New SigmaTel ARM9 SoC Looks Ideal for Robots

Posted 21 Apr 2008 at 19:45 UTC by steve

LinuxDevices.com reports that SigmaTel has released an ARM9-based System-on-Chip aimed at Linux-based personal navigation devices but it looks like it would be ideal for robots as well. To help reduce the cost of handheld devices, SigmaTel added a NiMH/Li-ION battery charger, boot ROM, power management, audio circuitry, and other goodies. The SoC is also designed to easily integrate with several popular GPS chips including Broadcom, SiRF, and NXP. All the usual I/O ports are available too: LCD, FLASH interface, S/PDIF, GPIO, UARTS, timers, even some ADCs. If you weren't aware, SigmaTel is also in the process of being acquired by Freescale.