Freescale Debuts ARM-based QorIQ LS Series Communications Processors

Featuring the highest level of integration for sub-3 W applications, the multicore LS1 family opens new markets for Freescale’s QorIQ platform

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Oct. 16, 2013-- Freescale Semiconductor (NYSE: FSL) is bringing 20 years of networking IP and expertise to ARM® processing with its new QorIQ LS1 family of communications processors based on the core-agnostic, software-aware Layerscape system architecture.

The new QorIQ LS1 family of products reinforces Freescale’s market leadership in communications processors. The devices are engineered to support a broad range of power-sensitive networking applications, as well as additional fast-growing product categories including Internet of Things gateways and industrial automation and control equipment.

Each of the three new QorIQ LS1 family processors features two reliability-optimized ARM Cortex™-A7 cores. These high-efficiency cores – typically used in battery-powered applications such as smartphones – have been enhanced with error detection and correction technology. Pre-silicon analysis by Freescale indicates the dual Cortex-A7 cores should achieve over 6,000 CoreMarks® of performance at 1 GHz, with typical power at less than 3 W for the entire SoC.

“Market demand is growing for high-performance solutions suitable for fanless, sub-3 W designs,” said Tareq Bustami, vice president of Product Management for Freescale’s Digital Networking business. “The QorIQ LS1 family reinforces Freescale’s market leadership in communications processing and extends the reach of QorIQ platforms into new and expanding markets.” In addition to its exceptional power efficiency, the QorIQ LS1 family is further distinguished by its unprecedented level of integration for a processor in the sub-3 W power envelope. The LS1 family incorporates an optimized blend of peripherals and features for fanless embedded applications, including: LCD controller, ECC protection of all SRAM for maximum reliability, support for both DDR3L and DDR4 memory, virtualization support, QUICC Engine technology, SATA3 and USB 3.0 with integrated PHY, all packed into a small 19x19mm SoC footprint.

QorIQ LS1 family products

The pin- and software-compatible LS1 family includes three products:

• The highly integrated QorIQ LS1020A processor, ideal for fanless enterprise and consumer networking applications, such as enterprise access points, multi-protocol IoT gateways and security appliances
• The QorIQ LS1021A processor, which adds integrated display controller and industrial interfaces for use in factory/building automation, M2M, printing and defense/aerospace applications
• The cost-optimized QorIQ LS1022A processor, which offers high-reliability performance for the most power-sensitive industrial applications with extremely aggressive power envelopes

“Freescale’s QorIQ LS1 series is an impressive example of how application specific IP and SoC design can combine with ARM technology to create a flexible and integrated product,” said Charlene Marini, vice president, Marketing, Embedded Segments, ARM. “Freescale is a leading company in communications processing. Its adoption of ARM Cortex-A7 processors for this latest product family underscores the exciting role that ARM is playing in bringing advanced energy efficiency and intelligence to the world’s data networks.”

Comprehensive development support

The unique combination of Freescale’s networking expertise with ARM’s expansive ecosystem gives designers access to comprehensive tools to ease development. The QorIQ LS1 family is supported by Freescale’s Tower System modular development platform, featuring an integrated on-board probe for further cost savings, along with third-party platforms developed by Freescale’s embedded board solutions partners.

Evaluation kits include a Linux® 3.12 BSP with optimized drivers to support peripherals, and a six-month evaluation license for CodeWarrior development tools. Freescale’s VortiQa software provides complete software stacks for enterprise and SMB networking applications, including gateways, security appliances and cloud equipment. All QorIQ LS series devices are also supported by Freescale’s extensive third-party ecosystem.

Availability

Sample quantities of the QorIQ LS1 processors are planned for Q1 2014.

Supporting Partner Quotes

Enea

"Using the QorIQ LS1 product family together with our operating systems solutions, customers get the real-time performance, control and flexibility that they need," said Oskar Swirtun, director of Business Development at Enea. "Combining high-reliability with features like virtualization support, Freescale’s LS1 family will enable broader use of ARM architectures in communications solutions."      

Mentor Graphics

“The new QorIQ LS1 family of power-efficient communications processors is an ideal platform for use with both our Mentor Embedded Linux and Nucleus OS software systems,” said Scot Morrison, general manager of Embedded Runtime Services, Mentor Graphics Embedded Software Division. “Mentor is committed to support the LS1 family with our market-leading embedded products and services.”      

QNX

“We anticipate that customers will find the QorIQ LS1 family’s combination of sub-3 watt power, high reliability and rich feature set, including integrated display controllers and industrial interfaces, a compelling option for new multi-protocol industrial platforms,” said Peter McCarthy, director of global partnerships, QNX Software Systems Limited. “As a Freescale Preferred Partner, we are excited to see how Freescale has once again raised the bar, and we look forward to offering support for QorIQ Layerscape products.”      

Wind River

“Wind River’s VxWorks real-time operating system and Linux customers are anxiously looking forward to the arrival of the new QorIQ LS1 family,” said Dinyar Dastoor, vice president of product management for Operating Systems Platforms at Wind River. “For power-constrained industrial automation and networking applications like Internet of Things gateways, the LS1 family establishes a new class of performance by delivering outstanding efficiency and integrating features like DDR3L and DDRF memory support all while staying under 3 watts.”      

About Freescale Semiconductor

Freescale Semiconductor  (NYSE: FSL) is a global leader in embedded processing solutions, providing industry-leading products that are advancing the automotive, consumer, industrial and networking markets.From MPUs and MCUs to sensors, analog integrated circuits and connectivity, our technologies are the foundation for the innovations that make our world greener, safer, healthier and more connected. Some of our key applications and end-markets include automotive safety, hybrid and all-electric vehicles, next-generation wireless infrastructure, smart energy management, portable medical devices, consumer appliances and smart mobile devices. The company is based in Austin, Texas, and has design, research and development, manufacturing and sales operations around the world. freescale.com