New i.MX50 chips from Freescale integrates
electronic paper display controllers
Freescale Semiconductor has added three new members to
its i. MX50 product family, which integrate hardware-based
display controllers and ARM Cortex-A8 cores. These new members
feature LCD and/or electronic paper displays (EPDs) display
interface.
EPDs are known for ultra-low power consumption and longer
battery life. EPD displays are used applications such as
digital signage, kiosks and home/office automation equipment
for which "always-on" functionality is essential.
Freescale's i.MX50 family integrates an enhanced pixel
processing pipeline (ePxP) and the OpenVG hardware accelerator
to display advanced graphics and UIs with minimal processor
load. The LCD display controller/interface supports simultaneous
deployment of EPD and LCD displays in a single end product.
The i.MX50 processors support LCD displays with resolution
up to 1280 x 1024 pixels (SGXA).
"Freescale is delivering comprehensive, optimized
solutions with power savings and flexible design features,
allowing customers one-stop shopping, ease-of-use and quick
time to market," said Ken Obuszewski, director of product
marketing for Freescale's Multimedia Applications Division.
"Our new i.MX50 devices offer an outstanding solution
for simplified display applications, and now with a comprehensive
portfolio to choose from, customers can pick the best option
for their specific product needs."
"E Ink is collaborating with Freescale to integrate
hardware, simplify design and lower overall system costs,"
said Giovanni Mancini, director of product management for
E Ink Holdings. "This collaboration is creating new
markets for ePaper/semiconductor solutions."
Freescale said it plans to offer an i.MX50 evaluation kit
(EVK), as well as an eReader reference design. Both development
solutions include customized board support packages to streamline
development.
Freescale is offering the new MC34708 power management
IC designed specifically for use with the i.MX50 family
as well as the i.MX53 product line, Freescale's new MC34708
PMIC supports single-cell Li-ion applications.
Freescale's i.MX50 and MC34708 solutions are available
as reference designs with full software BSPs and backed
by integrated technical support.
Availability and pricing: Samples of the i.MX502,
i.MX503 and i.MX507 are available now and start at $9.97
USD suggested resale for 10K units. The MC34708 also is
sampling now and is available in both 8mm x 8mm 0.5mm pitch
BGA and 13mm x 13mm 0.8mm pitch BGA versions. The 10K suggested
resale on the 13mm x13mm device is $4.04 USD, with the 8mm
x8mm device at $3.74 USD in the same volume.
For more information, visit www.freescale.com