14 DAY TRIAL // Large computing devices rely on a combination of motherboard, CPU and auxiliary components to function, but smaller devices need more integrated solutions, like Freescale's i.MX, which just got better.
Among other things, Freescale deals in application processors for e-readers, embedded devices and various consumer electronics.
One series is the i.MX, essentially a range of platforms based on ARM Cortex-A8 cores.
Turns out that this particular collection of application processors has gained three new members of the i.MX50 variety.
Basically, Freescale took its application chips and made it so that they integrate all the capabilities inherent in LCD and/or EPD (electronic paper display) controllers.
“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.”
Freescale’s i.MX50 family of applications processors are already sampling and have a high memory bandwidth, while the built-in display interface can handle both and LCD and an EPD as part of the same product, the maximum resolution being of 1,280 x 1,024 pixels.
“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.”
Set to become available in the third quarter of the ongoing year (Q3, 2011), at which point their selling price will be $10.
Finally, Freescale intends to offer an e-reader reference design and an i.MX50 evaluation kit (EVK) to help product makers adopt the newcomers as soon as possible.