Multimedia processor

Freescale Semiconductor has introduced the i.MX37 multimedia applications processor, a device for a portable media player, mobile internet and portable GPS navigation.

The processor is designed to meet growing demand for devices that deliver rich multimedia experiences anytime, anywhere.

The device is based on the ARM1176JZF-S core, delivers 532 MHz at 1.0 V to drive applications in portable devices. In lower performance applications such as audio and video playback where power consumption is a primary concern, the processor can run at voltages under 1.0.

The device is architected with Freescale’s Smart Speed, an intelligent integrative approach that uses hardware accelerators to offload the CPU and a crossbar switch to bring parallelism to the system.

The result is a process that performs with a high clock speed, while conserving power.

It integrates image processing, supporting up to 24-bit colour at XGA resolution.

Multimedia hardware contains logic that decodes industry-standard video formats such as MPEG4, H.264, WMV/VC-1, MPEG2 and H-263 up to 576 x 720 (D1) resolution, which offloads the ARM CPU.

The processor also includes an integrated PAL/NTSC encoder with triple video DACs to deliver a picture on larger displays or televisions over component, composite or S-video interfaces.