TI's $199 Sitara AM335x ARM Cortex-A8 Starter Kit with LCD touch screen

The low-cost development platform, based on the Sitara AM3358 ARM Cortex-A8 processor, integrates multiple communication options such as Dual Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for the creation of highly connected devices.

At speeds up to 720 MHz, the AM335x Starter Kit accelerates designs with a ready-for-production hardware and software platform. This board is an affordable tool that offers the ability to quickly evaluate the features of the processor and accompanying TI components, taking the guess work out of hardware design. This allows both experienced and novice designers to focus on product differentiation such as advanced graphics and connectivity. Developers can accelerate time to market and reduce costs when creating connected thermostats, security panels, wireless hard disk drives and portable hot spots.

TI's AM335x Starter Kit is a feature-packed compact design with an optimized bill of materials.

AM335x Starter Kit key features include:

-Scalable with pin for pin options for graphics and industrial communications based on AM335x ARM Cortex-A8 processors at up to 720 MHz.
-Two-Gb DDR3 memory.
-Two Gb Ethernet ports via integrated 2-port switch on the AM335x ARM Cortex-A8 processor.
-4.3 inch LCD touch screen (5.1 inch x 2.6 inch) supporting rotation and tilt capabilities via the on-board accelerometer and countless application possibilities.
-Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n) with Wi-Fi Direct support and Bluetooth v4.0 including Bluetooth low energy connectivity via on-board WL1271 Murata module with integrated antenna.
-XDS100 JTAG emulator functionality on board via USB enables debug at no extra cost
-Additional peripherals such as USB, USB-UART, navigation buttons, user LEDs, audio out and more.

Turnkey software development kits for Android and Linux

In addition to extending TI's hardware portfolio with the availability of a low-cost development tool, the AM335x Starter Kit fully leverages TI's proven suite of software solutions, including Sitara StarterWare software for accelerated application speed and scalability. The AM335x Starter Kit is also compatible with the Android and Linux operating system distributions from TI, delivering complete support for the latest software solutions and cutting-edge customer applications using Android 4.0 and Linux 3.x.

Additionally, compatible solutions and real-time operating systems will be available from third parties to enable additional product customization and simplify development.

TI's AM335x Starter Kit is the perfect complement to the popular BeagleBone computer and the full-featured AM335x evaluation module by providing a touch-screen-enabled hardware and software platform at an affordable price, said Russell Crane, product marketing manager, Sitara ARM processors, TI. With support for low-cost DDR3, two Gb Ethernet ports and wireless connectivity, this new development platform expands Sitara's tool offerings and meets the needs of customers who demand these features when creating innovative, next-generation products.

The new AM335x Starter Kit (TMDSSK3358) is available and shipping today for $199 from www.ti.com. For more information, visit TI's AM335x Starter Kit page. Additional accessories including stands, capacitive touch screen and case will soon be available.

Development tools from IAR Systems support the entire range of TI ARM Cortex cores, said Mats Ullstrom, product director at IAR Systems. Our compiler provides world-class optimizations that create the most efficient code in the industry and enables developers to create high-performing, low-power applications. We work closely with TI to offer wide support for Sitara devices, including the AM335x family and the newly announced Starter Kit.

Wind River has further extended its world-class support for TI's product line to now include the new Sitara AM335x ARM Cortex-A8 Starter Kit, which is packed with the key features our customers need to accelerate the development of their next-generation designs, said Warren Kurisu, vice president, product marketing at Wind River. Combined with our real-time operating system, VxWorks, the AM335x Starter Kit is ideal for customers migrating from a PLC design needing better performance and flexibility, or those looking for a device that blends performance and power efficiency.