Have you ever experienced virtual devices before? Most of the software development for mobile phone is developed in a dedicated simulator. However, any software should be tested in a real device before release anyway. Since many small independent software vendors can not offer too many mobile phones for software development and testing purposes, some mobile phone manufacturers connect their mobile phones online, so the software developers can install the software and debug remotely.

Freescale also offers online virtual labs with online service from 3rd party. Freescale virtual labs are full-featured evaluation boards and development software accessible via a standard web browser at no cost 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Freescale offers following valuable virtual labs, range from microcontrollers to analog devices:

ColdFire

• Flexis JM Badge Board: a low cost development board with MCF51JM128 ColdFire USB MCU, an MMA7260QT 3-axis accelerometer, and MC34673 Li-ion battery charger IC and an MPR084 capacitive touch sensor. This board has been distributed freely on FTF.
• MCF5282: ColdFire MCF5282 communicates via CAN or Ethernet with software bundles from ARC International or Interniche Technologies.
• Flexis QE128: you can switch between pin to pin compatible MC9S08QE128 (8-bit) and MCF51QE128 (32-bit) MCUs to evaluate the performance.
• MCF523x: an evaluation board of MCF5235 ColdFire v2 microprocessor
• MCF5485E: an evaluation board for MCF5485 ColdFire v4 microprocessor, which is a Mini-ITX board with a system-on-module, called a Fire Engine, containing 64MB DDR-RAM, 16MB Flash memory, a graphics controller and 4 port USB host. It is available from Freescale BuyDirect service on 250USD.

i.MX
MC9328MX21: i.MX21 multimedia applications processor (ARM based) is your key to higher levels of video and graphics capabilities with exceptional battery life.

Sensors
Water Level Eval Board: The user can manipulate the pressure seen by the KITMPVZ5004EVK by way of a pressure chamber which can pump air in or vacuum air out. 

RS08
MC9RS08KA2: The MCRS08KA2 microcontroller is a general purpose 8-bit device for the ultra low-end market.

S08

• MC9S08LL16: Evaluate the capability of the S08LL16 Device LCD Interface on an 8x24 Segment LCD display or write your own software projects using the CodeWarrior for Microcontrollers Development Studio Environment.
• MC9S08AW60E: The MC9S08AW family of microcontrollers brings the advantages of the popular HCS08 core- based architecture to high-end, high pin count 8-bit applications.
• MC9S08LC60: The integrated USB multilink allows a designer to communicate with the board and target devices with only a USB cable. Included custom LCD glass driver demonstrates the capabilities of all LCD segments in "an end-application format".
• MC9S08QG8: MC9S08QG microcontrollers provide the optimum combination of performance and low power consumption at a sub-1 dollar price. They are designed for such applications as handheld devices, wireless including SMAC, small appliances, security and alarm systems, toys, plus lighting and industrial control.
• MC9S08DZ60: Familiarize yourself with the DZ60 Evaluation Board to control LED outputs, program and execute application code. Also, implement CAN communication using two different DZ60 Evaluation boards.

Zigbee
MC1322x Starters Kit: This Virtual Lab introduces the user to wireless application development with Freescale's MC1322x IEEE 802.15.4 Platform in a Package and BeeKit wireless protocol configuration software. IAR software should be installed for this lab.

S12

• MC9S12XEP100: The virtual lab allows you to write code, download and evaluate the EVB9S12XEP100 Evaluation Board for the MC9S12XEP100 microcontroller.
• MC9S12NE64: VirtualLab allows designers to try out the latest 9S12-based device, the MC9S12NE64, a product with benefits that stretch beyond ease of use, performance and attractive pricing with fast time to market, expandability and flexibility.

DSP
56800E Hybrid DSC: It is flexible as an MCU and powerful as a DSP. The core is easy to program and has improved compiler efficiency.

Analog & Power Management
MC34704A: Explore how the MC34704A power management IC (PMU), with its 8 independent output voltages, can address the power management needs of multimedia application processors integrated into portable devices powered up by Li-Ion/polymer batteries or by USB.

Notes

For individual virtual lab, you must install necessary software like CodeWarrior prior to login to the virtual lab service. Then you can enter the lab if it is not occupied by other people. The online lab service is not always working well. You have to be patient to allow the system to test the communication parameters, Java runtime, authentication and more. Virtual devices have great value for high level software integration, demonstration and presentation. However, a remotely connected has much limitation. I would like to have a well defined simulation package from Proteus/Tina. It should be able to cover most 8bit and ColdFire microcontrollers, sensors and Zigbee mesh network behavior. 

Anyway, it is a great chance for evaluate the system before you decide to invest on it. Hopefully it will not misguide you about the performance. 

Reference

Virtual Labs from Freescale

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