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According to the company, its Windows CE BSP compiles with Microsoft's PQOAL (Production-Quality OEM Adaptation Layer) and PQD (Production Quality Device) specifications, meaning that all code linked to the i.MX233 may be reused without modifications. Customers need only review and redesign portions of the BSP handling custom board features.
Adeneo says its BSP supports all the features of Freescale's i.MX23 EVK (evaluation kit) for the i.MX233. With a footprint approximately 7 x 5 inches, the EVK can include the 4.3-inch touchscreen display shown below, while other features include the i.MX233 SoC itself, 128MB of DDR2 memory, and 2GB of NAND flash storage. The device also includes DC-to-DC converter components and a connector for a lithium-ion battery, according to Freescale.
According to Freescale, the EVK includes the i.MX233 SoC itself, 128MB of DDR2 memory, and 2GB of NAND flash storage. The device also includes DC-to-DC converter components and a connector for a lithium-ion battery, the company adds.
Real-world ports on the EVK are said to include an Ethernet port with RJ45 connector, two serial ports, plus a speaker connector and audio jacks for mic in, line in, and headphone output. USB host/device ports and an SD/MMC card slot are also included, says Freescale.
According to Adeneo, its Windows CE 6.0 R3 BSP supports the above features and is also capable of working with a camera, WiFi, and Bluetooth, if fitted. The BSP takes "full advantage" of the EVK's power management, audio, and graphical capabilities, the company adds.
Ken Obuszewski, director of product management for Freescale's multimedia applications division, stated, "The i.MX23 EVK now includes a robust, product-ready Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R3 BSP that enables engineers to quickly create compelling solutions for consumer, industrial and general embedded markets. Adeneo Embeddeds expertise and commitment in Windows Embedded design and support were important factors in selecting them to be our partner for the release of this product."
Background
Like Freescale's 2004 i.MX21, i.MX27, and recent i.MX25 family, the i.MX233 is based on the widely used ARM926EJ-S core, clocked in this case at 454MHz. But, according to the company, the new SoC adds a variety of mixed-signal analog technology -- analog audio, A/D channels, and integrated power management -- that was acquired with the 2008 purchase of SigmaTel.
Freescale says the mixed-signal technology, which provides such features as a stereo headphone amplifier, 1.5 Watts of power for a mono speaker, and an S/PDIF digital output, reduces system complexity and speeds time-to-market. In addition, the i.MX233 is said to incorporate an image processing unit supporting 24-bit VGA displays.
As a result of all this, Freescale claims, the i.MX233 is an "optimized system-on-chip" solution for eBooks, portable media players (PMPs), and other mobile consumer electronics applications requiring graphical user displays. Additional applications are said to include VoIP handsets, smart remotes, home appliances, audio peripherals/accessories, and simple human machine interface (HMI) systems for industrial applications.
According to Freescale, the i.MX233 is available in two packages, either a 169-pin BGA (ball grid array) version or a 128-pin LQFP (low-profile quad flat package) version. As the block diagram above indicates, the LQFP version fits into its smaller package by leaving out the BGA version's mono ampllfier, touchscreen controller, and I2S (serial audio) interface.
Features and specifications listed by Freescale for the i.MX233 include the following:
Freescale says its i.MX23 EVK costs approximately $400 including the Windows CE 6.0 R3 BSP, while the 4.3-inch touchscreen display module is an additional $200. More information may be found on the company's website, here.
