Texas Instruments AM3356BZCZ30

Overview

AM3356BZCZ30 from Texas Instruments is a 600-MHz ARM Cortex-A8-based Sitara™ processor with 256KB L2 cache (ECC), 8-channel 12-bit SAR ADC, dual 10/100/1000-Mbps Ethernet MACs with integrated switch, and PRU-ICSS supporting EtherCAT and PROFINET - deployed in industrial HMIs and programmable logic controllers.

For engineers reviewing the AM3356BZCZ30 datasheet, AM3356BZCZ30 pinout, AM3356BZCZ30 application, or AM3356BZCZ30 equivalent, this page delivers verified package mapping (324-pin NFBGA, 0.80-mm pitch), confirmed PRU-ICSS real-time protocol support, DDR3/DDR2/mDDR interface timing, and validated alternative part selection for industrial embedded designs.

Technical Context

The AM3356BZCZ30 implements a dual-core programmable real-time unit subsystem (PRU-ICSS) with two 200-MHz RISC processors, 12KB shared RAM (parity), and dedicated MII/RMII/RGMII Ethernet ports - enabling deterministic EtherCAT frame processing independent of the Cortex-A8 core. It integrates PowerVR SGX530 graphics acceleration and IEEE 1588v1 PTP support for time-synchronized industrial networking.

Its memory subsystem includes a 16-bit EMIF supporting DDR3 at 400-MHz clock (800-MHz data rate), GPMC with BCH-based 4-/8-/16-bit ECC for NAND/NOR, and OCMC RAM with retention mode for fast wakeup. The device uses SmartReflex™ Class 2B adaptive voltage scaling and five ADPLLs to generate MPU, DDR, USB, and peripheral clocks.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AM3356BZCZ30 is housed in a 324-ball NFBGA (ZCZ) package with 0.80-mm ball pitch and 15.0 mm × 15.0 mm body size. Pin assignments follow TI's standardized ZCZ ball map, including dedicated DDR, GPMC, MMC, and PRU-ICSS I/O banks.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar ARM-based industrial processor applications.

Compared with AM3358ZCZ and AM3352ZCZ, the AM3356BZCZ30 uniquely balances 600-MHz Cortex-A8 performance, full PRU-ICSS real-time capability, and dual industrial Ethernet - making it the minimal viable SoC for certified EtherCAT slave implementations without over-specifying graphics or clock speed.

Availability

AM3356BZCZ30 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HMIs, programmable logic controllers, and smart energy gateways requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for AM3356BZCZ30 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor leader specializing in analog, embedded processing, and connectivity technologies for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The AM335x Sitara™ processor family targets industrial automation and human-machine interface applications, integrating ARM Cortex-A8 cores with PRU-ICSS, industrial Ethernet, and graphics acceleration to replace FPGA+MPU solutions.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the AM3356BZCZ30?

The AM3356BZCZ30 is rated for 600 MHz operation per the AM335x device comparison table and SPRS717L datasheet revision history. This frequency is silicon-validated for continuous operation across the full –40°C to +105°C industrial temperature range with appropriate power delivery and thermal management.

Does the AM3356BZCZ30 support EtherCAT protocol natively?

Yes, the AM3356BZCZ30 supports EtherCAT through its PRU-ICSS subsystem, which provides dedicated MII/RMII interfaces and real-time firmware execution capability. TI provides official EtherCAT slave stack reference implementations validated on AM3356BZCZ30 hardware.

What package type and ball pitch does the AM3356BZCZ30 use?

The AM3356BZCZ30 uses a 324-ball NFBGA package with ZCZ suffix, 15.0 mm × 15.0 mm body size, and 0.80-mm ball pitch. This matches the mechanical specifications documented in Section 9 of the SPRS717L datasheet and TI's official packaging information.

Can the AM3356BZCZ30 operate without external DDR memory?

No - the AM3356BZCZ30 requires external DDR2/DDR3/mDDR memory via its 16-bit EMIF. While it contains 64KB of on-chip RAM and 64KB OCMC RAM, these are insufficient for running Linux or real-time applications; DDR is mandatory for boot and runtime execution.

Is the AM3356BZCZ30 pin-compatible with other AM335x ZCZ variants?

Yes - all AM335x devices with ZCZ suffix (e.g., AM3358ZCZ, AM3352ZCZ) share identical 324-ball NFBGA mechanical and electrical pinouts. However, functional differences (e.g., PRU-ICSS presence, graphics, frequency) mean software and power design must be validated per specific variant.