Microprocessor draws 80mW in full-power mode

Atmel Corp. has released the 400MHz AT91SAM9G20 ARM926EJ-S based embedded microprocessor that draws only 80mW in full-power mode with all peripherals turned on. The AT91SAM9G20, pin-compatible with the 200MHz AT91SAM9260, offers four times the cache and on-chip SRAM and features improved error correction for external NAND flash as well as an enlarged Ethernet FIFO that improves latency. The AT91SAM9G20 is targeted at power-constrained applications that also need high performance. These include POS terminals, building automation, security cameras and bar code readers.

The AT91SAM9G20 offers the industry's widest choice of operating systems, with support for Microsoft Windows CE, .NET MF and Linux, as well as a number of RTOS and middleware products from industry-leading third parties including Adeneo, IAR, Keil, Mentor Graphics, Micrium, Segger and TimeSys.

Smart functions
The AT91SAM9G20 fully exploits Atmel's peripheral DMA and distributed memory architecture that, together with the 6-layer bus matrix, enables multiple simultaneous data transfers between memories, peripherals and external interfaces without consuming CPU clock cycles. The external bus interface (EBI) is clocked at 133MHz for high-speed transfers to off-chip memories. This architecture gives the device the high internal and external data bandwidth required by many embedded networked applications.

Networking and communications requirements are met by 12Mbit/s USB Full Speed Dual Host and Device ports, an Ethernet 10/100 Base T MAC, four USARTs, SPI, SSC and Two-Wire Interface (TWI). The image sensing requirements of many of the target applications for the AT91SAM9G20 are met by a fully integrated Image Sensor Interface (ISI).

In addition to halving the power consumption in full-speed operating mode (where the clock frequency is software programmable), the AT91SAM9G20 features four reduced-power modes, including Backup Mode where the main power supply is off and the device power consumption is sufficiently low (9?W) for an extended period of operation under battery supply.

The AT91SAM9G20 is sampling now, packaged in a 217-ball LFBGA RoHS-compliant package. Pricing is $ 7 in quantities of 10,000. The AT91SAM9260 will continue to be supplied and fully supported as long as demand continues.