MPUs for Advanced Graphics and Connectivity

Microchip Technology recently unveiled a new portfolio of SAMA7D65 MPUs powered by the Arm® Cortex®-A7 core, capable of running up to 1 GHz. These MPUs are available in a System-in-Package (SiP) configuration with a 2 Gb DDR3L and as a standalone System-on-Chip (SoC). Designed for applications requiring advanced graphics and connectivity, these devices, whether in SoC, SiP, or SOM form, offer a streamlined approach to development, simplifying and expediting timelines.

Targeting Human-Machine Interface (HMI) and connectivity applications, the SAMA7D65 MPUs boast advanced graphic features that address the challenge of creating systems that are compact, energy-efficient, and high-performing. With features like LVDS, MIPI DSI® interfaces, and a 2D GPU, these MPUs facilitate the transmission and processing of large amounts of data, making them ideal for HMI applications in industrial, medical, and transportation sectors.

Noteworthy for their advanced audio and connectivity capabilities, the SAMA7D65 MPUs come equipped with dual Gigabit Ethernet featuring Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) support. This enables precise synchronization and low-latency communication, crucial for real-time systems. These features cater to industrial and building automation HMI applications, where seamless data exchange and deterministic networking are vital for responsive and reliable user interfaces.

The SAMA7D65D2G SiP variant, with its 2 Gb DDR3L memory, offers high-speed synchronous dynamic random-access operations. Its low-voltage design contributes to reduced power consumption and enhanced energy efficiency. SiPs are specifically designed to expedite the design process and time to market by addressing high-speed memory interface design challenges and simplifying memory supply concerns.

According to Rod Drake, corporate vice president of Microchip’s high-performance MCU and MPU business units, the SAMA7D65 series sets a new standard for HMI applications by combining advanced graphics capabilities, low latency, and connectivity with optimized power consumption for an energy-efficient design. The integrated DDR3L SiP variant, the SAMA7D65D2G, streamlines R&D efforts and minimizes logistical supply challenges, offering customers a seamless pathway from design to production.

The SAMA7D65 series is tailored for applications featuring interactive touchscreen displays and complements the existing Microchip SAMA7G54 1 GHz Arm Cortex-A7-based MPU. Designers can leverage the Microchip Graphics Suite, a platform within MPLAB® Harmony v3 and Linux® software platforms for building sophisticated Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) and other graphics applications. This suite enhances reusability across projects and simplifies design complexities.