Texas Instruments AM3505AZERC

Overview

AM3505AZERC from Texas Instruments is a 600-MHz ARM Cortex-A8 microprocessor with MPU subsystem, 256KB L2 cache, 64KB on-chip SRAM, DDR2/mDDR memory controller (166 MHz, 1GB addressable space), and integrated display subsystem supporting NTSC/PAL video output. It targets industrial automation and embedded HMI applications requiring Linux or Android OS support.

For engineers reviewing the AM3505AZERC datasheet, AM3505AZERC pinout, AM3505AZERC application, or AM3505AZERC equivalent, this page delivers verified specifications, package mapping to 491-pin NFBGA (17.1 × 17.1 mm, 0.65-mm pitch), confirmed peripheral set (4 UARTs, 3 I²C, 5 McBSP, USB OTG + host, EMAC, CAN), and validated alternative options for migration or second-sourcing.

Technical Context

The AM3505AZERC implements an in-order, dual-issue, superscalar ARMv7 architecture with NEON SIMD and VFP coprocessors, dynamic branch prediction, and Jazelle RCT execution environment. Its memory subsystem includes 16KB/16KB L1 instruction/data caches and 256KB unified L2 cache with ECC protection.

It integrates a comprehensive peripheral interconnect hierarchy (L3/L4 buses), system DMA controller (32 logical channels), power/reset/clock management unit, and programmable GPMC supporting NOR/NAND/SRAM with ECC Hamming calculation - all operating under 1.2V core and 1.8V/3.3V I/O voltage domains.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AM3505AZERC is housed in a 491-ball NFBGA (ZCN package) with 0.65-mm pitch and 17.1 × 17.1 mm body size. Ball assignment follows TI's standardized quadrant layout (A–D) with dedicated power domains (VDD_CORE, VDDS, VDDSHV, VDDA_DAC), high-speed interface banks (SDRC, GPMC, DSS), and configurable I/O with software-controllable pullup/pulldown and hysteresis.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AM3517AZCNA, AM3505AZERC removes GPU logic to reduce die area and cost while retaining full peripheral compatibility; versus AM3352BZCZD, it offers higher clock speed, larger cache, HECC CAN, and VPFE - making it preferable for video-rich or legacy-fieldbus designs despite older process node.

Availability

AM3505AZERC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, embedded navigation, and digital signage applications requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for AM3505AZERC 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 focused on analog, embedded processing, and connectivity technologies for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The AM3505AZERC belongs to TI's Sitara™ ARM processor family, designed specifically for industrial and embedded applications demanding real-time OS support, rich peripheral integration, and long-term availability - not general-purpose computing.

FAQ

What is the core architecture and maximum operating frequency of the AM3505AZERC?

The AM3505AZERC features an ARM Cortex-A8 core implementing the ARMv7 architecture with NEON SIMD and VFP coprocessors, operating at a maximum frequency of 600 MHz. It supports little-endian data format and includes dynamic branch prediction, 16KB/16KB L1 instruction/data caches, and 256KB L2 cache with ECC - all optimized for deterministic real-time performance in Linux-based industrial systems.

Does the AM3505AZERC include a graphics accelerator like the PowerVR SGX?

No, the AM3505AZERC does not include the PowerVR SGX graphics accelerator. That feature is exclusive to the AM3517 variant. The AM3505AZERC relies on CPU-based rendering or external GPU solutions for advanced graphics, but retains full support for its integrated display subsystem including NTSC/PAL video output, RGB/S-Video interfaces, and programmable scaling/rotation.

What memory interfaces does the AM3505AZERC support, and what are their key capabilities?

The AM3505AZERC supports two primary memory interfaces: a 166-MHz DDR2/mDDR controller with 1GB total addressable space and a 16-bit-wide General Purpose Memory Controller (GPMC) with up to 8 chip-selects and 128MB per chip-select. The GPMC provides glueless interfacing to NOR/NAND flash (with hardware ECC Hamming), SRAM, and FPGA peripherals - critical for boot reliability and flexible system expansion.

How many UARTs and CAN controllers are integrated into the AM3505AZERC?

The AM3505AZERC integrates four UARTs (one supporting IrDA and Consumer Infrared modes) and one High-End CAN Controller (HECC) compliant with CAN 2.0B protocol. The HECC includes 32 message objects, transmit/receive FIFOs, and automatic retransmission - making it suitable for deterministic industrial fieldbus communication without external CAN transceivers beyond physical layer drivers.

What package type and ball count does the AM3505AZERC use, and is it pin-compatible with other Sitara processors?

The AM3505AZERC uses a 491-ball NFBGA package (ZCN suffix) with 17.1 × 17.1 mm body size and 0.65-mm pitch. It is pin-compatible with the AM3517AZCNA in the same ZCN package - meaning identical PCB layout can be used for both parts, enabling hardware reuse when upgrading to GPU-enabled variants or downgrading for cost optimization without redesign.