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Texas Instruments AM3517AZCN
- Part No.:
- AM3517AZCN
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Microprocessors
- Package:
- 491-LFBGA
- Datasheet:
-
AM3517AZCN.pdf
- Description:
- IC MPU SITARA 600MHZ 491NFBGA
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:173
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Product details
Overview
AM3517AZCN from Texas Instruments is a 600-MHz ARM Cortex-A8 microprocessor with PowerVR SGX graphics accelerator, 256KB L2 cache, DDR2/mDDR memory controller, and integrated display subsystem supporting NTSC/PAL video output - used in industrial HMIs, digital signage, and embedded navigation systems.
For engineers reviewing the AM3517AZCN datasheet, AM3517AZCN pinout, AM3517AZCN application, or AM3517AZCN equivalent, key selection considerations include its 491-pin NFBGA package, dual DACs for analog video, 186 GPIOs, USB OTG + multiport host support, and Linux/Android OS compatibility.
Technical Context
The AM3517AZCN integrates an in-order, dual-issue, superscalar ARMv7 CPU core with NEON SIMD and VFP coprocessors, delivering >2× ARMv6 SIMD performance. Its memory subsystem includes a 166-MHz 16-/32-bit SDRC controller supporting up to 1GB DDR2/mDDR and a 16-bit GPMC for NAND/NOR/SRAM interfacing.
Graphics acceleration is handled by the tile-based PowerVR SGX engine (10 MPoly/sec), supporting OpenGLES 1.1/2.0 and OpenVG 1.0. The display subsystem features triple-layer composition, temporal dithering, and programmable RGB/YCbCr output with hardware rotation and resize (1/4× to 8×).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| CPU Core | ARM Cortex-A8 @ 600 MHz - enables real-time Linux kernel scheduling and deterministic interrupt latency for industrial control. |
| L2 Cache | 256KB unified - reduces external memory bandwidth pressure during multimedia processing and multitasking. |
| Memory Interface | 166-MHz DDR2/mDDR with 1GB address space - supports low-power mobile SDRAM in portable HMIs and smart white goods. |
| Display Output | Dual parallel digital output (24-bit RGB) + composite NTSC/PAL - enables simultaneous LCD panel and TV-out without external encoder. |
| Video DACs | Two 10-bit DACs - generate analog CVBS and S-Video signals directly from on-chip video pipeline. |
| USB Support | OTG + 3-port high-speed host - allows device-mode peripheral attachment and simultaneous hub-connected peripherals in kiosk applications. |
| Package | 491-pin NFBGA (17 × 17 mm, 0.65-mm pitch) - compatible with standard BGA reflow profiles and suitable for compact industrial PCB layouts. |
Pinout & Package
AM3517AZCN uses a 491-ball NFBGA package (17.10 mm × 17.10 mm, 0.65-mm pitch) with Via Channel™ array technology. Ball assignments are defined across four quadrants (A–D); power domains include VDD_CORE (1.2 V), VDDS (1.8 V), VDDSHV (3.3 V), and analog supplies (VDDA_DAC, VSSA_DAC).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| DSS_PCLK | Display Subsystem Pixel Clock | Drives synchronous pixel timing for RGB panels; supports up to 75 MHz for HD-resolution output. |
| DSS_HSYNC / DSS_VSYNC | Display Timing Control Signals | Generate horizontal/vertical sync pulses for LCD controllers; configurable for custom panel timings via register programming. |
| SDRC_D0–D31 | SDRAM Data Bus | 32-bit bidirectional data path for DDR2/mDDR; includes DQS strobes and DM masking for reliable high-speed transfers. |
| GPMC_A0–A14 / GPMC_D0–D15 | General-Purpose Memory Controller Bus | 16-bit multiplexed address/data interface for NOR flash, NAND flash (with ECC), and SRAM with glueless FPGA/CPLD integration. |
| USB0_DP / USB0_DM | USB OTG Differential Pair | Full-speed (12 Mbps) or high-speed (480 Mbps) PHY interface; supports OTG role negotiation and VBUS detection. |
| TV_OUT1 / TV_OUT2 | Analog Video Output | Direct CVBS composite output pins driven by internal DACs; require external RC filter per TI design guidelines. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| PowerVR SGX Graphics Accelerator | Enables OpenGL ES 2.0-accelerated UI rendering and video compositing without external GPU, reducing BOM cost in digital signage. |
| Triple-Layer Display Processor | Supports concurrent graphics overlay, video playback, and cursor layer with alpha blending - ideal for touch-enabled HMIs with live camera feed. |
| 186 General-Purpose I/O Pins | Configurable as GPIO, UART, I2C, McSPI, or McBSP - provides flexible peripheral expansion for sensor fusion and industrial fieldbus bridging. |
| Integrated HECC CAN Controller | Meets ISO 11898-1 for automotive-grade communication; supports bit rates up to 1 Mbps for transportation and vehicle diagnostics systems. |
| On-Chip 64KB SRAM + 132KB Boot ROM | Provides fast code execution and secure boot without external memory dependency - critical for tamper-resistant firmware updates. |
Applications
| Industrial HMI | Digital Signage |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Touchscreen operator interface in factory automation panels with real-time alarm logging and recipe management. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main application processor executing Linux Qt-based GUI, driving 7-inch RGB LCD and capturing button/encoder inputs via GPIO. Use Value: Integrated display controller and 256KB L2 cache eliminate external video buffer IC and reduce frame buffer latency by 30% vs. discrete solutions. | Use Scenario: Wall-mounted retail display showing dynamic ads, inventory status, and promotional videos in shopping malls. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: System-on-module host running Android, decoding MPEG-4 video, and driving dual 1080p displays via RGB and HDMI (with external bridge). Use Value: PowerVR SGX enables smooth 60-fps UI transitions and hardware-accelerated video scaling - extending display uptime and reducing thermal throttling. |
| Embedded Navigation | Smart White Goods |
Use Scenario: In-vehicle infotainment unit with GPS, voice guidance, and map rendering in automotive dashboards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MPU subsystem managing GNSS data parsing, route calculation, and NTSC video output to rear-seat monitors. Use Value: Dual 10-bit DACs deliver clean composite video without external encoder IC, cutting component count and EMI emissions. | Use Scenario: Front-loading washing machine with LCD display, Wi-Fi connectivity, and motor control feedback loop. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Central controller running RTOS, handling UI, appliance sensors, and CAN bus communication with motor driver modules. Use Value: HECC CAN interface enables robust, noise-immune communication with inverter drives - meeting IEC 61800-3 EMC requirements. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar ARM-based application processor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AM3358BZCZ100 | ARM Cortex-A8 @ 1 GHz, no PowerVR SGX, PRU-ICSS for real-time I/O offload | Better suited for industrial PLCs requiring deterministic I/O, less optimal for graphics-heavy UIs | Select when real-time peripheral control outweighs 3D graphics needs |
| i.MX6ULL | ARM Cortex-A7 @ 900 MHz, Vivante GC320 GPU, native MIPI-DSI support | Lower power, better multimedia codec support, but lacks analog video DACs and NTSC/PAL output | Select for battery-powered devices or designs requiring MIPI display interfaces |
Compared with AM3358BZCZ100 and i.MX6ULL, the AM3517AZCN uniquely combines analog video DACs, NTSC/PAL output, and PowerVR SGX in a single die - making it irreplaceable in legacy TV-out and cost-sensitive digital signage designs where external encoders must be avoided.
Availability
AM3517AZCN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HMIs, digital signage, and embedded navigation systems requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturing continuity.
Supply support for AM3517AZCN 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 consumer markets.
The AM3517AZCN belongs to TI's Sitara™ ARM processor family, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, graphics-capable embedded applications requiring rich UI, video output, and industrial peripheral integration - not general-purpose computing.
FAQ
What operating systems are officially supported on the AM3517AZCN?
The AM3517AZCN supports Linux® (including TI's Processor SDK Linux), Windows® CE, and Android™. TI provides board support packages (BSPs), kernel drivers, and graphics libraries (PVRSDK) optimized for the PowerVR SGX engine and display subsystem. These enable full utilization of the AM3517AZCN's hardware acceleration capabilities in production deployments.
Does the AM3517AZCN support DDR3 memory?
No, the AM3517AZCN does not support DDR3 memory. Its SDRC controller is explicitly specified for DDR2 and mobile DDR (mDDR) SDRAM only, with maximum clock frequency of 166 MHz and 1GB total addressable space. DDR3 compatibility is absent from all electrical, timing, and register-level documentation for the AM3517AZCN.
What is the function of the ZCN suffix in AM3517AZCN?
The ZCN suffix denotes the 491-pin NFBGA package variant with Via Channel™ array technology and TV-out capability (NTSC/PAL). This distinguishes it from the ZER suffix (484-pin PBGA), which omits TV output functionality. The AM3517AZCN's pin map, thermal characteristics, and ball-level voltage domains are defined exclusively for the ZCN package in TI's SPRS550F datasheet.
Can the AM3517AZCN operate without external RAM?
The AM3517AZCN contains 64KB of on-chip SRAM and 132KB of ROM, enabling limited boot and firmware execution without external RAM. However, full operation of Linux or Android requires external DDR2/mDDR memory - the SDRC controller has no bypass mode, and the AM3517AZCN cannot run application code solely from internal memory due to size and bandwidth constraints.
How does the AM3517AZCN handle power management in industrial temperature environments?
The AM3517AZCN supports commercial (0°C to 90°C) and extended temperature (–40°C to 125°C) grades. Its PRCM (Power, Reset, and Clock Management) module implements dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS), idle states (SW_WKUP, MPU_INACT), and thermal monitoring registers. For extended-temp operation, TI specifies derating curves in Section 5.6 of SPRS550F, requiring careful PCB thermal design around the AM3517AZCN's VDD_CORE and VDDS domains.
AM3517AZCN Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Package/Case:
- 491-LFBGA
- Series:
- Sitara™
- Packaging:
- Tray
- Product Status:
- Active
- Core Processor:
- ARM® Cortex®-A8
- Number of Cores/Bus Width:
- 1 Core, 32-Bit
- Speed:
- 600MHz
- Co-Processors/DSP:
- Multimedia; NEON™ SIMD
- RAM Controllers:
- LPDDR, DDR2
- Graphics Acceleration:
- Yes
- Display & Interface Controllers:
- LCD
- Ethernet:
- 10/100Mbps (1)
- SATA:
- -
- USB:
- USB 2.0 (3), USB 2.0 + PHY (1)
- Voltage - I/O:
- 1.8V, 3.3V
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 90°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Security Features:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 491-NFBGA (17x17)
- Additional Interfaces:
- CAN, HDQ/1-Wire, I2C, McBSP, McSPI, MMC/SD/SDIO, UART
AM3517AZCN FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AM3517AZCN through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AM3517AZCN on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for AM3517AZCN reliable?
The price and inventory of AM3517AZCN are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AM3517AZCN is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AM3517AZCN?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AM3517AZCN transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AM3517AZCN?
AM3517AZCN orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AM3517AZCN order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for AM3517AZCN?
For technical support, including AM3517AZCN datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AM3517AZCN requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AM3517AZCN is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AM3517AZCN products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that AM3517AZCN meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AM3517AZCN?
All AM3517AZCN units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AM3517AZCN, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The AM3517AZCN part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AM3517AZCN:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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