Linux-ready SoCs sip half a Watt

“Freescale Semiconductor announced a Linux-ready, ARM9-based
i.MX28x SoC and a Coldfire-based MCF5441x MCU, both targeting
fanless industrial applications as well as automotive systems. The
i.MX28x and MCF5441x each consume less than half a Watt, support
extended temperatures, offer clock synchronized Ethernet, and with
some models, include a Layer 2 switch for low-cost daisy-chaining
of devices.

“The i.MX28x and MCF5441x are aimed at low-power applications,
including appliances, portable and diagnostic medical devices,
energy distribution equipment, meters, human machine interfaces
(HMIs), motor control, and industrial controllers, says Freescale.
The MCF5441x provides customer benefits tailored for motor control,
while the i.MX28x is oriented more at display applications, says
the company.

“The i.MX28x turns out to be the “mystery SoC” we reported on
last week when Freescale announced its Home Energy Gateway (HEG)
“smart grid” reference platform. In fact, the SoC is said to focus
in general on “gateway products that bridge multiple networks,”
says Freescale.”

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