Freescale Semiconductor Holdings I, Ltd. : Freescale extends i.MX 6 series following strong market adoption of the portfolio

Company's flagship applications processor family for consumer markets adds next-generation eReader product and cost-effective dual-core device

Less than six months after initially becoming available, Freescale's flagship i.MX 6 series of compatible single-, dual- and quad-core applications processors has experienced strong market acceptance across a broad range of applications. Today, Freescale extends this momentum with the introduction of two new i.MX 6 series products that deliver compelling blends of performance and integration for many of the world's fastest-growing consumer markets.

The new i.MX 6SoloLite processor is designed specifically for next-generation eReaders and is the follow-on to Freescale's successful i.MX508 device, which currently powers millions of eReaders from top OEMs worldwide. Freescale's new dual-core i.MX 6DualLite product delivers multiprocessing performance at cost-effective price points, targeting a broad array of smart devices and products including tablets, IPTVs, IP phones, medical patient monitoring systems and home energy management solutions. Ports for Android? 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and other popular operating systems are available now from Freescale for the new products.

Watch on YouTube: i.MX 6 Series: Breaking the Boundaries of User Experience

Both processors incorporate ARM^® Cortex?-A9 cores and E Ink controllers, enabling customers to simultaneously develop eReader and tablet products for faster time to market. Because the processors are software-compatible with other i.MX 6 series devices, designers can create "good, better and best" end-product versions using a common platform. This scalability enables the rapid creation of complete end-product portfolios that can adjust and scale to meet evolving market demands and requirements.

"The newest additions to the i.MX 6 series offer our customers an even broader range of compatible applications processors, spanning a range of cost, price and feature sets for optimal flexibility," said Bernd Lienhard, vice president and general manager of Freescale's Multimedia Applications Division. "This platform approach has been well received by customers focused on consumer and other high-growth markets."

Strong market adoption for the i.MX 6 series

Exceptional scalability, a comprehensive product longevity program and a vast array of peripheral options have helped drive broad adoption of i.MX 6 series products across a variety of markets. Twenty-five active engagements are underway, and i.MX 6 processors have been designed in by five of the top six eReader OEMs, as well as multiple tablet manufacturers. Other recent design wins for i.MX 6 series processors include airline seatback infotainment systems, next-generation medical equipment, displays for test/measurement equipment, and advanced military/aerospace communications systems.

About the new i.MX 6SoloLite and 6DualLite products

The newest additions to the growing i.MX 6 series feature the low-power operation, cost efficiency, enormous processing headroom and unmatched compatibility that have become hallmarks of the Freescale i.MX portfolio.

Building on the eReader market success of Freecsale's i.MX508 processor, the single-core i.MX 6SoloLite integrates an ARM Cortex-A9 core running up to 1GHz with a 2D graphics processor and display controllers for EPD- and LCD-based panels. The i.MX 6SoloLite also introduces a new, simplified power management structure to be integrated across the i.MX 6 series for the reduction of design time and optimization of power efficiency, ultimately helping further extend eReader battery life.

Featuring software and pin compatibility with the i.MX 6Quad, i.MX 6Dual and i.MX 6Solo products, the new dual-core i.MX 6DualLite introduces an optimal balance of performance, power and price to help consumer and industrial customers create a broad portfolio of smart devices. Built on two ARM Cortex-A9 cores running up to 1 GHz, with integrated 2D- and 3D-graphics processors and a 1080p video processing engine, the i.MX 6DualLite provides exceptional multimedia performance. The highly integrated i.MX 6DualLite supports HDMI, LVDS, MIPI and PCIe, all with a 64-bit DDR3/LVDDR3 memory interface running up to 800MT/s for high performance with rich connectivity.

To help customers meet the stringent power requirements of consumer electronics markets, Freescale offers highly advanced power management ICs designed specifically for i.MX 6 series processors, ultimately delivering a platform solution that simplifies design, reduces overall system power and speeds time to market.

Software and enablement

Freescale i.MX 6 series products support a range of popular operating systems, including Android? Version 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), Linux®, QNX®, Ubuntu® and Windows® Compact 7. Easy-to-use solutions based on the processors come with complete reference designs, software and turnkey development technologies that simplify system design.

Availability

Freescale plans to begin shipping i.MX 6 Lite series devices in volume quantities in the second half of 2012.

For more information about i.MX applications processors, visit www.freescale.com/imx. For more information about companion power management ICs for the i.MX portfolio, visit www.freescale.com/analog.

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Resources

Freescale i.MX Product Site
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About Freescale Semiconductor

Freescale Semiconductor (NYSE: FSL) is a global leader in the design and manufacture of embedded semiconductors for the automotive, consumer, industrial and networking markets. The company is based in Austin, Texas, and has design, research and development, manufacturing and sales operations around the world. www.freescale.com

Freescale and the Freescale logo are trademarks of Freescale Semiconductor, Inc., Reg. U.S. Pat. & Tm. Off. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners. ARM is the registered trademark of ARM Limited. Cortex and ARMv7 are the trademarks of ARM Limited. © 2012 Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. For product longevity program Terms and Conditions and to obtain a list of available products please see: www.freescale.com/productlongevity.

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