freescale's S12 MCU family is the most widely adopted automotive 16-bit architecture. Freescale has shipped more than 300 million 16-bit S12 and S12X automotive MCUs to date, and S12-based devices continue to ship at a rate of more than 100 million units per year.

Ducati Monster 696

The Monster 696 features an L-twin dual-cylinder Desmodromicengine (696 cc displacement) generating a claimed 80 horsepower at 9000 rpm. Weighing in at 161 kg (355 lb), the 696 is one of the lightest and most agile motorcycles in its class. The Ducati Monster 696 is now available in red, matte black and pearl white color schemes with an MSRP of $8,775.00 (USD).

Synerject LLC

Synerject, a 50/50 joint venture partnership between Orbital and Continental, imagines, develops, tunes and supplies engine management systems, modules and components for the marine, recreational, motorcycle and industrial markets. The scope of its product offerings ranges from vehicle fuel delivery systems to complete engine management modules. Synerject is headquartered in Newport News, Va. and was formed in 1997. www.synerject.com

Orbital

Orbital is an international developer of innovative technical solutions for a cleaner world. Orbital provides innovation, design, product development and operational improvement services to the world's producers, suppliers, regulators and end users of engines and engine management systems for application in motorcycles, marine and recreational vehicles, automobiles and trucks. Orbital's principal operations in Perth, Western Australia, provide a world class facility with capabilities in design, manufacturing, development and testing of engines and engine management systems. Headquartered in Perth, Western Australia, Orbital stock is traded on the Australian Stock Exchange (OEC) and the OTC Bulletin Board (OBTLY). www.orbeng.com.au/orbital/flash_index.htm

Continental

The Continental Corporation is one of the top automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems, systems and components for the powertrain and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers, the corporation contributes towards enhanced driving safety and protection of the global climate. Continental is also a competent partner in networked automobile communication. Today, the corporation employs approximately 146,500 people at nearly 200 locations in 36 countries. www.mediacenter.continental-corporation.com

Freescale Semiconductor

Freescale Semiconductor is a global leader in the design and manufacture of embedded semiconductors for the automotive, consumer, industrial, networking and wireless markets. The privately held company is based in Austin, Texas, and has design, research and development, manufacturing or sales operations in more than 30 countries. Freescale is one of the world's largest semiconductor companies with 2007 sales of $5.7 billion (USD).