Aspeed Ast2500 | Datasheet
The Aspeed AST2500 is the industry-standard "brain" behind modern server management. This 6th-generation Server Management Processor acts as a Baseboard Management Controller (BMC), allowing administrators to monitor, troubleshoot, and power-cycle servers remotely without physical access. Core Technical Specs Processor: 800MHz ARM11 CPU.
Memory Support: Migrated to DDR4 (up to 1600Mbps) for better performance than previous generations.
Graphics: Integrated PCIe 2D VGA engine, providing local display capability without needing a separate graphics card.
Interfaces: Supports LPC, eSPI slave, and PCI Express for host communication.
OS Support: Primarily runs Linux-based BMC firmware like OpenBMC . Key Features & Benefits AST2500 - ASPEED Technology
The ASPEED AST2500 is a 6th-generation Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) featuring an ARM11 CPU, DDR4 support, and integrated PCIe 2D graphics. It acts as a specialized server management processor offering dual Gigabit Ethernet, USB-over-IP, and high-speed DMA capabilities for remote management. For detailed technical specifications, visit Aspeed Tech ASPEED Technology Inc. AST2500 - ASPEED Technology Aspeed Ast2500 Datasheet
Introduction
The ASpeed AST2500 is a highly integrated and versatile Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) chip designed by ASpeed Technology. The AST2500 is widely used in various applications, including servers, workstations, and industrial computers, to provide a range of management and control functions.
Key Features
- BMC Functionality: The AST2500 provides a comprehensive set of BMC functions, including system monitoring, power management, and fan control.
- Multiple Interfaces: The chip supports various interfaces, including I2C, SPI, UART, and GPIO, for connecting to peripherals and other components.
- Enhanced Security: The AST2500 features advanced security functions, including secure boot, cryptography, and secure authentication.
- High-Performance: The chip operates at a high clock speed, enabling fast processing and response times.
Specifications
- Processor: ARMv7-A 32-bit processor core
- Clock Speed: Up to 500 MHz
- Memory: Supports up to 128MB of DDR3/DDR4 memory
- Interfaces:
- I2C: 2 channels
- SPI: 2 channels
- UART: 4 channels
- GPIO: 24 channels
- Power Management: Support for power management, including voltage and current monitoring
- Security: Secure boot, cryptography, and secure authentication
System Monitoring
- Temperature Monitoring: Supports temperature monitoring of multiple sensors
- Voltage Monitoring: Monitors voltage levels of various power rails
- Fan Control: Supports control of multiple fans for system cooling
Power Management
- Power Supply Management: Supports management of power supplies, including voltage and current monitoring
- Power State Management: Supports management of power states, including sleep, suspend, and shutdown
Security Features
- Secure Boot: Ensures secure boot of the system, preventing unauthorized access
- Cryptography: Supports cryptographic functions, including encryption and decryption
- Secure Authentication: Supports secure authentication mechanisms, including password and certificate-based authentication
Package and Pinout
- Package: The AST2500 is available in a 128-pin QFP package
- Pinout: The chip has a range of pinouts for connecting to peripherals and other components
Applications
- Servers: The AST2500 is widely used in servers for management and control functions
- Workstations: The chip is used in workstations for similar management and control functions
- Industrial Computers: The AST2500 is used in industrial computers for management and control functions
Conclusion
The ASpeed AST2500 is a highly integrated and versatile BMC chip that provides a comprehensive set of management and control functions. With its advanced security features, high-performance, and multiple interfaces, the AST2500 is an ideal solution for various applications, including servers, workstations, and industrial computers.
3. Core Processor Subsystem
- CPU: ARM Cortex-A7, 32-bit RISC, up to 800 MHz (industrial temp range up to 600 MHz typical)
- Cache: L1 I/D 8KB each, L2 256KB unified
- MMU: Supports Linux, U-Boot, and other OSs
- Interrupt Controller: GIC-400
4.1 Graphics & Display
- Integrated 2D graphics engine (hardware acceleration).
- Video Capture from host GPU via VGA or DVO (Digital Video Output).
- Display outputs: Analog VGA, DVO (up to 24-bit RGB), and optional HDMI via external bridge.
- Supports resolutions up to 1920x1200 @ 60Hz.
8.2 Recommended Operating Conditions
| Parameter | Min | Typ | Max | Unit | |----------------------|-------|-------|-------|------| | Core (VDDC) | 0.95 | 1.00 | 1.05 | V | | I/O (VDDIO) | 3.135 | 3.3 | 3.465 | V | | DDR4 (VDDQ) | 1.14 | 1.2 | 1.26 | V | | Ambient Temperature | 0 | - | 70 | °C | | Industrial Temp | -40 | - | 85 | °C |
7. Security Features
- Secure Boot: Verified boot from SPI flash with RSA-2048/SHA-256
- Crypto Engine: AES-128/256 (ECB/CBC), SHA-1/256, HMAC, TRNG
- Scratch Registers: Tamper detection, watchdog protection
- JTAG Lockdown: Prevents external debug access post-production
1. Overview: What is the Aspeed AST2500?
The Aspeed AST2500 is a 7th-generation server management processor. It is a System-on-Chip (SoC) specifically designed for BMC applications. Unlike general-purpose microcontrollers, the AST2500 integrates a rich set of I/O, a high-performance 2D graphics controller, and a video capture engine to enable "KVM over IP" (Keyboard, Video, Mouse over Internet Protocol).
Key Differentiators from the Datasheet:
- Core Processor: ARM11-based (ARM926EJ-S variant) running up to 800 MHz.
- Package: 576-pin TFBGA (15x15mm).
- Temperature Range: Industrial (-40°C to +85°C) and Commercial (0°C to +70°C) variants exist.
- Process Node: 28nm (improved power efficiency over AST2400’s slower node).
When you open the AST2500 datasheet, the first thing you notice is the block diagram: a central ARM core surrounded by a sea of controllers—PCIe, DDR3/DDR4, eMMC, SPI, LPC, I2C, and a 10/100/1000 Ethernet MAC. The Aspeed AST2500 is the industry-standard "brain" behind
8.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings
| Parameter | Min | Max | Unit | |----------------|---------|---------|------| | Core Voltage | -0.3 | 1.32 | V | | I/O Voltage | -0.3 | 3.63 | V | | Storage Temp | -55 | +150 | °C | | Junction Temp | -40 | +125 | °C |
6. Power Management
- Core voltage: 0.9V–1.0V.
- I/O voltage: 1.8V/3.3V.
- Low-power modes: Sleep, Standby (RTC-only).
- Integrated voltage regulators (LDOs) for on-chip analog blocks.