Freescale i.MX6

In February, Freescale demonstrated a new, very interesting ARM processor series iMX.6.
The new series features single, dual, and quad-core Cortex A9 processors operating at frequencies up to 1.2 GHz. Accordingly, they are designated as i.MX6 Solo, i.MX6 Dual and i.MX6 Quad. Complements the series cheaper dual-core i.MX6 DualLite processor.


Red on the scheme carefully highlighted the differences from the previous stage.

At the end of this year, the first products built on this processor began to appear on the market: these are, like the Wandboard mini-software already mentioned here, and the VAR-SOM-MX6 processor modules and debugging tools for developers of serial products from the well-known Israeli company Variscite.
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The processor is primarily interesting because it has high performance coupled with low power consumption (the manufacturer focuses on optimizing for low power consumption). It can solve complex computational problems and work in the field of resource-intensive multimedia applications related, for example, with encoding / decoding and video processing with 1080p resolution. The processor also allows you to decode 3D-video in HD quality, supports work with 3D stereo camera for shooting video in HD.

The independently operated NEON SIMD coprocessor and Vivante ™ graphics accelerator provide ample opportunities for working with graphics and allow you to effectively consume battery power, reducing the load on the most CPU-consuming cores. The capabilities of the processor open up prospects for use in tablets and other portable devices, in TV and game consoles, in demanding applications and in specialized devices, where its multimedia functions are best revealed.

The set of supported interfaces meets the requirements of the modern high-tech market:

1. HDMI 1.4
2. USB 2.0
3. Gigabit ethernet
4. Wi-Fi and BlueTooth
5. SATA
6. PCI Express
7. FlexCAN

In general, the processor turned out to be quite interesting and promising. It may well compete with key players and get an impetus to the development of its technologies, which may lead Freescale to new levels in the leaderboard.