NET+ARM MPUs feature flexible interface modules

Minnetonka, Minn.—Digi International has introduced the NS9215 and NS9210 NET+ARM microprocessors featuring Flexible Interface Modules (FIMs) that provide different hardware interfaces based on the needs of the product or application.

FIMs reduce product design complexity and cost by cutting the number of electronic components in a product.

According to the company, the processor family can be customized for any unique set of I/O. Both processors integrate two independent high-speed controllers that are programmable as FIMs for a wide range of interfaces. Different FIMs can be loaded from software when needed to provide specific interface capabilities, the company added.

Based on a powerful ARM926EJ-S core capable of operating at speeds up to 150 MHz, the NS9215 and NS9210 also provide enhanced security through an on-chip 256-bit AES accelerator. The integrated NIST-certified AES accelerator provides secure network communication with SSL/TLS and IPsec protocols. The accelerator encrypts and decrypts data streams up to 10 times faster than a software-only solution and provides strong data privacy for any customer information stored or transmitted by the processor.

The NS9215 features 4 KB of I/D cache, 10/100 Ethernet MAC, four high-speed UARTs, SPI, I²C, 4 PWMs or 10 timers, 12-bit A/D converter, a quadrature decoder, RTC with battery backup, up to 108 GPIOs and access to 2 FIMs. FIM support is available now for SD/SDIO, CAN bus, 1-Wire and additional UARTs. FIM support for USB low-speed device, parallel bus, I²S, and Wiegand interfaces is in development.

The NS9215 is available in a 265-pin (15 x 15 mm) BGA package. The NS9210 is available in a 177-pin (13 x 13 mm) BGA version that offers a smaller footprint with access to a subset of the NS9215 interfaces.

Pricing: The NS9215 costs $11.95 in 10,000 quantities.
Availability: NS9215 sampling with production quantities in June 2008; the NS9210 will sample in June 2008.
Datasheets: NS9215 and NS9210.

Digi International, 1-877-912-3444, www.digi.com