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        Low-cost, high-integration ARM9 processor runs Windows CE

        Staff | Date: May 18, 2004 | Comments: 1



        Semiconductor specialist Cirrus Logic unveiled a new low-cost, highly integrated processor based on the ARM9 architecture, today at the Embedded Processor Forum in San Jose, Calif. Cirrus is aiming the new EP9302 processor at point-of-sale terminals, medical instrumentation, security and surveillance, process monitoring, and digital entertainment applications.




        The EP9302 runs at 200 MHz and includes a "MaverickCrunch" engine, described by Cirrus as "an advanced, mixed-mode math coprocessor that greatly accelerates the single- and double-precision integer and floating-point processing capabilities of the ARM920T processor core."

        Cirrus says it supports the processor with Microsoft's Windows CE .NET operating system, "optimized and fully supported by an in-house Cirrus Logic software development and support team."


        EP9302 Block Diagram
        (Click above image to enlarge)


        Cirrus lists other chip features and specs as follows:
        • 200 MHz ARM920T processor
          • 16 KB data cache and 16 KB instruction cache
          • MMU enabling Linux and Windows CE
          • 100 MHz system bus
        • MaverickCrunch math engine
          • Floating point, integer, and signal-processing instructions
          • Optimization for digital music compression algorithms
          • Hardware interlocks allow in-line coding
        • MaverickKey IDs for digital rights management or design IP security
          • 32-bit unique ID
          • 128-bit random ID
        • Integrated peripheral interfaces
          • Five-input A/D converter with 12-bit resolution
          • 1/10/100 Mbps Ethernet MAC
          • Two-port USB 2.0 Full Speed host (OHCI)
          • Two UARTs (16550 type), including soft modem support
          • IrDA interface, slow mode
          • SPI port
          • AC '97 interface
          • I2S interface
        • External memory options
          • 16-bit SDRAM interface, up to two banks
          • 16/8-bit SRAM/Flash/ROM I/F
          • Serial EEPROM interface
        • Internal peripherals
          • Real-time clock with software trim
          • 12 DMA channels for data transfer that maximizes system performance
          • Boot ROM
          • Dual PLLs to control all clock domains
          • Watchdog timer
          • Two general-purpose 16-bit timers
          • General-purpose 32-bit timer
          • 40-bit debug timer
        • General-purpose I/Os (GPIOs)
          • 16 enhanced GPIOs including interrupt capability
          • Eight additional optional GPIOs multiplexed on peripherals
        • Package: 208-pin QFP
        "The EP9302 gives system designers an unbeatable combination of raw power and on-board Ethernet at a price far less than competing IC or reference design solutions," said Tom Lee, Cirrus's VP of embedded products marketing.

        The EP9302 will be available in June, 2004 in a 208-pin quad flat package, priced at $9.96 in volumes of 10,000+. Cirrus Logic's line-up of currently available Nine-Series (ARM9 core based) embedded processors includes the EP9301, EP9312, and the flagship EP9315, a very highly integrated chip containing an ARM920T processor, graphics engine, a 2D graphics accelerator, IDE interface, Ethernet, USB, PCMCIA, and the graphics and audio capabilities needed for a sophisticated user interface, according to Cirrus.



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