Freescale Expands i.MX35 Family with Two New Multimedia Applications Chips

Freescale Semiconductor, a manufacturer of embedded semiconductors for the automotive, consumer, industrial, networking and wireless markets, has introduced two new i.MX35 multimedia applications processors targeting industrial and consumer applications.

 

As the graphic contents of the industrial and consumer applications grow increasingly complex and computer-intensive, there is a demand for cost-effective processing solutions that deliver exceptional multimedia capabilities.

 

Freescale’s i.MX family of processors is provided with on-chip media accelerators, multiple connectivity interfaces and package options, making them suitable for a broad spectrum of multimedia-oriented applications.

 

The new pin-compatible i.MX353 and i.MX357 applications processors deliver a powerful combination of high performance, connectivity and graphics processing ability for the industrial and consumer markets, Freescale said.

 

According to officials, the i.MX353 processor targets cost-sensitive display-based systems, while the i.MX357 addresses applications requiring advanced user interfaces with higher levels of graphics.

 

The i.MX35 processors combine ARM1136 core with an OpenVG graphics engine. Running at up to 532 MHz, the core features a vector floating point co-processor, a multi-level cache system and a RISC-based DMA controller to provide a high level of performance without sacrificing power consumption.

 

The new applications processors support a rage of external memories, such as SDRAM, Mobile DDR and DDR2, SLC and MLC NAND flash, NOR flash and SRAM. By offering support for cost-effective DDR2 and multi-level cell NAND memories, the processors help developers reduce system costs and offer greater design flexibility.

 

Freescale’s i.MX353 and i.MX357 processors are suitable for industrial applications such as factory automation, building control and HVAC systems that incorporate sophisticated human machine interfaces (HMI).

 

With their ability to provide optimal multimedia capabilities required for graphical user displays, the new processors also find applications in personal navigation devices (PNDs), e-books and other portable consumer electronics applications.

 

According to Paul Marino, general manager of Freescale’s Multimedia Applications Division, the new i.MX35 processors offer the graphics acceleration and connectivity options that developers need to take their system designs to the next level of performance, within ever tighter price and power budgets.

 

To enable industry-standard connectivity, the processors are provided with options such as controller area network (CAN) and Fast Ethernet interfaces, which support high-bandwidth data transfers for industrial applications.

 

Samples of i.MX353 and i.MX357 processors are available through authorized distributors. The company said it plans to begin full production in Q2 2009.