SANTA CLARA, CA /BUSINESS WIRE/ -- Freescale Semiconductor is bringing 20 years of networking IP and expertise to ARM processing with its new QorIQ LS1 family of communications processors, based on the core-agnostic, software-aware Layerscape system architecture.
The new QorIQ LS1 family of products reinforces Freescale's market leadership in communications processors. The devices are engineered to support a broad range of power-sensitive networking applications, as well as additional fast-growing product categories, including Internet of Things gateways and industrial automation and control equipment.
Each of the three new QorIQ LS1 family processors features two reliability-optimized ARM Cortex-A7 cores. These high-efficiency cores—typically used in battery-powered applications such as smartphones—have been enhanced with error-detection and -correction technology. Pre-silicon analysis by Freescale indicates the dual Cortex-A7 cores should achieve over 6,000 CoreMarks of performance at 1 GHz, with typical power at less than 3 W for the entire SoC.
"Market demand is growing for high-performance solutions suitable for fanless, sub-3 W designs," said Tareq Bustami, Vice President of Product Management for Freescale's Digital Networking business. "The QorIQ LS1 family reinforces Freescale's market leadership in communications processing and extends the reach of QorIQ platforms into new and expanding markets."
In addition to its exceptional power efficiency, the QorIQ LS1 family is further distinguished by its unprecedented level of integration for a processor in the sub-3 W power envelope. The LS1 family incorporates an optimized blend of peripherals and features for fanless embedded applications, including LCD controller, ECC protection of all SRAM for maximum reliability, support for both DDR3L and DDR4 memory, virtualization support, QUICC Engine technology, SATA3 and USB 3.0 with integrated PHY, all packed into a small 19 by19 mm SoC footprint.
QorIQ LS1 Family Products
The pin- and software-compatible LS1 family includes three products:
- The highly integrated QorIQ LS1020A processor, ideal for fanless enterprise and consumer networking applications, such as enterprise access points, multi-protocol IoT gateways, and security appliances
- The QorIQ LS1021A processor, which adds integrated display controller and industrial interfaces for use in factory/building automation, M2M, printing, and defense/aerospace applications
- The cost-optimized QorIQ LS1022A processor, which offers high-reliability performance for the most power-sensitive industrial applications with extremely aggressive power envelopes
"Freescale's QorIQ LS1 series is an impressive example of how application-specific IP and SoC design can combine with ARM technology to create a flexible and integrated product," said Charlene Marini, Vice President, Marketing, Embedded Segments, ARM. "Freescale is a leading company in communications processing. Its adoption of ARM Cortex-A7 processors for this latest product family underscores the exciting role that ARM is playing in bringing advanced energy efficiency and intelligence to the world's data networks."
Development Support
The unique combination of Freescale's networking expertise with ARM's expansive ecosystem gives designers access to comprehensive tools to ease development. The QorIQ LS1 family is supported by Freescale's Tower System modular development platform, featuring an integrated onboard probe for further cost savings, along with third-party platforms developed by Freescale's embedded board solutions partners.
Evaluation kits include a Linux 3.12 BSP, with optimized drivers to support peripherals, and a six-month evaluation license for CodeWarrior development tools. Freescale's VortiQa software provides complete software stacks for enterprise and SMB networking applications, including gateways, security appliances, and cloud equipment. All QorIQ LS series devices are also supported by Freescale's extensive third-party ecosystem.
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Availability
Sample quantities of the QorIQ LS1 processors are planned for Q1 2014.
About Freescale
Freescale Semiconductor is a global leader in embedded processing solutions, providing industry-leading products advancing the automotive, consumer, industrial ,and networking markets. From MPUs and MCUs to sensors, analog integrated circuits, and connectivity, our technologies are the foundation for the innovations that make our world greener, safer, healthier, and more connected. Some of our key applications and end markets include automotive safety, hybrid and all-electric vehicles, next-generation wireless infrastructure, smart energy management, portable medical devices, consumer appliances, and smart mobile devices. The company is based in Austin, TX, and has design, research and development, manufacturing, and sales operations around the world.
Trademarks
Freescale, the Freescale logo, CodeWarrior, QorIQ, and VortiQa are trademarks of Freescale Semiconductor Inc. Layerscape and QUICC Engine are trademarks of Freescale Semiconductor Inc. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners. ARM and Cortex are trademark(s) or registered trademarks of ARM Ltd. or its subsidiaries. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners.