28 May 2008

Freescale Debuts i.MX37 Chip For Portable Multimedia

Freescale Semiconductor has debuted the i.MX37 multimedia applications processor, its first offering based on the ARM1176JZF-S core.

The i.MX37 processor is designed to meet growing demand for devices that deliver rich multimedia experiences anytime, anywhere. It will primarily slot into the portable media player (PMP), mobile Internet and portable GPS navigation (PND) markets.

Based on the ARM1176JZF-S core, the i.MX37 device delivers 532 MHz at 1.0V to efficiently drive demanding applications in top-of-the-line portable devices. In lower performance applications such as audio and video playback where power consumption is a primary concern, the i.MX37 processor can run at voltages under 1.0V to help achieve the longest possible battery life, Freescale said.

The i.MX37 multimedia applications processor is architected with Freescale's Smart Speed technology, an intelligent integrative approach that uses hardware accelerators to offload the CPU and a crossbar switch to bring parallelism to the system. The result is a processor that performs with a high clock speed, while conserving power for extended battery life.
"High-volume OEMs and ODMs are seeking solutions that will enable them to create compelling new generations of high-end portable consumer-electronics devices,” said Sheri Greenspan, senior analyst for Consumer Electronics at market research company iSuppli. “Semiconductor suppliers need comprehensive IP libraries, including cost-efficient processing and mixed-signal capabilities to serve the needs of the fast-growing portable multimedia and navigation markets.”

“With the i.MX37 processor platform and our recent acquisition of talent and technology from SigmaTel, Freescale is well positioned to engage with customers across a broad spectrum of the mobile consumer market - from simple audio players to sophisticated multimedia and portable GPS devices featuring high resolution video,” said Paul Marino, general manager of Freescale’s Multimedia Applications Division.

Freescale’s IPU v3D technology supports up to 24-bit color depth at XGA resolution, enabling large display support for high end multimedia players and mobile internet devices. When used in conjunction with Freescale’s image processing unit, the processor’s multimedia hardware acceleration delivers the rich playback experiences required on next-generation multimedia devices, the company said.

The device’s multimedia hardware contains logic that decodes industry standard video formats such as MPEG4, H.264, WMV/VC-1, MPEG2 and H.263 up to 576x720 (D1) resolution, which offloads the ARM CPU. This allows the processor to deliver rich user interfaces blended with video playback. The i.MX37 processor also includes an integrated PAL/NTSC encoder with triple video DACs to deliver a pristine picture on larger displays or televisions over component, composite or S-video interfaces.

Initial sampling to selected customers is underway now in both Linux and WinCE board support packages, Freescale confirmed.