GCIXP1250BC

The GCIXP1250BC is an Intel IXP1250-series network processor featuring an integrated StrongARM 32-bit core running at 232 MHz. It combines a programmable RISC core with multiple on-chip microengines and high-bandwidth I/O to address demanding LAN and telecommunications designs.

Targeted at network and broadband applications, the device delivers a combination of processor programmability and ASIC-like I/O bandwidth suitable for multi-layer LAN switches, multi-protocol telecommunications equipment, broadband cable products, remote access devices and intelligent PCI adapters.

Key Features

• StrongARM Core  Integrated high-performance, low-power 32-bit RISC processor with instruction and data caches and a memory management unit for embedded application processing.
• Six Programmable Microengines  Six integrated microengines with multi-thread support (four threads per microengine) and an instruction control store to offload packet and data-plane tasks from the StrongARM core.
• High-Bandwidth IX Bus  64-bit IX Bus interface capable of up to 104 MHz operation, providing high peak bandwidth for I/O-intensive designs.
• Integrated PCI Interface  32-bit, 66 MHz PCI master-capable interface with dual DMA channels for host and PCI-based system integration.
• Memory Interfaces  Industry-standard 64-bit SDRAM interface and 32-bit SRAM interface with support for large address spaces, high peak bandwidth and features such as ECC and CRC for data integrity.
• On-chip Utilities and Peripherals  Hardware hash unit, serial UART, real-time clock, four GPIO pins, four 24-bit timers with watchdog support, limited JTAG and a 4 KB scratchpad for fast local storage.
• Package and Power  520-pin HL-PBGA (40×40) surface-mount package, 2V CMOS device with 3.3V-tolerant I/O and specified I/O voltage of 3.3 V.
• Operating Range and Compliance  Commercial grade operation from 0 °C to 70 °C and RoHS-compliant construction for regulatory alignment.

Typical Applications

• Multi-layer LAN Switches  Offload forwarding and control-plane tasks using the StrongARM core and microengines to implement packet processing and management functions.
• Multi-protocol Telecommunications Equipment  Support protocol handling and flexible data-plane processing with integrated memory controllers and programmable microengines.
• Broadband Cable Products  Use the device’s high-bandwidth I/O and SDRAM interface for data buffering, stream handling and protocol termination in cable head-end and edge equipment.
• Remote Access Devices  Provide secure and efficient packet processing and DMA-based host interfacing via the integrated PCI and UART peripherals.
• Intelligent PCI Adapters  Leverage the PCI master interface and on-chip acceleration elements to implement smart adapter functionality and offload host processors.

Unique Advantages

• Programmable Packet Processing: Six on-chip microengines plus a StrongARM core enable flexible distribution of control- and data-plane tasks without external offload chips.
• High I/O Bandwidth: 64-bit IX Bus and integrated PCI interface provide the bandwidth required for network-centric throughput and DMA operations.
• Integrated Memory Subsystems: Industry-standard SDRAM and SRAM interfaces with support for ECC and CRC improve system memory performance and data integrity.
• Compact, Production-Ready Package: 520-pin HL-PBGA (40×40) surface-mount package simplifies board-level integration for embedded network products.
• Commercial Temperature and RoHS Compliance: Commercial-grade operating range (0 °C to 70 °C) and RoHS compliance support industry-standard deployments and environmental requirements.

Why Choose GCIXP1250BC?

The GCIXP1250BC positions itself as a highly integrated network processor that brings together a StrongARM 32-bit core, six programmable microengines, and high-bandwidth interfaces in a single 520-pin PBGA package. Its combination of programmable compute and dedicated packet-processing engines is suited to embedded network and telecommunications platforms that require flexible, software-driven functionality alongside substantial I/O throughput.

Designed for developers of networking equipment, broadband and remote-access devices, the GCIXP1250BC enables system-level simplification through on-chip accelerators, standardized memory interfaces and PCI integration—delivering a clear upgrade path for designs that need scalable, programmable throughput with commercial-grade operating parameters.

Request a quote or submit an inquiry to receive availability and pricing details for the GCIXP1250BC and to discuss how this processor can fit into your embedded networking design.