GCIXP1240AA

The GCIXP1240AA is an Intel IXP1240-series network processor featuring an integrated StrongARM 32-bit core running at 166 MHz in a 432-ball BGA (40×40) surface-mount package. It combines a programmable microprocessor core with high-bandwidth I/O and memory subsystems for embedded networking and telecommunications designs.

Targeted at LAN and telecom applications, the device delivers a balance of processing flexibility and hardware-class throughput through its StrongARM core, multiple programmable microengines and wide IX/PCI/memory interfaces.

Key Features

• StrongARM Core (32-bit, 166 MHz) Integrated high-performance 32-bit RISC processor with instruction and data caches, write buffer and an MMU for embedded software control.
• Programmable Microengines Six integrated programmable microengines with multi-thread support and single-cycle ALU/shift operations for offloading packet and data processing tasks.
• High‑Performance Memory Subsystem Industry-standard 64-bit SDRAM interface (up to 928 Mbytes/sec peak, supports up to 256 Mbytes) and 32-bit SRAM interface (up to 464 Mbytes/sec, supports up to 8 Mbytes); supports Flash ROM booting.
• High-Bandwidth IX Bus 64-bit IX Bus operation up to 104 MHz with peak aggregate bandwidth suitable for demanding I/O workloads; supports 64-bit or dual 32-bit modes.
• Integrated PCI Interface 32-bit, 66 MHz PCI interface supporting PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.2 as a bus master with dual DMA channels and high burst throughput.
• On-Chip Peripherals Hardware hash unit, serial UART, real-time clock, four general-purpose I/O pins, four 24-bit timers with CPU watchdog support, limited JTAG and 4 Kbyte scratchpad memory.
• Package and Electrical 432-LBGA (432-BGA, 40×40) surface-mount package; 2 V CMOS core with 3.3 V I/O tolerance and 3.3 V I/O specification.
• Operating Range and Grade Commercial grade operation with an operating temperature range of 0°C to 70°C and RoHS compliance.

Typical Applications

• Multi-layer LAN Switches Accelerates packet forwarding and control-plane tasks using the StrongARM core together with programmable microengines.
• Multi-protocol Telecommunications Equipment Provides protocol processing and flexible I/O bandwidth for telecom line cards and network appliances.
• Broadband Cable Products Enables packet processing and memory-intensive buffering required in cable headend and gateway devices.
• Remote Access Devices Supports embedded control, DMA and memory interfaces for remote access concentrators and access gateways.
• Intelligent PCI Adapters Integrated 66 MHz PCI master capabilities and DMA channels for intelligent adapter implementations.

Unique Advantages

• Integrated Processor plus Microengines: Combines a StrongARM core with six programmable microengines to partition control and dataplane workloads, reducing the need for external accelerators.
• Wide, Low-Latency Memory Interfaces: High-bandwidth SDRAM and SRAM interfaces with support for large external memories and Flash ROM boot simplify buffer and code storage architecture.
• High I/O Bandwidth: 64-bit IX Bus and integrated PCI deliver substantial I/O throughput for multi-stream packet processing and DMA-heavy applications.
• Comprehensive On-Chip Peripherals: Built-in UART, timers, GPIOs, hardware hash and RTC reduce external component count and simplify board-level design.
• Compact, Surface-Mount Package: 432-LBGA (40×40) package supports high-density board layouts while providing the necessary I/O pin count for complex embedded systems.

Why Choose GCIXP1240AA?

The GCIXP1240AA positions itself as a versatile network processor for embedded networking and telecommunications designs that require a mix of software programmability and hardware-class data throughput. Its StrongARM core, paired with six programmable microengines, provides a flexible platform for offloading packet processing while maintaining software control.

With high-bandwidth IX, PCI and memory interfaces, integrated peripherals, and a compact 432-BGA package, the device is suited for designers building multi-layer switches, broadband equipment, remote access systems and intelligent PCI adapters who need a commercially graded, RoHS-compliant processor solution.

Request a quote or submit a pricing inquiry to obtain availability, lead-time and ordering information for the GCIXP1240AA. Our team can provide part availability and support details to help you move your design forward.