GCIXP1240AB

The GCIXP1240AB is an Intel IXP1240-series network processor featuring an integrated StrongARM 32-bit core running at 200 MHz in a 432-pin BGA (40×40) package. It combines a high-performance embedded RISC core with programmable microengines and a broad set of on-chip I/O and memory interfaces for LAN and telecommunications applications.

Designed for multi-layer switches, broadband and remote access devices, and intelligent PCI adapters, the device delivers processing flexibility and integration to simplify system design while supporting high-throughput I/O and memory subsystems.

Key Features

• Integrated StrongARM Core 32-bit embedded RISC core at 200 MHz with a 16 Kbyte instruction cache, 8 Kbyte data cache, a 512-byte mini-cache, write buffer and memory management unit.
• Programmable Microengines Six integrated programmable microengines (series feature) with multi-thread support and a large register set for offloading packet and data-plane tasks; microengines operate up to 232 MHz (series specification).
• High-Bandwidth IX Bus 64-bit IX Bus supporting up to 104 MHz operation and a peak bandwidth identified in the series documentation, enabling wide I/O bandwidth for packet movement and peripheral access.
• PCI and DMA Support Integrated 32-bit, 66 MHz PCI interface (series feature) with bus-master capability and dual DMA channels for high-speed host transfer and peripheral integration.
• Memory Subsystem Industry-standard 64-bit SDRAM and 32-bit SRAM interfaces (series specifications) with high peak bandwidths and addressing support for system memory and boot flash.
• On-Chip Utilities 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 a 4 Kbyte scratchpad (series details).
• Package and Power 432-LBGA / 432-BGA (40×40) surface-mount package, 2 V CMOS device with 3.3 V tolerant I/O and I/O voltage specified as 3.3 V.
• Commercial Operating Range & Compliance Rated for commercial temperature operation from 0 °C to 70 °C and RoHS compliant.

Typical Applications

• Multi-layer LAN Switches — Offload forwarding and control-plane tasks using the StrongARM core plus programmable microengines for scalable packet processing.
• Multi-protocol Telecommunications Products — Integrate protocol handling, DMA and high-speed memory interfaces for telecom line cards and gateways.
• Broadband Cable Products — Manage high-throughput data paths and memory buffering for cable headend and edge devices.
• Remote Access Devices — Combine CPU control, DMA and peripheral interfaces to support remote access concentrators and customer-premises equipment.
• Intelligent PCI Adapters — Use the integrated PCI master capability and DMA channels for offload adapters and smart NIC implementations.

Unique Advantages

• Highly integrated processing — StrongARM core combined with multiple programmable microengines and on-chip peripherals reduces external component count and simplifies board design.
• Flexible memory and I/O bandwidth — Industry-standard SDRAM and SRAM interfaces plus a wide IX Bus and integrated PCI support enable high-throughput system architectures.
• Offload-capable architecture — Dedicated microengines and hardware accelerators (hash unit) allow partitioning of control and data-plane tasks for deterministic packet handling.
• Embedded system utilities — Built-in UART, RTC, timers, GPIOs and scratchpad memory aid system control and bring-up without extensive external logic.
• Commercial-grade, RoHS compliant — Designed for 0 °C to 70 °C operation and compliant with RoHS requirements for modern production environments.

Why Choose GCIXP1240AB?

The GCIXP1240AB positions itself as a versatile network processor solution combining a 200 MHz StrongARM core with a suite of programmable microengines and high-bandwidth memory and I/O interfaces. This combination supports designs that require both control-plane programmability and ASIC-like data-plane throughput within a single, integrated device.

It is well suited to system designers building multi-layer switches, telecom and broadband infrastructure, remote access equipment, or intelligent PCI-based adapters who need a balanced mix of CPU performance, dedicated processing engines, and broad peripheral connectivity. The device’s commercial temperature rating, standard package, and RoHS compliance support production deployment across a range of embedded networking products.

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