AM3871: Guidance on Interfacing with Compact Flash (CFAST 1.0)

Hi Joe,

"I've read that you can interface with Compact Flash using the EMIF interface"

Actually EMIFA is used for CompactFlash in other TI devices (i.e. DM64x). This EMIFA interface corresponds to AM387x GPMC interface. Refer to the below pointers for more details:

e2e.ti.com/.../114985
e2e.ti.com/.../83661
e2e.ti.com/.../236927

Regarding CFAST, you should use SATA module:

e2e.ti.com/.../161060

Note that SW support from TI is limited for this device, see below e2e post:

e2e.ti.com/.../660422

Regards,
Pavel

joe306 said:

Hi, would the AM3871 be sufficient to interface with Compact Flash using the SATA module?

AM3871 device has full functional SATA module, so CFAST chip should be fine, but this has been never tested. You need to check your Compact Flash chip requirements and compare with AM387x SATA capabilities. From AM387x side, check below resources:

AM387x silicon errata, advisories:

Advisory 2.1.27 SATA: Unable to Operate Both SATA and VOUT0 Without SATA Locking Up

Advisory 2.1.28 — SATA: Link Establishment Fails With SATA GEN3 Capable Targets

AM387x datasheet, sections:

4.2.15 Serial ATA (SATA) Signals

9.18 Serial ATA Controller (SATA)

AM387x TRM, chapter 21 Serial ATA (SATA) Controller

Regards,
Pavel

joe306 said:

Would this be a good EVM to get started with the AM3871?
www.ti.com/.../TMDXEVM8148

Yes, this is the EVM that you can use.

Regards,
Pavel