ARM926 Processor Cuts Costs In Industrial Apps

Described as a high-performance ARM926EJ-based embedded microprocessor, the SAM9M10 integrates a video decoder and 2D acceleration, i.e., scaling, rotating, color space conversion, and picture in picture. Targeting a wide array of markets, industrial in particular, the device includes a 400-MHz ARM926-based microprocessor that integrates twin parallel external bus interfaces to support DDR DRAM at 133 MHz. It also integrates high-speed USB host and device ports with on-chip transceivers, an Ethernet MAC, two interfaces for MMC 4.3 and SDIO/SD Card 2.0, as well as an LCD controller with resistive touchscreen support and CMOS camera and audio interfaces. The SAM9M10 decodes video streams up to D1 (720 x 576 pixels) or WVGA (800 x 480) at 30 fps. It is pin compatible with the SAM9G45 and an evaluation kit is available with free Linux distribution and Windows Embedded CE board support packages. Price for the processor is $11.40 each/10,000 and the SAM9M10 evaluation kit is available for $750 each. ATMEL CORP., San Jose, CA. (408) 441-0311.