SPRADT5 July   2025 AM623 , AM625 , AM62A3 , AM62L , AM62P , AM6411 , AM6412 , AM67 , AM68 , AM69 , TDA4VE-Q1 , TDA4VEN-Q1 , TDA4VM

 

  1.   1
  2.   Abstract
  3. 1VTM module
    1. 1.1 Introduction to VTM Module
    2. 1.2 VTM Working Principle and Usage
  4. 2Hardware Temperature Protection of TI Processor Chips
    1. 2.1 Overtemperature Protection Thresholds of VTM
    2. 2.2 Maximum Hardware Temperature Protection
  5. 3Software Temperature Protection Strategy
    1. 3.1 Optional Software Temperature Protection Measures
    2. 3.2 Linux Temperature Protection Logic
  6. 4Summary
  7. 5References

Abstract

This document was translated from a simplified Chinese source. (ZHCAFM6)

The JacintoTM 7 TDA4 family and SitaraTM AM6x processors are the latest generation of processors launched by TI based on the Keystone architecture. They integrate different application cores based on an on-chip multi-core heterogeneous architecture, assigning different tasks to the corresponding cores for parallel processing to maximize the advantages of TI processors. Stronger processing capabilities are often accompanied by higher heat dissipation. Excessively high temperatures, or even continuously operating beyond the chip's thermal design point, can cause irreversible damage. How to fully unleash the powerful performance of TI processor chips without affecting the chip lifespan implies that thermal management must be performed on the processors. All TI processor chips integrate on-chip temperature sensors and integrate a dedicated module, VTM (Voltage Thermal Management), to perform thermal management on the chips. The basic working principle of the on-chip temperature sensors is to utilize the physical characteristics of semiconductor materials, where their resistance or potential changes as temperature changes, thereby causing changes in the output electrical signals. This change is read and processed by a microcontroller or other circuits to achieve temperature measurement. The VTM module is also responsible for functions such as chip voltage management, while this application note primarily focuses on its temperature management function.

This application note will introduce the features, working principles, and usage of the VTM integrated on TI processors, as well as the software and hardware protection schemes implemented through the VTM module that are enabled by default in actual chips. When involving software code and specific application examples, the AM62A processor is taken as an example for description. The corresponding code modifications and commands can be applied to all TDA4x and AM6x series processors; however, corresponding path modifications might be required due to SDK version updates.