TI announced that it is adding an entry-level infotainment processor for display audio, radio/audio, and other price-sensitive automotive applications to its 'Jacinto 6' system-on-chip (SoC) family. The new 'Jacinto 6 Entry' DRA71x processor is based on the same architecture as other devices in the 'Jacinto 6' family, enabling automotive manufacturers to diversify their product portfolios by leveraging hardware and software compatibility without requiring additional R&D or increasing the bill of materials (BOM). With the DRA71x, developers can expand the desired performance range, select the performance suitable for their applications, and upgrade product performance without software modifications or hardware changes if necessary.

'Jacinto 6 Entry' Feature Differentiation and Price Optimization

TI stated that the DRA71x 'Jacinto 6 Entry' processor is the most affordable yet feature-optimized product in the 'Jacinto 6' family, adding that it "can be used in price-sensitive applications and systems rather than the DRA72x 'Jacinto 6 Eco'." The DRA71x is a processor designed for entry-level infotainment systems and features previously unseen automotive integration of functions and interfaces. In addition, by leveraging compatibility within the 'Jacinto 6' family, you can protect software investments, including high-level operating systems such as Linux, QNX, and Android, as well as DSPs and other cores on ARM® Cortex®-A15 cores, and reduce the BOM.

By integrating the TMS320C66x DSP, it is possible to handle SDR (software-defined radio), audio/voice processing, noise suppression, and camera/imaging processing.
It provides video decoding/processing performance of over 30Mbps and up to 1080p60, and can simultaneously support high-quality smartphone screen mirroring (including 3D maps) and onboard video acceleration for multimedia playback.

In addition, it provides a high memory bandwidth of 667MHz with 32-bit DDR3 EMIF to support HMI and HD displays, improves simultaneous operation, and integrates a video port to support rear visibility technology or other camera applications mandated by NHTSA.

By providing an ARM Cortex-M4 core as an auxiliary processor, the burden of high interrupt operations from the main ARM core can be reduced, and the HLOS (high-level operating system) and RTOS (real-time operating system) can be physically separated.

In addition, by providing various types of compatible automotive processors, it offers software and hardware compatibility between ARM® Cortex®-A15 core products for automotive applications based on the same architecture. The 'Jacinto 6' infotainment processor family includes the DRA72x 'Jacinto 6 Eco', which provides rich infotainment and telematics features suitable for entry-level and mid-size cars, and the DRA74x 'Jacinto 6', suitable for mainstream infotainment applications and head units. Additionally, the DRA75x 'Jacinto 6 EP' and 'Jacinto 6 Ex' enhance 'digital cockpit' integration by strengthening DSP and vision processing capabilities.

For reference, the DRA71x 'Jacinto 6 Entry' processor is a product intended for supply to mass-production vehicle manufacturers and cannot be purchased through dealerships.