| Low-cost, high-integration ARM9 processor runs Windows CE |
May 18, 2004
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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