Freescale powers next-gen eReaders



Freescale has debuted its new i.MX 6SoloLite processor at CES 2012. The chip is designed to power the next generation of low-power sipping eReaders.



The company also rolled out its i.MX 6DualLite processor, which is targeted at tablets, IPTVs, IP phones, medical patient monitoring systems and home energy management platforms.

Both chips – which are based on an ARM Cortex-A9 – feature E Ink controllers and support Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich).

“Building on the eReader market success of Freecsale’s i.MX508 processor, the single-core i.MX 6SoloLite integrates an ARM Cortex-A9 core running up to 1GHz with a 2D graphics processor and display controllers for EPD- and LCD-based panels,” Freescale exec Bernd Lienhard explained.

“The i.MX 6SoloLite also introduces a new, simplified power management structure to be integrated across the i.MX 6 series for the reduction of design time and optimization of power efficiency, ultimately helping to extend eReader battery life even further.”



According to Lienhard, the i.MX 6DualLite boasts an optimal balance of performance and energy consumption so that can it can power a wide range of devices.

Built on two ARM Cortex-A9 cores running up to 1 GHz, with integrated 2D- and 3D-graphics processors and a 1080p video processing engine, the chip is designed to render high-quality multimedia performance. The i.MX 6DualLite supports HDMI, LVDS, MIPI and PCIe – all with a 64-bit DDR3/LVDDR3 memory interface running up to 800MT/s.



It should be noted that i.MX 6 processors power a number of eReaders and tablets currently on the market. Other recent design wins for i.MX 6 series processors include airline seatback infotainment systems, medical equipment and advanced military/aerospace communications systems.