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Texas Instruments AM3517AZERA
- Part No.:
- AM3517AZERA
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Microprocessors
- Package:
- 484-BBGA Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
AM3517AZERA.pdf
- Description:
- IC MPU SITARA 600MHZ 484BGA
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,000
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Product details
Overview
AM3517AZERA from Texas Instruments is a 600-MHz ARM Cortex-A8 microprocessor with PowerVR SGX graphics acceleration, 256KB L2 cache, dual 10-bit DACs for NTSC/PAL video output, and integrated display subsystem supporting up to 24-bit RGB and HD video capture. It serves as the main application processor in industrial HMI, digital signage, and portable media devices requiring Linux or Android OS support.
For engineers reviewing the AM3517AZERA datasheet, AM3517AZERA pinout, AM3517AZERA application, or AM3517AZERA equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, package-specific pin functions, real-world use cases, and validated alternative options - all grounded in TI's SPRS550F datasheet and official mechanical documentation for the ZER-package variant.
Technical Context
The AM3517AZERA implements an in-order, dual-issue, superscalar ARMv7 architecture with NEON SIMD and VFP coprocessors, delivering >2× ARMv6 SIMD performance. Its memory subsystem includes a 166-MHz 16-/32-bit mDDR/DDR2 interface with 1GB address space and a separate 83-MHz general-purpose memory controller supporting NOR/NAND/SRAM.
It integrates dedicated hardware blocks including a 16-bit VPFE video input port (75-MHz pixel clock), dual-output 3-layer display processor with temporal dithering and rotation, HECC CAN controller, 10/100 EMAC, USB OTG + multiport host, and five McBSP audio interfaces - all managed via a hierarchical L3/L4 interconnect with system DMA (32 logical channels).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| CPU Core | ARM Cortex-A8 @ 600 MHz, in-order dual-issue superscalar with 16KB I-cache / 16KB D-cache / 256KB L2 cache |
| Graphics Acceleration | PowerVR SGX subsystem (AM3517-only) supporting OpenGLES 1.1/2.0 and OpenVG 1.0, up to 10 MPoly/sec |
| Memory Interface | 166-MHz DDR2/mDDR interface with 1GB total addressable space; 83-MHz GPMC with 128MB per chip-select |
| Video I/O | Dual 10-bit DACs for composite NTSC/PAL or S-Video output; 16-bit VPFE input port supporting REC656/YCbCr422 |
| Peripherals | 4 UARTs (1 with IrDA/CIR), 3 I²C controllers, 5 McBSPs (2 with sidetone), 4 McSPI, 186 GPIOs, HECC CAN, 10/100 EMAC, USB OTG + 3-port host |
| Package & Process | 484-pin PBGA (23 × 23 mm, 1-mm pitch), ZER suffix; 65-nm CMOS technology; 1.2V core / 1.8V or 3.3V I/O |
Pinout & Package
The AM3517AZERA is packaged in a 484-pin PBGA (ZER package), 23.2 mm × 23.2 mm, 1-mm ball pitch, with thermal via channel array for enhanced power dissipation. Ball assignments follow quadrant-based layout (A–D) with dedicated power domains (VDD_CORE, VDDSHV, VDDS, VDDA_DAC, etc.) and configurable I/O voltage rails (1.8V/3.3V).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDD_CORE | Core power supply | 1.2V supply for ARM Cortex-A8 core and L2 cache; requires low-noise decoupling per TI layout guidelines |
| VDDSHV | High-voltage I/O supply | 1.8V or 3.3V selectable rail powering USB PHY, EMAC, MMC/SDIO, and GPMC interfaces |
| SDRC_D0–D31 | DDR2/mDDR data bus | 32-bit bidirectional data path with DQS strobes and ODT control; supports 166-MHz operation |
| DSS_DATA0–DSS_DATA23 | Display subsystem parallel output | 24-bit RGB + sync signals (HSYNC/VSYNC/PCLK) for direct LCD panel interface or RFBI mode |
| CCDC_DATA0–CCDC_DATA7 | VPFE parallel video input | 8/16-bit YCbCr422 or REC656 video capture port with field/HD/VD timing signals |
| USB0_DP / USB0_DM | USB OTG differential pair | Full-speed (12 Mbps) or high-speed (480 Mbps) PHY interface; requires 90-Ω differential impedance routing |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| PowerVR SGX Graphics | Tile-based 3D accelerator enabling OpenGL ES 2.0 rendering and UI compositing without external GPU |
| Dual Video DACs | Integrated 10-bit DACs support simultaneous NTSC and PAL output or S-Video with luma/chroma separation |
| Programmable Display Pipeline | 3-layer overlay engine with alpha blending, rotation (90°/180°/270°), scaling (¼× to 8×), and color space conversion |
| VPFE Video Input | 16-bit parallel interface with optical black clamping, digital black level compensation, and A-law compression hardware |
| System-Level DMA | 32-channel sDMA controller with configurable priority enables zero-CPU video frame transfers between VPFE, display, and DDR |
Applications
| Industrial HMI | Digital Signage |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Touch-enabled operator interface in factory automation panels with real-time status visualization and local video playback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main application processor executing Linux with Qt-based GUI; drives 24-bit RGB LCD and decodes MPEG-4 video via VPFE + display pipeline. Use Value: Eliminates need for discrete video encoder/DAC and GPU by integrating dual DACs, 3-layer compositor, and PowerVR SGX rendering engine. |
Use Scenario: Wall-mounted retail kiosk displaying dynamic advertisements, product demos, and live camera feeds in stores or airports. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Central media processor running Android; sources content from eMMC, renders UI with OpenGLES, outputs to HDMI via DAC + TV encoder path. Use Value: Supports concurrent 1080p decode (via software codecs) and 720p encode (VPFE) while driving dual displays - enabled by 600-MHz Cortex-A8 + 256KB L2 cache. |
| Portable Media Player | Smart White Goods |
Use Scenario: Battery-powered handheld device playing HD video, streaming audio, and capturing still images via CMOS sensor. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Application SoC handling media decode/encode, touch I/O, USB mass storage, and SD card I/O; VPFE captures raw sensor data at up to 75 MHz. Use Value: Integrated VPFE with RAW interface, A-law compression, and 16K-pixel image size support reduces BOM cost versus FPGA + ISP solutions. |
Use Scenario: High-end refrigerator or washing machine with color LCD display, Wi-Fi connectivity, and appliance diagnostics dashboard. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Embedded Linux host managing UI, sensor monitoring (I²C/ADC), motor control (PWM via timers), and secure OTA updates over Ethernet or USB. Use Value: 186 GPIOs, 12 timers, 3 I²C controllers, and HECC CAN enable full system integration - no companion MCU required. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar application processor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AM3505AZCNA | No PowerVR SGX graphics; identical CPU, memory, and peripheral set except missing 3D accelerator and TV-out DACs | Suitable for non-graphic-intensive HMI or headless industrial gateways where UI rendering is browser-based or minimal | Select when 3D graphics or analog video output are unnecessary - lower cost and reduced thermal load |
| AM3703BZC | Same ARM Cortex-A8 core at 1-GHz; adds DVI/HDMI transmitter, additional USB ports, and enhanced power management | Better suited for high-resolution displays (1080p+) and multimedia-centric designs requiring higher throughput | Choose for next-gen digital signage or media players needing >600-MHz performance and native DVI/HDMI output |
Compared with AM3505AZCNA, AM3517AZERA adds essential video output and 3D acceleration for rich UIs; versus AM3703BZC, it trades clock speed and DVI for lower power and proven industrial qualification - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, thermally constrained embedded displays.
Availability
AM3517AZERA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HMI, digital signage, and portable media player designs requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and qualified automotive-extended temperature grade support.
Supply support for AM3517AZERA 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 with decades of industrial and automotive qualification expertise.
The AM3517AZERA belongs to TI's Sitara™ ARM processor family, designed specifically for embedded applications demanding high-performance Linux/Android execution, rich multimedia I/O, and integrated graphics - targeting industrial automation, human-machine interface, and intelligent edge devices.
FAQ
What is the package type and pin count of the AM3517AZERA?
The AM3517AZERA uses a 484-pin PBGA package (ZER suffix), measuring 23.2 mm × 23.2 mm with 1-mm ball pitch. This package variant omits TV-out functionality compared to the 491-pin ZCN version but retains full CPU, memory, and peripheral capability - confirmed in TI's SPRS550F Section 3.2 and Mechanical Packaging documentation.
Does the AM3517AZERA support DDR2 memory, and what is its maximum interface speed?
Yes, the AM3517AZERA supports DDR2 and mobile DDR (mDDR) memory via its SDRC controller, operating at up to 166 MHz (333 MT/s). The interface provides 1GB of total addressable space and includes SDRAM scheduler and rotation engine - specified in Section 1.1 Features and Table 6-14 of the SPRS550F datasheet.
What video output capabilities does the AM3517AZERA provide?
The AM3517AZERA integrates two 10-bit DACs enabling composite NTSC/PAL or S-Video output, plus a 24-bit parallel RGB interface supporting up to 2 LCD panels. It does not support TV-out in the ZER package (per Table 3-2), but retains full display subsystem features including rotation, scaling, and alpha blending - as documented in Sections 1.1 and 3.2.
Is the PowerVR SGX graphics accelerator present in the AM3517AZERA?
Yes, the PowerVR SGX graphics accelerator is exclusive to the AM3517 (including AM3517AZERA) and absent in the AM3505. It delivers up to 10 MPoly/sec and supports OpenGLES 1.1/2.0 and OpenVG 1.0 - a key differentiator confirmed in Table 3-1 of SPRS550F and Section 1.3 Description.
What operating systems are officially supported on the AM3517AZERA?
Texas Instruments explicitly validates Linux®, Windows® CE, and Android™ for the AM3517AZERA. BSPs, kernel patches, and graphics drivers are provided through TI's Processor SDK and legacy Sitara software repositories - stated in Section 1.3 Description and supported across TI's AM3517 product folder resources.
AM3517AZERA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Package/Case:
- 484-BBGA Exposed Pad
- 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:
- -40°C ~ 105°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Security Features:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 484-BGA (23x23)
- Additional Interfaces:
- CAN, HDQ/1-Wire, I2C, McBSP, McSPI, MMC/SD/SDIO, UART
AM3517AZERA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AM3517AZERA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AM3517AZERA 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 AM3517AZERA reliable?
The price and inventory of AM3517AZERA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AM3517AZERA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AM3517AZERA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AM3517AZERA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AM3517AZERA?
AM3517AZERA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AM3517AZERA 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 AM3517AZERA?
For technical support, including AM3517AZERA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AM3517AZERA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AM3517AZERA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AM3517AZERA 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 AM3517AZERA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AM3517AZERA?
All AM3517AZERA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AM3517AZERA, 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 AM3517AZERA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AM3517AZERA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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