In 2020, Microchip introduced the SAM9X60, surprising many with a new SoC using the legacy ARM926EJ-S core. The surprise continued with the release of the SAM9X75, an automotive-qualified System-in-Package (SiP) with the same ARM9 core integrated with DDR2 or DDR3L memory.
The first model, the SAM9X75D5M, comes with 512MB of on-chip DDR2 RAM. Other variants include the SAM9X75D1G with 1 Gbit DDR3L and the SAM9X75D2G with 2 Gbit DDR3L. The SAM9X75 targets developers needing an MCU-like environment, yet it offers higher processing and display capabilities suitable for automotive and e-mobility HMI applications.
Microchip SAM9X75D5M specifications:
CPU Subsystem:
– ARM926EJ-S core, up to 800 MHz
– 32 KB data cache, 32 KB instruction cache, Memory Management Unit (MMU)
Memory:
– 512 Mbit DDR2 SDRAM (SAM9X75D5M)
– 1 Gbit DDR3L SDRAM (SAM9X75D1G)
– 2 Gbit DDR3L SDRAM (SAM9X75D2G)
– 64 KB SRAM (SRAM0), 10 KB OTP memory for secure key storage
Storage:
– EBI for 8-bit NAND Flash, QSPI/OSPI controller, SD/MMC interfaces
– 176 KB internal ROM, secure bootloader, NAND Flash ECC tables
Display:
– 4-lane MIPI DSI, LVDS, Parallel RGB with 2D Graphics Controller
– Supports 10.1-inch panels with XGA resolution
Camera:
– Image Sensor Controller, up to 5 MP sensors
– MIPI CSI-2 and parallel interface
Audio:
– I2S multi-channel controller, SSC, Class-D controller
Networking:
– Gigabit Ethernet with TSN
USB:
– 1 High-speed USB Device, 3 High-speed USB Hosts
Peripherals:
– ADC, PWM controller, timers/counters
Expansion:
– Programmable I/O lines, Flexcoms (USART, SPI, I2C), CAN-FD interfaces
Security:
– SHA, HMAC, AES, TDES, TRNG, PUF, DRNG
Miscellaneous:
– Specialized PLLs, ultra-low-power modes, backup mode with RTC
Supply Voltage:
– 3.3V to 5.5V
Package:
– 243-ball TFBGA, 16 × 16 mm
Operating Temperature:
– −40°C to +105°C
Qualification:
– AEC-Q100 Grade 2
The SAM9X75 is called a “Hybrid MCU” because it can be programmed like an MCU but has MPU peripherals. This approach allows fast booting and makes it compatible with MCU environments using MPLAB X IDE, with support for multiple RTOS options. For graphics applications, developers can use Microchip Graphics Suite or third-party frameworks like LVGL.
Microchip offers SAM9X75 development boards, the SAM9X75 Early Access Curiosity Wireless Kit and the SAM9X75 Curiosity LAN Kit, featuring camera and display interfaces, Gigabit Ethernet, USB, CAN-FD, security features, and more. The Wireless Kit includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, while the LAN Kit focuses on Ethernet.
The SAM9X75 SOM has support for various configurations with DDR2/DDR3L RAM, NAND Flash, QSPI Flash, Ethernet PHY, and power management. It operates within an industrial temperature range and comes in a compact package with Linux and bare-metal support.
The SAM9X75D5M SiP is available for purchase in industrial and automotive variants, with pricing starting at $9.81 for small quantities. The SAM9X75 SOM is also available, priced around $24.46 for small volumes.
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