Industry's lowest-power ARM Cortex-A5-based MPU

Said to deliver the world’s lowest power consumption of any device in its class, a new series of SMART ARM Cortex-A5-based microprocessors (MPUs) has been unveiled by Atmel. The new MPUs deliver sub 200µA in retention mode with context preserved, 30µs ultra-fast wake-up and a new backup mode with DDR in self-refresh at only 50µA. The Atmel | SMART SAMA5D2 series provides great system integration with the addition of a complete audio subsystem, lower pin-count and ultra-small package for space constraints applications, and built-in PCI-level security targeting industrial Internet of Things (IoT), wearables and point of sale (POS) applications. Expanding the Atmel SAMA5 family, the SAMA5D2 series delivers just the right price-to-performance ratio for applications requiring an entry-level MPU and extended industrial temperature range (-40C to 105C ambient temperature). The new series is also a great migration path for designers using ARM926-based MPUs looking for higher performance and additional features including low power, higher security, DDR3 support, smaller footprint, audio, USB HSIC and Atmel’s patented SleepWalking technology. “As a leader in ultra-low power MCU and MPU IoT solutions, we are excited to launch the new Atmel | SMART SAMA5D2 series for designers requiring a general, entry-level MPU,” said Jacko Wilbrink, senior director of MPUs, Atmel. “Designers for industrial IoT, wearables and POS applications are demanding more performance, lower power, smaller form factors and additional security for their next-generation applications. The Atmel SAMA5D2 is well positioned for these demanding requirements, delivering the world’s lowest power MPU, along with low-system cost and PCI level security.” Featuring an ARM NEON engine, the new SAMA5D2 series delivers 500MHz and 166MHz of system clocking. The memory system includes a configurable 16- or 32-bit DDR interface controller, 16-bit external bus interface (EBI), QSPI Flash interface, ROM with secure and non-secure boot solution, 128kB of SRAM plus 128kB of L2Cache configurable as SRAM extension. The user interface system for the SAMA5D2 includes a 24-bit TFT LCD controller, an audio subsystem with fractional PLL, multiple I2S and SSC/TDM channels, a stereo class D amplifier and Digital microphone support. The robust security system in the new SAMA5D2 includes the ARM® TrustZone technology, along with secure boot, hardware cryptography, RSA/ECC, on-the-fly encryption/decryption on DDR and QSPI memories, tamper resistance, memory scrambling, independent watchdog, temperature, voltage and frequency monitoring and a unique ID in each device. To support the new series of SAMA5D2 MPUs, Atmel has developed a free Linux distribution available on www.Linux4sam.com and published in the mainline kernel. For non-operating system (OS) users, Atmel delivers more than 40 peripheral drivers in C. Atmel collaborates with a global network of partners, including IAR, ARM, Free Electrons, Active-Semi, Micron, ISSI, Winbond, Segger, Lauterbach, FreeRTOS, Express Logic, NuttX and Sequitur Labs, that deliver development tools, PMIC, memories and software solutions. To help accelerate a designer’s development, the SAMA5 Xplained Ultra kit is available now for USD $79. The Xplained Ultra board includes an embedded debugger and programmer and includes a wide range of compatible extensions boards. Standalone programmer debugger solutions supporting the SAMA5 family are also available from both Atmel and third parties, says the company. Touchscreen controller latest news - Atmel has also announced it has expanded its robust portfolio of automotive-qualified maXTouch touchscreen controllers with the mXT641T family. The new family is optimized for capacitive touchpads and touchscreens from 5 to 10 inches. The devices are the industry's first auto-qualified self- and mutual-capacitance controllers meeting the AEC-Q100 standards for high reliability in harsh environments, says the company.