Texas Instruments OMAP3525ECBC

Overview

OMAP3525ECBC from Texas Instruments is a dual-core applications processor integrating an up to 720-MHz ARM Cortex-A8 CPU and a 520-MHz TMS320C64x+ DSP, with 256KB L2 cache, 112KB ROM, and 64KB on-chip SRAM. It supports Linux, Android, and Windows CE, and targets portable media players, digital video cameras, and web tablets requiring integrated video acceleration and low-power operation.

For engineers reviewing the OMAP3525ECBC datasheet, OMAP3525ECBC pinout, OMAP3525ECBC application, or OMAP3525ECBC equivalent, key selection criteria include its 515-pin s-PBGA (CBC) package, discrete memory interface, absence of PowerVR SGX graphics (vs. OMAP3530), SmartReflex power management, and IVA2.2 subsystem for hardware-accelerated imaging/video processing.

Technical Context

The OMAP3525ECBC implements a heterogeneous dual-core architecture: the ARM Cortex-A8 executes high-level OS tasks and application logic, while the C64x+ DSP offloads real-time signal processing for audio, video encode/decode, and ISP functions. Both cores share the L3/L4 interconnect and access external SDRAM via the SDRC controller and GPMC.

It features dedicated hardware accelerators including a Camera ISP supporting BT.601/BT.656 interfaces, dual-display subsystem with RGB/S-Video output, and EDMA controller with 128 channels. Unlike the OMAP3530, it omits the PowerVR SGX graphics engine and POP interface-confirmed by Table 1-1 in SPRS507H.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The OMAP3525ECBC is housed in a 515-ball, 0.5-mm (top)/0.4-mm (bottom) pitch s-PBGA package (CBC suffix), with ball assignments defined in Table 2-2 of SPRS507H. This package supports discrete memory interfaces (GPMC, SDRC) but excludes POP stacking and HSUSB3_TLL functionality per Table 1-1.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar applications processor applications.

Compared with OMAP3530ECBB, OMAP3525ECBC removes the SGX GPU and POP interface-reducing cost and power while retaining full IVA2.2 imaging capability. Against AM3517BZCNA, it adds the C64x+ DSP and ISP, enabling hardware-accelerated video pipelines unattainable with Cortex-A8 alone.

Availability

OMAP3525ECBC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable media players, digital video cameras, and point-of-sale terminals requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and industrial-grade thermal performance.

Supply support for OMAP3525ECBC 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 expertise in low-power, high-performance SoCs for mobile and industrial markets.

The OMAP3525ECBC belongs to TI's OMAP 3 family-designed specifically for portable multimedia devices requiring balanced CPU/DSP performance, integrated video acceleration, and adaptive power management without discrete GPU silicon.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the ARM Cortex-A8 core in the OMAP3525ECBC?

The OMAP3525ECBC supports an ARM Cortex-A8 core frequency of up to 720 MHz under recommended operating conditions. This frequency is achievable with adaptive core voltage (0.985 V to 1.35 V) managed by SmartReflex AVS. The actual sustained frequency depends on thermal design and voltage regulation stability; TI specifies this as the guaranteed maximum OPP (Operating Performance Point) for commercial-grade operation.

Does the OMAP3525ECBC include PowerVR SGX graphics hardware?

No, the OMAP3525ECBC does not include PowerVR SGX graphics acceleration. That feature is exclusive to the OMAP3530 variant. The OMAP3525ECBC retains the full IVA2.2 imaging/video subsystem-including C64x+ DSP, camera ISP, and display processors-but omits the SGX engine. This distinction is explicitly confirmed in Section 1.3 and Table 1-1 of the SPRS507H datasheet.

What memory interfaces does the OMAP3525ECBC support?

The OMAP3525ECBC supports two primary memory interfaces: the SDRAM Controller (SDRC) for LPDDR/SDRAM and the General Purpose Memory Controller (GPMC) for NOR/NAND Flash, SRAM, and pseudo-SRAM. It does not support POP stacking (unlike CBB/CUS variants), and the CBC package provides eight GPMC chip-select pins and four wait pins-enabling direct connection to multiple memory types without external logic.

How many general-purpose I/O pins are available on the OMAP3525ECBC?

Up to 188 general-purpose I/O pins are supported on the OMAP3525ECBC, as specified in Table 1-1 of SPRS507H. These GPIOs are multiplexed with peripheral functions (e.g., UART, McBSP, McSPI), and the actual number available simultaneously depends on pinmux configuration. Unused balls (e.g., A1, A2, AB1) are designated NC and must remain unconnected per mechanical guidelines.

Is the OMAP3525ECBC pin-compatible with the OMAP3530ECBC?

No, the OMAP3525ECBC is not pin-compatible with the OMAP3530ECBC. While both use the 515-pin s-PBGA CBC package, their ball assignments differ significantly-particularly for graphics-related signals (absent in OMAP3525) and power domains. Table 2-2 (CBC) in SPRS507H confirms distinct pin mappings; PCB layout reuse is not feasible without redesign.