NetLogic Microsystems Au1250® Processor
Go Mobile. Go Global. Go Now.
Optimized for Multi-function Personal Media Player (mPMP) Applications
Overview
NetLogic Microsystems’ industry-leading Alchemy® Processor family comprises a series of ultra low-power embedded processors that deliver the powerful processing performance, ultra low-power functionality and market specific integration required for next-generation products like enterprise thin clients, automotive infotainment, telematics, and other media rich embedded applications.
The Au1250® processor is pin- and software-compatible with the existing NetLogic Microsystems Au1200® processor’s sockets while providing significantly increased performance advantages associated with the Low-Power Embedded processor family. The architecture allows system designers the ability to implement full featured PMPs using the Low-Power Embedded processors without the need for additional components.
This elevated application processing performance, with remarkably low power, makes the Au1250 processor ideally suited to the expanding needs of multi-function media rich applications. The Au1250 processor’s optimized design is tailored to efficiently support multi-format video playback, GPS navigation, mobile TV, satellite radio, along with photo viewers, digital cameras and other applications in a single, low-cost, portable design.
700MHz Means More Available MIPS
The Au1250 processor at 700MHz provides 17% more CPU performance compared to the 600MHz version. When simultaneously playing full D1 video using the on-chip Media Acceleration Engine™, which off-loads video processing in hardware, the Au1250 processor delivers more available MIPS for other user applications than have been possible in portable consumer devices. Users can now enjoy unprecedented processing performance for simultaneously running multiple diverse applications with substantially longer battery life than before.
Support for Large Block NAND Boot
Another advantage of the Au1250 processor is the expansion of the memory implementation options that are available to a designer. The Au1250 processor enables boot start-up directly from large block NAND memories. Today’s large block, multi-level cell NAND Flash memories are much denser than previously available, allowing higher capacities and lower memory costs. Lower cost-per-bit makes NAND Flash an attractive option for portable storage. The Au1250 processor recognizes this trend by supporting the access requirements of large block NAND memories. System designers now have the flexibility to boot from large block NAND as well as NOR Flash memories.
Extended Temperature Versions
For systems with DDR2 memories, the Au1250 processor is available in an extended temperature range option of -40ºC to 100ºC for speeds up to 500MHz. This is well suited for select in-cabin automotive applications, and other environments with more hostile temperature requirements.
The Low-Power Embedded processor family of pin-compatible Media and Navigation chips enables designers to support multiple price-performance points and application requirements from a single board design.
| Features | Au1250® | Au1200® | Au1210® |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Clock Rate | 700MHz | 500MHz | 500MHz |
| Video Decode Resolution | Full D1: 720x480 | Full D1: 720x480 | Wide-CIF: 480x288 |
| Very Low Power: | <1/2 Watt at Full D1 (600MHz) | <1/2 Watt at Full D1 (400MHz) | <1/4 Watt at QVGA (333MHz) |
| Stand-by | 300µA | 300µA | 300µA |
| NAND Boot | Large Block | Small Block | Large Block |
| Extended Temp. -40 º C to 100 º C | Up to 500MHz | Up to 333MHz | Up to 400MHz |
| AES-128 Cryptography Engine | Yes, integrated on-chip | Yes, integrated on-chip | Not available |
Features
Customized MIPS32® Core
Media Acceleration Engine (MAE)
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DDR SDRAM Controller
Static Bus Controller
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The Way to Go Mobile
Transcoding Not Required
The NetLogic Microsystems Low-Power Embedded processor Au1250 processor supports common digital video media, including MPEG, DivX, and WMV9, and delivers full D1 resolution without the need to transcode content between PC or PVR and the PMP. This reduces the time required to download fresh content and helps enable consumers to take media “on the go” faster and easier.
The Au1250 processor also leverages a unique approach to DDR1 and DDR2 memory to deliver better overall performance than SDRAM components. And, the Au1250 processor achieves faster I/O via USB 2.0 to give designers a range of enhanced connectivity options.
No Need for DSPs
The NetLogic Microsystems Low-Power Embedded processor Au1250 processor incorporates an integrated Media Acceleration Engine optimized for video to eliminate the need for DSPs and specialized coding. This means less overall power consumption and a simplified design.
Video Codecs ported by NetLogic Microsystems = Low Engagement Cost
Since NetLogic Microsystems ports all video codecs that are supported by the on-chip Media Acceleration Engine, there is no need to engage expensive 3rd party codec software development vendors. No NRE, so OEMs/ODMs immediately realize a lower solution cost.
High-Performance, Low-Power Embedded Solution Optimized for PMP, Automotive, and DMA Applications
The NetLogic Microsystems Low-Power Embedded processor Au1250 processor delivers maximum performance with minimum effort full-function personal media on milliwatts of power.
- No transcoding required
- No need for DSP
- No SDRAM bottlenecks
- Unified memory architecture
- Media Acceleration Engine (MAE)
- Built-in decryption hardware for digital rights management
LCD controller design optimizes displays
The NetLogic Microsystems Low-Power Embedded processor Au1250 processor features an LCD controller that gives developers full 32-bit RGB capabilities in each of four prioritized overlay windows that require no frame buffer modifications to reposition. The processor also features gamma correction for matching video displays with graphics, a global background color that simplifies processing and produces an aesthetically pleasing display, and a 1KB palette RAM frame buffer that is ideal for displaying information in portable device idle modes.
Camera interface module supports today’s popular features
The Au1250 processor also features a Camera Interface Module (CIM) that provides an 8- or 10-bit data bus for input from CCD/CMOS sensors or other CCIR656 data. The CIM supports pixel clock rates up to 33MHz, and adds popular capabilities including image capture and analog TV display.
CIM image data is autonomously planarized in RGB or YCbCr format, relieving the core from additional work, and is routed to three separate FIFOs. Output is then moved to memory using DDMA. Planarized data can take advantage of the scaling, filtering, and color space conversion capabilities of the MAE.
The NetLogic Microsystems Au1250 processor gives designers an easy-to-use and fast tool for developing innovative and feature-rich products that can be produced and marketed quickly, shortening the design-to-market cycle for OEMs.
The complete processor solution includes ODM design and hardware components, third-party GUI and content management software, and NetLogic Microsystems media player software with no licensing fee. Overall, the solution features fewer parts for easier design and simpler integration. Flexible architecture provides a robust capability for numerous portable media applications.
A ready-to-go solution for designers
The NetLogic Microsystems Au1250 processor gives designers an easy-to-use and fast tool for developing innovative and feature-rich products that can be produced and marketed quickly, shortening the design-to-market cycle for OEMs.
The complete processor solution includes ODM design and hardware components, third-party GUI and content management software, and NetLogic Microsystems media player software with no licensing fee. Overall, the solution features fewer parts for easier design and simpler integration. Flexible architecture provides a robust capability for numerous portable media applications.
Au1250 Media Processor
AES Hardware Encrypt/Decrypt Engine
- AES 128
- ECB, CBC, CFB, OFB modes supported
- 100/50/25/12MHz clock option for power/performance considerations
LCD Controller
- Up to 1024x768 resolution screens
- 32-bits per pixel aRGB color resolution support
- Four prioritizable overlay windows
- Alpha override and per-pixel alpha blending
- Four-color hardware cursor
- Configurable on-chip memory area for palette RAM, gamma correction, or 1KB frame buffer
Integrated Peripherals
- Two Programmable Serial Controllers (PSCs) - each independently capable of being programmed for AC97, I2S, SPI, and SMBus (system management bus) serial protocols
- Two Secure Digital/SDIO/MMC Controllers
- USB 2.0 Host and Device Controller with HS, FS, and LS support (for both)
- Configurable Host, Device, OTG (On-the-Go) support
- Two UARTs
- GPIO (48)
Camera Interface Module
- 8-10 bit parallel data bus
- Planar modes support CMOS/CCD sensors
- CCIR 656 data input
- CIM image data is autonomously planarized in RGB or YCbCr format, relieving the core from the actual work
- A Raw Data Mode supports moving CIM input data unchanged to memory
Power Management Modes
- New Sleep mode specification to 300µA
- Hibernate
- Idle0/Idle1
Other
- Low power
- Package: Pin count 372 Plastic BGA
Block Diagram
