Microchip’s latest system on module is based on Arm926EJ-S MPU
The latest addition to Microchip’s MPU-based system on modules (SoMs) is the SAM9X60D1G-SOM. It is based on the Arm926EJ-S embedded MPU running up to 600MHz. Software for the SoM is available with bare metal or RTOS (real time operating system) support through MPLAB Harmony3, or complete Linux mainline distributions.
The SAM9X60D1G-SOM is the newest addition to the existing portfolio of MPU-based SOMs built using a common set of proven Microchip components to reduce design complexity and overall PCB costs.
The SoM, based on the SAM9X60D1G system in package (SiP) measures just 28 x 28mm. The hand-solderable module includes the MPU and DDR in a single package, along with power supplies, clocks and memory storage.
The SAM9X60D1G-SOM is Microchip’s first SoM equipped with 4Gbit SLC NAND flash to maximise memory storage of data in application devices. On-board DDR reduces the supply and price risks associated with memory chips. The small form factor SAM9X60D1G-SOM also includes an MCP16501 power management IC (PMIC), which simplifies the power to a single 5V voltage rail to enable lower power systems.
For Ethernet-connected systems, the SAM9X60D1G-SOM contains a 10/100 KSZ8081 Ethernet PHY and a 1kbit serial EEPROM with pre-programmed MAC address (EUI-48). Customers can customise the design based on the level of security protection required. For example, they can choose secure boot with on-chip secure key storage (OTP), hardware encryption engine (TDES, AES and SHA) and true random generator (TRNG).
The module allows designers to “take advantage of a mid-level performance microprocessor and significantly reduce design complexities,” said Rod Drake, vice president of Microchip’s 32-bit MPU business unit. “This latest SOM provides customers a small form factor . . . and eases the logistics burden of separately procuring each of the six active components and numerous passives on the SOM.”
For example, because the complex devices are already routed on the SOM, customers can design their products using a low-cost, four-layer PCB.
The SOM and its components are backed by Microchip’s client-driven obsolescence practice of continuing to supply a product for as long as possible and while demand for the product exists.
The SAM9X60D1G-SOM is designed for MPU32 end applications across a variety of industries such as medical equipment, automotive telematics and infotainment systems, electric vehicles chargers, industrial and automation control. It is also suitable for products designed for providing computing capabilities with multiple communication interfaces that are qualified once and then customised for separate projects.
Microchip provides both hardware and software development support for the SAM9X60D1G-SOM including the SAM9X60D1G Curiosity Evaluation Kit (CPN: EV40E67A) featuring Linux BuildRoot, Yocto and OpenWRT. The bare-metal or RTOS-based systems are supported by MPLAB Harmony 3 embedded software framework, MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and MPLAB XC32 compiler.
