14 DAY TRIAL // Qualcomm's main competitor on the mobile CPU market, Freescale has just announced three new mobile processors suitable for use in smartphones, tablets and eReaders. The i.MX 6 series of quad-, dual- and single-core applications processors are simply called Solo, Dual and Quad and each embeds one, two or four ARM Cortex A9 cores.
All CPUs are running at up to 1.2 GHz each, which makes the new i.MX 6 series up to five times faster than any of Freescale’s current generation of applications processors.
“Our i.MX 6 series offers consumers the novel and uncompromised online experiences they demand from next-generation connected consumer electronic products,” said Bernd Lienhard, vice president and general manager of Freescale’s Multimedia Applications Division.
“Low power, cost efficiency, enormous processing headroom and unmatched compatibility are at the heart of the i.MX 6 series,” added Lienhard.
The i.MX 6 series of CPU can be used in mobile devices featuring 3D video playback, desktop-quality gaming, augmented reality applications and content creation capabilities. The new series targets several of the fastest-growing niches in the consumer market, such as eReader market.
Freescale’s i.MX 6 series includes features such as:
- Up to 1 MB system level 2 cache; - ARMv7, Neon, VFPv3 and Trustzone support; - Multistream-capable HD video engine delivering 1080p60 decode, 1080p30 encode and 3D video playback in HD; - Exceptional 3D graphics performance with quad shaders for up to 200 MTPS; - Stereoscopic image sensor support for 3D imaging; - Support for the VP8 codec; - Support for one of the broadest ranges of major operating system platforms in the industry; - Optional integration of an ePaper display controller for eReader and similar applications. None of the three i.MX 6 series CPUs are available at the moment, as Freescale plans to begin sampling them later this year.
