Microchip's SAM9X75 hybrid SiP (System-in-Package) microcontroller brings microprocessor processing power to the familiar development environment
of microcontroller-based designs
Automotive and electromobility designers are incorporating more human-machine interfaces (HMIs) with advanced graphics to improve the user experience. Meeting the growing demand for HMI solutions is the goal of Microchip Technology, which today announces the AEC-Q100 Grade 2-qualified SiP (System-in-Package) SAM9X75D5M consisting of an Arm926EJ-S processor™ and 512 Mbit of DDR2 SDRAM. The SAM9X75D5M supports displays up to 10 inches with an XGA resolution of 1024 × 768 pixels.
The SAM9X75D5M belongs to Microchip's family of hybrid microcontrollers, which allows users to leverage the advanced processing capabilities of a microprocessor with access to larger embedded memory while maintaining the familiar development environment of microcontroller-based designs and the ability to develop using real-time operating systems (RTOS). The SAM9X75D5M hybrid microcontroller SiP, especially suited for automotive applications such as digital instrument clusters, smart dashboards for two- and three-wheeled vehicles, climate control, and electric vehicle chargers, among others, streamlines the development process by integrating the microprocessor and memory into a single package. The device provides a large buffer for automotive displays and offers various flexible display connectivity options, such as the MIPI® DSI interface.® (Display Serial Interface), LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling) and RGB data in parallel.
The SAM9X75D5M simplifies printed circuit board layout, reduces the complexity of connections, and minimizes the risk of discrete DRAM supply issues. Furthermore, it is designed for long-term availability and reliability. As a hybrid microcontroller, its architecture offers a balance between cost, performance, and power efficiency, facilitating the evolution of applications from traditional microcontrollers and microprocessors to meet the demand for higher performance and more memory.
By integrating DDR2 memory directly into the package, the SAM9X75D5M helps protect designers from the volatility and supply constraints that have historically plagued the discrete DDR memory market. This single-chip solution offers more predictable supply than discrete DDR memory and helps eliminate the supply issues associated with sourcing memory components separately.
“Microchip’s SAM9X75D5M product redefines the standard for automotive solutions by combining a high-performance processor and memory in a single package, bringing the advantages of a SiP to the automotive market,” said Rod Drake, corporate vice president of Microchip Technology’s microprocessor business unit. “One of the advantages of a SiP is that it provides significantly more RAM buffer space than a traditional microcontroller solution on a much smaller printed circuit board than discrete memory. This allows designers to implement complex designs in a small footprint.”
The SAM9X75D5M offers a wide range of advanced connectivity options, including CAN bus, USB, and Gigabit Ethernet (GbE). It also supports Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) and comes with integrated 2D graphics and audio capabilities.
In addition to these devices, Microchip offers a full range of devices for HMI systems such as maXTouch technology.®which provides reliable touch detection, even in adverse environments or with water on the LCD screen, as well as solutions for managing power and connectivity.
Microchip has a broad catalog of hybrid microcontrollers and 32-bit microprocessors, as well as 64-bit microprocessors based on Arm architectures.® and RISC-V®to provide powerful and flexible options for applications ranging from consumer products to space missions. The company's microprocessor portfolio includes single- and multi-core devices, System-on-Module (SOM) solutions, and SiPs that can help reduce design complexity, shorten time to market, and simplify the supply chain. For more information about our microprocessors, please visit [website address]. web page.
Development tools
The SAM9X75D5M is supported by our MPLAB® X IDE (Integrated Development Environment) and our MPLAB Harmony software environment for development based on real-time systems (RTOS) such as FreeRTOS® and Eclipse ThreadX®as well as in software without an operating system.
They use Microchip Graphics Suite (MGS) or other third-party graphics software tools such as Crank, LVGL, Altia® and the Embedded Wizard for developing attractive graphics. Also available is the SAM9X75 Curiosity LAN kit (EV31H43A) so that designers can evaluate the SAM9X75 SiP devices.
Prices and availability
The SAM9X75D5M SiP (part number SAM9X75D5M-V/4TBVAO) is now available at a price of $9,12 per unit for orders of 5.000 units. Samples of devices with 1 Gbit and 2 Gbit of automotive memory are also available. These devices are compatible with RTOS and Linux environments.®. Can be acquire directly a microchip or through a sales representative or authorized distributor from Microchip, or request samples of the devices with more memory.
