Processors integrate WLAN and NAND flash memory

The delivery of video and audio over the internet increasingly requires set top boxes to receive the service and distribute contents to PCs and smartphones via a wireless LAN. As well as integrating the high-speed wireless LAN function required for high-quality video distribution, the TZ5000 also integrates embedded NAND flash memory in order to save user programs and store large amounts of data as cache. This also reduces the number of external ICs required and mounting area, contributing to downsizing of equipment and reduced costs.

When processing multimedia applications which usually impose a heavy load on the CPU, such as HTML5, the processors utilise an original low-power design, reducing power consumption and heat generation. Built around a dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 MPCore with NEON media processing engine operating at up to 1.2GHz, the series features an embedded IEEE802.11a/b/g/n/ac 2x2 MIMO baseband engine (Ensigma C4500) which provides the broadband connection to wireless host devices.

Fast software boots and high-speed data access is assured with 32Gb of embedded MLC NAND and a dedicated memory controller. Additionally, the program area is built into the package so that the processors are secure against falsification of data and hacking attacks. The processors also feature PowerVR SGX540 GPU, a PowerVR VXD395 VPU and a graphics engine that supports 1080 pixels at 60fps. The graphics engine incorporates a multi-format decoder and IPC, scalar, rotator and composer functionality. High-speed I/O is provided via DDR3/3L/LP-DDR3, USB OTG, SDIO, HDMI, MIPI, CSI and DSI connectivity.

The TZ5000 series application processors are currently offered in two variants: the TZ5000MBG and the TZ5001MBG, which offers additional security in the form of Secure Boot System Control. Sample shipments of the new processors will start in May with mass production scheduled for September 2014.