Microchip announced on August 4, 2022, an expansion to their portfolio of Microprocessor Units (MPUs) – based Systems-on-Modules (SOMs) with the SAM9X60D1G-SOM. To enhance the world around development, which is more and more transitioning from Microcontrollers to a more robust, and expansive MPU, Microchip is launching a new addition to its SOMs.
With the embedded market continuing to grow and evolve, developers are seeking more ways to optimize their processes for new and updated products, they may seek to transition from an MCU to an MPU for increased processing power.
Microchip is seeking to help in that transition by offering a new portfolio item, the SAM9X60D1G-SOM ARM926EJ-S- based embedded MPU. The MPU is running up to 600 MHz with available Bare Metal software or RTOS support through MPLAB Harmony3 or complete Linux mainlined distributions
The SOM, based on the SAM9X60D1G System In Package (SIP) is a small 28 x 28 mm hand solderable module, that includes the MPU, and DDR in a single compact package. This includes power supplies, clocks, and memory storage. This SOM is the company’s first one equipped with a 4 Gb SLC NAND Flash to maximize memory storage of application data directly in devices. The onboard DDR reduces the supply and price risks associated with memory chips.
The small form factor of the SAM9X60D1G-SOM also has an MCP16501 power management IC (PMIC) which helps to simplify the power design effort to a single 5V voltage rail that can support low-power systems.
The SOM also offers Ethernet-connected access which might be a requirement for designers. The unit has a 10/100 KSZ8081 Ethernet PHY and 1 Kb Serial EEPROM with a preprogrammed MAC address (EUI-48). Designers can further customize their development based on the type of security that is needed for their particular builds. There is a secure boot with on-chip secure key storage (OTP),m hard encryption engine (TDES, AES, and SHA), and True Random Generator (TRNG).
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“Developers can also take advantage of a mid-level performance microprocessor. This reduces complexities in design processes significantly.” Said Rod Drake, vice president of Microchip’s 32-bit MPU business unit.
Microchip offers both software and hardware development support, for the SAM9X60D1G-SOM, which includes the SAM9X60D1G Curiosity Evaluation Kit. Featuring three Linux distributions: OpenWRT, Yocto, and BuildRoot. The bare-metal or RTOS-based systems are supported by MPLAB Harmony3 embedded software framework, as well as MPLABX Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and MPLAB XC32 compiler.
Pricing and Availability
The Microchip SAM9X60D1G-SOM (Part Numb. SAM9X60D1G-I/LZB) is available now for $42.96 USD each unit in quantities of 5,000 units. For sales information and ordering, Microchip has a special website, www.microchipdirect.com, which is available worldwide and is designated the Microchip Purchasing and Client Services.
Microchip | microchip.com
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