Freescale Semiconductor expands apps processor range
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Responding to what it calls 'segmentation' in its target markets, Freescale has added two cost optimised devices to its i.MX6 range of application processors.
The new devices are the SoloLite and the DualLite; single and dual core parts respectively. Both feature ARM Cortex-A9 cores and E Ink controllers, but differ from existing parts in their graphics resources.
Rajeev Kumar, Freescale's i.MX product line manager, noted: "SoloLite consumes less power, but has better performance, while DualLite will be suited to those devices which need dual core computing performance, but which are cost sensitive."
In order to cost optimise the new devices, Freescale has removed the graphics accelerator from the SoloLite. This optimisation process also means SoloLite is not pin compatible with the other four i.MX6 processors. DualLite, meanwhile, has fewer graphics resources than the i.MX6 Dual.
Kumar admitted the devices are targeted primarily at consumer designs, including e-readers, where i.MX processors feature in five of the top six products on the market. "But there will be huge growth in intelligent systems," he contended. "By 2020, there will be 32billion connected devices, of which 25bn will be embedded systems. We're looking to take basic smartphone and tablet technology to other markets; sectors such as medical and devices with HMIs. Developers of these devices want them to connect to the web, display multimedia, run a standard OS and run apps."
The 1GHz i.MX 6SoloLite features a 2d graphics processor and display controllers for electrophoretic and lcd based panels. The two cores in the i.MX 6DualLite also run at up to 1GHz, but the part has integrated 2d and 3d graphics processors and a 1080p video processing engine.
Manufactured on TSMC's 40nm process, the new devices will be shipping in the second half of 2012.
