Freescale turns to mixed signal technology

The integration of analogue and mixed signal technology is a result of Freescale's 2008 acquisition of SigmaTel. This technology includes integrated power management, analogue audio and A/D channels. An image processing unit supporting 24bit VGA displays is also included. The i.MX233 processor is said to provide an optimised SoC solution to meet the power and performance requirements of eBooks, portable media players and other mobile consumer applications requiring graphical user displays. The processor incorporates an ARM9 core operating up to 454MHz and has been designed to maximise performance and extend battery life. According to Freescale, its integrated power management system enables efficient MIPS per application while clock gating and multiple low power modes optimise low power performance. The processor also combines an lcd controller with touchscreen and display processing, connectivity ports, analogue features including audio codecs and A/D converters and an external memory interface. Ken Obuszewski, director of product management for Freescale's Multimedia Applications Group, said: "The i.MX233 provides a new level of integration for embedded markets, eliminating the need for many external components and reducing cost and complexity in a design. We are enabling cost competitive solutions for our customers and helping reduce their development time, which allows them to hit important market windows."