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__hot__ - Aspeed Ast2500 Datasheet

ASPEED AST2500 is a 6th-generation Advanced PCIe Graphics & Remote Management Processor, commonly used as a Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) in server environments. It provides integrated remote monitoring, virtual KVM (keyboard, video, mouse), and 2D graphics capabilities on a single chip. ASPEED Technology Inc. Core Specifications Processor Core : Features an clocked at Memory Support : Supports both DDR3 (up to 800Mbps) and (up to 1600Mbps). : 16-bit data bus width supporting up to of memory, with an (Error Correction Code) option. : Interfaces with SPI flash memory for firmware storage.

  • Power Gating: The device supports power gating, which allows for dynamic control of power consumption.
  • Clock Gating: The AST2500 supports clock gating, which enables dynamic control of clock frequencies.
  • CPU: ARM Cortex-A7, dual-core (clock varies by vendor/platform)
  • DRAM: DDR3 interface supported (platform-dependent size)
  • Flash: SPI/NOR flash interface for firmware/BIOS storage
  • Video: Integrated 2D/Framebuffer and Video Codec Engine for remote KVM (VGA emulation)
  • Network: Integrated Gigabit Ethernet MAC(s); PHY usually external on mainboard
  • Storage interfaces: PCIe (root complex lanes on some variants), USB controllers, SATA AHCI support via platform
  • Management interfaces: IPMI 2.0-compatible features, SMBus/I2C, GPIO, UART, LPC for legacy bridging
  • Security: Secure boot features and hardware crypto accelerators on some SKUs
  • Power/thermal: BMC-focused low-power design with watchdog, multiple reset domains
  • Package: BGA/QFN options depending on board design

Key Features and Capabilities

  • Resolution: Up to 1920x1200 at 60Hz.
  • Compression: High-speed H.264 encoding (in addition to legacy VESA compression).
  • Bandwidth efficiency: Uses 1/3 the bandwidth of the AST2400 for the same video quality.

16. Conclusion

The AST2500 is a mature, widely adopted BMC SoC balancing performance, security, and peripheral integration. Its datasheet reveals a design optimized for server management with extensive I/O, graphics output for remote KVM, and strong boot security. While superseded by the AST2600 for new high-end designs, the AST2500 remains in production and is ideal for cost-sensitive BMC applications, industrial controllers, and entry-level edge servers. Aspeed Ast2500 Datasheet

  • SPI (2x): Support for SPI NOR/NAND, up to 166 MHz dual/quad mode
  • eMMC 4.5 / SD 3.0 bootable
  • LPC/FWH for legacy firmware

Conclusion

The heart of the AST2500 is a powerful ARM processor that handles management tasks without taxing the host CPU. CPU Architecture: ARM1176EJ-S processor. Clock Speed: Runs at speeds up to 800MHz. ASPEED AST2500 is a 6th-generation Advanced PCIe Graphics