GCIXP1250BA

The GCIXP1250BA is an Intel IXP1250-class StrongARM microprocessor IC featuring a 32-bit RISC core running at 166 MHz. Designed for embedded networking and telecommunications applications, this device combines a high-performance StrongARM core with a range of integrated peripherals and programmable microengines to support packet processing, protocol handling, and system control tasks.

Targeted at LAN, broadband and telecommunications equipment, the part offers a balanced combination of processing throughput, on-chip integration and standard memory and I/O interfaces to simplify board-level design and accelerate time-to-market.

Key Features

• Core  StrongARM 32-bit embedded RISC core operating at 166 MHz with integrated memory management and cache features suitable for embedded control and packet processing.
• Caches & Local Memory  On-chip instruction and data caches (including a 16 Kbyte instruction cache and 8 Kbyte data cache) plus a 512-byte mini-cache and write buffer to optimize code and data access patterns.
• Programmable Microengines  Six integrated programmable microengines (series feature) with multi-thread support and a large register set to accelerate parallel processing tasks and offload data-plane operations from the StrongARM core.
• Memory Interfaces  Industry-standard 64-bit SDRAM interface (supporting up to 256 Mbytes of SDRAM in the series) and a 32-bit SRAM interface for flexible system memory configurations and high bandwidth.
• High-bandwidth I/O  IX Bus support (64-bit up to 104 MHz) delivering multi-gigabit peak bandwidth for data movement across integrated units on the device.
• PCI & DMA  Integrated 32-bit, 66 MHz PCI interface with dual DMA channels and bus-master capability to support high-throughput host connectivity and off-chip transfers.
• Integrated Peripherals  Hardware hash unit, serial UART, real time clock, general-purpose I/O pins, multiple timers and a 4 Kbyte scratchpad to reduce external component needs for common system functions.
• Package & Mounting  520-pin HL-PBGA (40 × 40) supplier device package / 520-LFBGA package case, surface-mount mounting type for compact PCB integration.
• Power & I/O  2 V CMOS core with 3.3 V tolerant I/O and 3.3 V I/O voltage support to match common embedded board power domains.
• Operating Range & Compliance  Commercial grade operation from 0 °C to 70 °C. RoHS compliant for environmental and regulatory alignment.

Typical Applications

• Multi-layer LAN Switches  Use the integrated cores, microengines and high-bandwidth IX Bus to handle packet forwarding, classification and control plane tasks.
• Multi-protocol Telecommunications Products  Employ the StrongARM core and programmable microengines to implement protocol stacks, signaling and service logic in telecom equipment.
• Broadband Cable Products  Integrate the device’s SDRAM/SRAM interfaces and PCI connectivity for cable gateway, modem and set-top networking functions.
• Remote Access Devices  Leverage on-chip peripherals and DMA-capable PCI interface to support remote-access, routing and secure connectivity features.
• Intelligent PCI Adapters  Offload data-plane tasks to microengines and use the PCI master capability for high-throughput adapter designs.

Unique Advantages

• Integrated, programmable dataplane: Six programmable microengines plus the StrongARM core enable flexible partitioning of control and data-path workloads to optimize system performance.
• Reduced external component count: On-chip SDRAM/SRAM interfaces, timers, UART, RTC and hash unit reduce the need for discrete peripherals and simplify system BOM.
• High-bandwidth system interfaces: IX Bus and integrated PCI with DMA channels provide the bandwidth necessary for multi-gigabit data movement between on-chip units and external buses.
• Embedded memory optimizations: Multi-level caches, mini-cache and write buffer improve code and data efficiency for embedded workloads.
• Board-level flexibility: 3.3 V I/O tolerance and surface-mount 520-pin HL-PBGA package support compact, industry-standard PCB designs.

Why Choose GCIXP1250BA?

The GCIXP1250BA combines a 166 MHz StrongARM core with a highly integrated set of programmable microengines and standard memory and I/O interfaces to deliver a balanced solution for embedded networking and telecom designs. Its on-chip peripherals and high-bandwidth buses reduce external components and simplify system architecture while providing the programmability required for evolving protocol and packet-processing needs.

This part is well suited for engineers building LAN switches, broadband gateways, remote access equipment and intelligent PCI-based adapters who require an integrated, programmable processor platform with commercial-temperature operation and RoHS compliance.

Request a quote or submit an inquiry to purchase the GCIXP1250BA and learn how it can fit into your next embedded networking or telecommunications design.