Texas Instruments debuts first ARM Cortex-A8 processors for industrial computing applications

Two high-performance ARM microprocessors from new Sitara™ family feature industrial-tuned peripherals for an up to $10 system cost savings

HOUSTON -- Oct. 21, 2009 -- For the industrial market, Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NYSE: TXN) today announced the first two devices from its new Sitara™ family, the AM3505 and AM3517 ARM microprocessors (MPU), and an AM3517 evaluation module. TI's high-performance ARM MPUs are the first Cortex™-A8 processor-based solutions optimized for industrial applications. The AM35x devices offer multiple device packages, industrial temperature options, peripheral integration, graphics capabilities and high computational performance at sub-one Watt power levels. Since extreme temperatures, shock and vibration can reduce the lifetime of a product, the new MPUs allow industrial designers to build fan-less and completely air-tight embedded systems that can endure rigorous operating environments. For more information, visit here.

The highly integrated AM35x processors provide designers with a system cost reduction of up to $10 through multiple on-chip peripherals including a CAN controller and Ethernet MAC (EMAC). The many connectivity interfaces allow for easier implementation of network, device and sensor communications across a wide breadth of products including industrial automation, electronic point of service, portable data terminals and single board computers.

AM3505 key features and benefits:

• Superscalar 500 MHz ARM Cortex-A8 processor provides 1000 Dhrystone MIPS, which enables users to run full featured operating systems and experience faster web browsing
• Industrial temperature options (-40 to 85 degrees Celsius) allow customers to operate in harsh development environments ranging from sub freezing temperatures to extreme heat
• Sub-one Watt power consumption in typical applications eliminates the need for heat sinks and fans allowing industrial developers to design silent and air-tight enclosures
• Display subsystem with picture-in-picture, color space conversion, rotation and resizing support provides flexibility to connect to LCD display for vibrant, crisp and high-resolution images
• Integrated CAN controller supports local control of sensors and controllers
• Connectivity options with a USB 2.0 high-speed on-the-go with built-in PHY conserves board space, and an 10/100 EMAC for network communications, control of industrial devices and remote rebooting reduces the need for technicians to physically monitor and service systems
• DDR2 memory support reduces overall cost of system memory
• 3.3V I/O eliminates the need for level shifters and lowers system costs
• Software compatible with TI's OMAP™ processors
• Leverages low power technology from TI's OMAP applications processors

AM3517 key features and benefits:

• Builds on the AM3505 with an additional PowerVR™ SGX graphics engine to accelerate 3D graphical user interfaces. The graphics engine can process up to 10 Mpolygons/sec and supports OPENGL® ES 2.0

Design confidently with TI's broad portfolio of ARM solutions

By offering an extensive portfolio of ARM solutions including Stellaris® ARM Cortex-M3 microcontrollers, Sitara Cortex-A8 and ARM9 MPUs and OMAP applications processors, TI enables customers to scale performance, utilize numerous peripherals and drive down system cost with enough headroom for differentiated features and future flexibility. TI is committed to providing customers with more choices for diverse markets, offering the industry's broadest range of ARM-based processors provided by a single manufacturer. This processor portfolio is coupled by complementary TI analog solutions as well as low-cost, easy-to-use software and development tools to accelerate development.

Pricing and availability

The two devices are sampling in 0.65mm BGA and 1mm BGA package options and are priced as follows: XAM3505ZCN for USD $21.45 and XAM3517ZCN for $24 (1,000 units). In order to speed development, designers can use the $999 TMDXEVM3517 evaluation module with a Linux Software Development Kit. Windows® Embedded CE support is planned for 4Q09 and additional operating systems and RTOS are planned for 1Q 2010.

Find out more about TI's AM35x generation of ARM Cortex-A8 MPUS:

• AM3505 product folder
• AM3517 product folder
• AM3517 evaluation module:
• AM3517 evaluation module demo
• AM3517 datasheet
• TI E2E Sitara community and videos
• TI power management ICs, AM35x power and design considerations
• TI interface ICs including CAN transceivers and industrial Ethernet PHYs

About Texas Instruments

Texas Instruments (NYSE: TXN) helps customers solve problems and develop new electronics that make the world smarter, healthier, safer, greener and more fun. A global semiconductor company, TI innovates through design, sales and manufacturing operations in more than 30 countries. For more information, go to www.ti.com.