Overview

The TX27 is the first member of the new Freescale i.MX processor series from Strategic Test. TX modules are a complete computer, implemented on a board smaller than a credit card and ready to be designed into your embedded system.

TX modules together with the Development Kit-5 which is supplied with Linux and Windows CE BSP’s, give you the tools to achieve the fastest time-to-market for your new product designs based on the Freescale i.MX27 processor.

Because these products are supplied by Strategic Test who have developed a reputation as one of the Worlds leading suppliers of Intel / Marvell PXA320 and PXA270 Development Kits and System-on-Modules; you can trust that the hardware and software is stable and backed up by truly responsive and competent technical support. All hardware and software development, and manufacturing is performed in house – so that you can be confident that the highest quality is achieved from start to end.

TX module

Thanks to its low-power characteristics, Ka-Ro’s TX27 module is ideal for applications that require a high level of flexibility and mobility, for example, in diagnostics, after-sales service tools, devices with remote access and in mobile multimedia applications (thanks to the integrated H.264 hardware CODEC).

The TX27 is based on Freescale’s new i.MX27 multi-media processor and includes mobile SDRAM and Flash memory. The integrated LCD controller allows direct connection to the screen, while the internal Ethernet controller only needs the addition of magentics and a connector. The standard PCMCI interface permits simple extension and integration into a target system.

Key features :

• i.MX27 400 MHz CPU
• 64 to 128 MB mobile SDRAM mobile DDR-SDRAM
• 128 MB NAND Flash
• Ethernet 10/100 MAC, only need to add magnetics/connector
• USB 2.0 host / OTG
• LCD controller to 800 x 600
• MPEG-4 H.263/H.264 hardware CODEC for D1 video (VGA)
• Camera interface
• Connector: DIMM 200 low profile
• Pin-out compatible with TX-STAR and TX37 modules
• Operating temperature range -20°C..85°C
• Small size: 67.6 x 26 x 4.2 mm
• RoHS compliant (lead free)

The TX27 accepts an input voltage from various sources:

• 1-cell Li-Ion/Polymer (3.0V to 4.2V)
• 5.0V USB supply
• AC wall adapter
• 3.3V

The on-module regulator of the TX27 delivers up to 1A current 1.8V and 3.3V power rails that can be used to power the carrier board.

TX27L Module

This module is identical to the TX27 except it doesn’t have the hardware video CODEC. However, it is also cheaper. We only supply this module in qty 500 units and above, but it can provide useful cost-savings at high volumes.

Expansion

The TX27 module is supplied with a DIMM200 connector to provide the designer with access to all of the Freesclae i.MX27 processor signals for nearly unlimited expansion.

Ultra-Low Power Consumption

Perfect for wireless and multimedia battery-powered applications, the TX27 module is equipped with ultra-low-power components including mobile 1.8V SDRAM’s and 1.8V NAND Flash. Mobile memory is much more expensive that standard SDRAM and Flash, but is also uses more power.

The i.MX27 processor

The i.MX27 is derived from the popular Freescale i.MX21 processor and based on the ARM926EJ-S core. However, the i.MX27 has a h.264 DI hardware codec for high-resolution video processing, an 110/10 Ethernet MAC, security, plug-and-play connectivity and additional power management features.

Advantages of System-on-Module

By using a SOM as the basis of a new product design, the company eliminates the most difficult development tasks of processor system and operating system development. This leads to fast prototyping of new product ideas and time-to-market, plus you benefit from ongoing BSP updates that are free of charge.

The only hardware development usually needed is a simple 2 or 4-layer carrier board (similar to the carrier in the Development Kit-5), which is well within the skills of most companies.

The Development Kit-5 includes both Linux and Windows CE 6, with full driver support of all the peripherals on the carrier.

Compared to the Marvell PXA320

The main differences are :