Atmel's 400 MHz ARM9-based Embedded Microprocessor

Atmel Corporation has announced its 400 MHz AT91SAM9G20 ARM926EJ-S-based embedded microprocessor that draws only 80 mW in full-power mode with all peripherals turned on. The AT91SAM9G20, pin-compatible with the 200 MHz AT91SAM9260, offers four times the cache and on-chip SRAM memory and features improved error correction for external NAND Flash as well as an enlarged Ethernet FIFO that improves latency. The AT91SAM9G20 is targeted at power-constrained applications that include point-of-sale terminals, building automation, security cameras and bar code readers.



The AT91SAM9G20 offers a choice of operating systems, with support for Microsoft Windows CE, .NET MF and Linux, as well as a number of real-time operating systems (RTOS) and middleware products from third parties including Adeneo, IAR, Keil, Mentor Graphics, Micrium, Segger and TimeSys. The AT91SAM9G20 exploits Atmel’s peripheral DMA (direct memory access) and distributed memory architecture that, together with the 6-layer bus matrix, enables multiple simultaneous data transfers between memories, peripherals and external interfaces without consuming CPU clock cycles. The external bus interface (EBI) is clocked at 133 MHz for high-speed transfers to off-chip memories. This architecture gives the device the high internal and external data bandwidth required by many embedded networked applications. The AT91SAM9G20 is sampling now, packaged in a 217-ball LFBGA RoHS-compliant package. Pricing is US$7 in quantities of 10k. The AT91SAM9260 will continue to be supplied and fully supported as long as demand continues.