Freescale Semiconductor announced the release of a new applications processor and system on a chip designed to deliver increase performance and energy efficiency at a lower cost for the next generation of eReaders -- which could cost as little as $150, according to Freescale reps.
If you're using an Amazon Kindle or a Sony Reader, you're already using a device built around a Freescale product. The next generation of eReaders will be built around the Freescale i.MX508 applications processor, the first system-on-chip (SoC) to integrate advanced ARM Cortex-A8 technology together with the newest hardware-based display controller from E Ink.
With the ARM core running at 800 MHz, the i.MX508 provides twice the rendering performance of Freescale’s previous eReader processors, resulting in faster page turns and snappy responsiveness for consumers. The increased processing capability also gives manufacturers the additional performance to add features like advanced touch solutions and the ability to run other value-added applications.
The i.MX508 is notable for its support of next-generation eReader panels, which are expected to feature larger dimensions, faster page turns and significantly better resolution. The processor supports panel resolutions up to 2048 x1536 pixels at 106 hertz. Leveraging the ARM Cortex-A8 engine, the i.MX508 processor has the potential performance to quickly handle complex image manipulations and color processing.
“Freescale ended 2009 with a strong market share lead in applications processors for eReaders, and now we are cementing our leadership in the eReader space with the introduction of the i.MX508 device,” said Bernd Lienhard, vice president and general manager of Freescale’s Multimedia Applications Division. “Working closely with E Ink and our customers, we are able to offer an integrated silicon solution to facilitate lower eReader retail prices and enable the next phase of growth in the eBook market.”
Freescale likes to talk technology in its press statements about the i.MX508, but as a user, there's one big reason why the i.MX508 is news: it will use less power and provide more capacity by integrating the E Ink display controller.
Here are some of the technical advantages of the new chip, as outlined by Freescale:
Longer battery life
The i.MX508 processor includes special power modes created for eReaders that allow the CPU and some peripherals to operate at full speed while rendering a page and then turn off to save power when they are not needed. As eReader panel resolution increases, the i.MX508 with its integrated display controller, offers lower power than software-based display controller solutions.
A complete solution
The i.MX508 processor is designed to work with Freescale’s flagship MC13892 power management/user interface integrated circuit to perform power and battery functions and facilitate user interface and control capabilities. Freescale also offers eReader OEMs the SGTL5000 stereo codec with headphone amp for audio coder/decoder functions, as well as the MMA8450Q, a low-power, 12-bit, 3-axis accelerometer for performing integrated sensing functions, such as portrait/landscape display orientation and motion detection.
Reference design for streamlined development
Freescale and E Ink have collaborated to create a reference design that allows customers to begin developing eReader products based on the i.MX508 processor right away using the i.MX51 device, which is shipping in production quantities today. The design is the latest in Freescale’s Smart Application Blueprint for Rapid Engineering (SABRE) series.
The SABRE platform for eReaders based on the i.MX51 device includes Freescale’s i.MX51 processor, a 6-inch E Ink Vizplex® panel and a software version of the E Ink electronic paper display controller. Software developed by customers on the reference design can be easily ported onto the i.MX508, enabling faster time to market and optimal reuse of existing software.
Availability and pricing
The i.MX508 applications processor is expected to be priced at less than $10 (USD) in quantities greater than 250K units. Freescale plans to begin providing samples to select customers early in the third quarter of 2010. The SABRE platform for eReaders based on the i.MX51 is available for purchase now from Freescale. The suggested resale price is $1,995 (USD). For more information, visit www.freescale.com/eReader.
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