Texas Instruments AM3356BZCZA30

Overview

AM3356BZCZA30 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, programmable logic controllers, and connected vending systems.

For engineers reviewing the AM3356BZCZA30 datasheet, AM3356BZCZA30 pinout, AM3356BZCZA30 application, or AM3356BZCZA30 equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, package mapping, validated alternatives, and real-world use-value for embedded Linux and real-time industrial control designs.

Technical Context

The AM3356BZCZA30 implements a single-core ARM Cortex-A8 CPU running at 600 MHz with NEON SIMD coprocessor, 32KB L1 instruction and 32KB L1 data cache (parity-protected), and 256KB L2 cache with ECC. It integrates PowerVR SGX530 graphics for 20M polygons/sec rendering and supports Linux® and TI-RTOS via Processor SDK.

Its PRU-ICSS subsystem contains two 200-MHz programmable real-time units with 8KB instruction RAM, 8KB data RAM, and 12KB shared RAM - enabling deterministic EtherCAT frame processing and offloading time-critical I/O tasks from the ARM core without OS intervention.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AM3356BZCZA30 uses a 324-ball NFBGA (ZCZ package) with 0.80-mm ball pitch and 15.0 mm × 15.0 mm body size. Pin functions are defined per TI SPRS717L Section 4.1.2 (ZCZ Pin Map).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AM3356BZCZA30, AM3358BZCZD60 offers higher CPU throughput but increases power and thermal design complexity, while AM3352BZCZD60 reduces BOM cost and footprint at the expense of real-time protocol and graphics capability.

Availability

AM3356BZCZA30 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HMIs, programmable logic controllers, and connected vending machines requiring stable component supply across long production lifecycles.

Supply support for AM3356BZCZA30 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 company 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, combining ARM Cortex-A8 performance with PRU-ICSS real-time co-processing and PowerVR graphics for unified software development.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the AM3356BZCZA30 processor core?

The AM3356BZCZA30 features an ARM Cortex-A8 core rated for 600 MHz operation under industrial temperature conditions (–40°C to +105°C). This frequency is confirmed in TI's SPRS717L datasheet Table 3-1 and corresponds to the "A30" speed grade suffix. The AM3356BZCZA30 does not support 800-MHz or 1-GHz operation - those ratings apply only to AM3357/AM3358 variants.

Does the AM3356BZCZA30 include PRU-ICSS functionality?

Yes, the AM3356BZCZA30 includes the full Programmable Real-Time Unit Subsystem and Industrial Communication Subsystem (PRU-ICSS) with two 200-MHz RISC processors, 12KB shared RAM, and dedicated Ethernet MAC interfaces. As documented in SPRS717L Section 1.1 and Table 3-1, PRU-ICSS is enabled on all ZCZ-package AM3356 devices including AM3356BZCZA30.

What package type and ball count does the AM3356BZCZA30 use?

The AM3356BZCZA30 uses a 324-ball NFBGA package (ZCZ suffix) with 0.80-mm ball pitch and 15.0 mm × 15.0 mm body size. This is explicitly stated in TI's SPRS717L Section 1.2 and Device Information table, distinguishing it from the 298-ball ZCE variant used in lower-I/O configurations.

Which memory types are supported by the AM3356BZCZA30's external memory interface?

The AM3356BZCZA30 supports mDDR (LPDDR), DDR2, DDR3, and DDR3L via its 16-bit EMIF, with clock rates up to 400 MHz (800 Mbps data rate) and 1GB total addressable space. It also includes a General-Purpose Memory Controller (GPMC) for NAND, NOR, SRAM, and muxed-NOR devices with BCH 4/8/16-bit ECC - all confirmed in SPRS717L Section 1.1.

Can the AM3356BZCZA30 run Linux operating systems?

Yes, the AM3356BZCZA30 is fully supported by TI's Processor SDK Linux®, which provides board support packages, kernel drivers, and Yocto-based build tools. Its 600-MHz Cortex-A8 core, 256KB L2 cache with ECC, and DDR memory controller meet minimum requirements for embedded Linux deployment in industrial applications.