Date: 10/06/2010
TI introduces two new Sitara MPUs with 1GHz ARM Cortex-A8
Texas Instruments has made available two new Sitara microprocessor units (MPUs), the AM3715 and AM3703 processors, with 1GHz ARM Cortex-A8. It is suggested for portable data terminals, portable medical equipment, home and building automation, navigation systems, smart displays and human machine interface (HMI) industrial applications. The AM3703 can be utilized for applications not requiring graphics. TI says that these devices offer double the graphics performance as over previous Sitara devices. The AM3715 enables 3D rendering, picture-perfect visuals and increased graphical user interface (GUI) capabilities. TI also says that both the AM3715 and AM3703 offer nearly 40 percent increase in ARM performance, and developers can increase application battery life with up to 30 percent decrease in power consumption compared to previous MPUs in the Sitara family.
The AM37x MPUs are code compatible with TI's OMAP35x and Sitara AM35x line of processors. The AM3715 and AM3703 are pin-to-pin compatible to each other. Linux and Windows Embedded CE software packages are provided with example applications, development environment and system utilities. TI says that these software packages provide existing customers and developers an easy software migration path while providing a scalable silicon hardware platform for product enhancements through the Sitara ARM MPUs and DaVinci video processors.
AM37x key features and benefits:
Key Feature
Benefits
Available at 300 MHz, 600 MHz, 800 MHz and 1GHz performance levels.
Offers operating points to meet power and performance budgets while maintaining pin for pin compatibility
1GHz Cortex-A8 with Neon co-processor, delivering 2000 DMIPs and offering 45 nm
Enables faster user interfaces, data access and web page downloads; enables highest levels of processor performance and low power consumption
PowerVR Graphics Core supports OpenGL ES 2.0 and renders 20 million polygons per second
Provides 3D graphics for more GUIs
Increased SDRAM Controller performance and 100 percent increase in L1 cache
Increased memory bandwidth provides increased multi processor performance and reduces latency
Robust peripheral set: USB HS Host x3, USB 2.0 OTG, MMC/SD card interface x3, 1.8V input/output and display subsystem with LCD controller and dual 10-bit DACs
Allows multiple connectivity options
Tools and software: TMDXEVM3715 evaluation module (EVM) is available for $1,495. The software development kit includes a Linux kernel 2.6.32 board support package with Graphical User Interface, Graphics, Applications, demonstrations and development utilities. Windows Embedded CE 6.0 board support package will also be available in 3Q10.
Price:
The AM3715 is priced at US$26 for 1,000 unit quantities.
The AM3703 is priced at US$22.50 for 1,000 unit quantities.
Availability: Now
For more information, go to www.ti.com.