Aimed at applications that need to transition from a microcontroller (MCU) to a microprocessor (MPU) to handle increased processing requirements, Microchip Technology Inc. has expanded its MPU-based system-on-module (SOM) portfolio with the release of the SAM9X60D1G-SOM ARM926EJ-S-based embedded MPU running up to 600 MHz. Software is available with bare metal or RTOS support or complete Linux mainlined distributions.
The SOM, based on the SAM9X60D1G system in package (SiP), is housed in a 28 × 28 mm form factor that includes the MPU and DDR memory in a single package, together with power supplies, clocks, and memory storage. The SAM9X60D1G-SOM is Microchip’s first SOM equipped with 4 Gb SLC NAND flash. The SOM also includes an MCP16501 power management IC (PMIC). Microchip said this “simplifies the power design effort to a single 5-V voltage rail to enable lower power systems.”
Other features include a 10/100 KSZ8081 Ethernet PHY and a 1 Kb Serial EEPROM with pre-programmed MAC address (EUI-48). Designs can be customized based on the required level of security protections such as secure boot with on-chip secure key storage (OTP), hardware encryption engine (TDES, AES and SHA), and True Random Generator (TRNG).
Microchip’s MPU-based SOMs are built using a common set of Microchip components to reduce design complexity and PCB costs. “Because the complex devices are already routed on the SOM, customers can design their products using a low-cost, four-layer PCB,” said the company.
The SOM and its components are backed by Microchip’s obsolescence practice. This means the company will continue to supply a product for as long as possible and while demand for the product exists.
The SAM9X60D1G-SOM can be used in a variety of MPU32 applications. This includes across industries such as medical equipment, automotive telematics and infotainment systems, electric vehicles chargers, and industrial and automation control.
Hardware and software development support includes the SAM9X60D1G Curiosity Evaluation Kit (CPN: EV40E67A) featuring three Linux distributions: BuildRoot, Yocto, and OpenWRT. The bare-metal or RTOS-based systems are supported by the MPLAB Harmony 3 embedded software framework, MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment (IDE), and MPLAB XC32 compiler.
The SAM9X60D1G-SOM (PN SAM9X60D1G-I/LZB) is priced at $42.96 each in quantities of 5,000. Purchasing is available via a Microchip sales representative, authorized worldwide distributor or Microchip’s Purchasing and Client Services website.
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