Applications processor enters volume production

26th February 2015

Mick Elliott

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Freescale Semiconductor says it now has volume availability of the i.MX 6SoloX, applications processor enabling secure connected home, Internet of Things, and connected vehicles applications. The SoC incorporates cryptographic cipher engines and a configurable resource domain controller that allows peripherals to be locked or shared by the CPU cores.

Augmenting the domain controller is a secure messaging semaphore unit that enables cooperative, multi-OS software to safely access shared peripherals. The processor also features robust physical security, including advanced secure boot and protected data storage. These advanced hardware capabilities enable users to architect custom security solutions based on unique market requirements.

Integrating ARM Cortex-M4 and Cortex-A9 cores on the same chip allows deployment of a user interface-rich operating system on the Cortex-A9 core while benefiting from the deterministic, real-time responsiveness of the Cortex-M4 core. Discrete CPU core power domains allow for independent power state control and low current draw with fast wakeup times from sleep modes. The SoC’s system-aware architecture supports additional power efficiency by enabling complete shutdown of the Cortex-A9 core, even as the Cortex-M4 continues performing low-level system monitoring tasks. This benefit can be further enhanced by leveraging the extended light load efficiency of Freescale’s proven PF0200 power management companion IC that has been optimized for i.MX processor system platforms.

“Freescale has leveraged its experience and deep understanding of microcontrollers, microprocessors and heterogeneous system-on-chip design to deliver yet another groundbreaking embedded device,” said Ron Martino, vice president of applications processors and advanced technology adoption for Freescale’s MCU group. “The i.MX 6SoloX is providing new ways to address security, performance, scalability and power efficiency, all to help build the next generation of connected, system-aware devices for the home and vehicle.”

The i.MX 6SoloX is well-suited for a range of display-centric automotive applications and can also be used in lower cost, smaller packaging options with no displays, including automotive telematics and modules in vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) applications. The device additionally supports a range of non-automotive products such as home automation, building control and healthcare applications.

Other key features of the i.MX 6SoloX multicore applications processor include:

Dual-port gigabit Ethernet audio video bridging (AVB) for quality-of-service in automotive and other applications with enhanced traffic shaping and packet prioritization
2D and 3D graphics processing unit (GPU) for enhanced HMI development
Flexible boot options, including support for DDR QSPI and raw NAND, and a memory controller that supports both DDR3 and low power DDR2 memory
Smart integration of standard system interfaces, including multiple interface options for UI and wireless connectivity to provide system design flexibility