Texas Instruments (TI) announced the Sitara AM57x processor family, the highest performance devices in this processor platform.
TI’s Sitara AM57x processors are designed for a broad range of embedded and industrial applications. The design uses ARM Cortex-A15 cores for high-performance processing and running a high-level operating system (HLOS). Additionally, AM57x processors integrate TI’s C66x digital signal processors (DSPs) for analytics and real-time computation, programmable real-time units (PRU) and ARM Cortex-M4 cores for control functions, and video and graphic accelerators for advanced user interfaces and multimedia applications.
TI said the Sitara AM57x processors enable developers to simplify their designs with a single chip instead of needing multiple chips for each function. The design targets Internet of Things (IIoT), factory automation, machine vision, embedded computing, human machine interface (HMI), robotics, medical imaging, avionics, etc.
- Compute: Two different types of computing cores, both with up to two ARM Cortex-A15 cores and C66x DSPs that each perform a different task. The multicore architecture provides flexibility by distributing tasks to the right cores while driving system integration and best-in-class performance – all within one chip.
- Control: In addition to the high-performance cores, AM57x processors also include two ARM Cortex-M4 cores and four PRUs to provide developers with low-latency, real-time control functions necessary for industrial applications such as controlling a motor or monitoring sensors.
- Connectivity: The processors are equipped with an industrial communication subsystem (ICSS) for real-time fieldbus protocols and other industrial communication, and extensive system flexibility with integrated high-speed peripherals such as PCIe, SATA, Gigabit Ethernet, and USB 3.0. These features, along with the high-performance ARM Cortex-A15 cores and DSP, enable AM57x processors to transmit and receive data quicker.
- Multimedia: The devices integrate up to two SGX544 3-D and a GC320 2-D graphic accelerators for advanced graphical user interfaces; a 1080p60 video accelerator and multi-display support for high-definition video playback; and multiple camera inputs for recording events, taking pictures or reading a barcode.
Samples of Sitara AM57x processors are now available from TI.