Item specifics
Description
T3 Product Overview
The T3 is an automotive-grade quad-core application processor from Allwinner Technology in LFBGA-468 package (16×16mm), designed for in-vehicle navigation, infotainment, and industrial control applications. It integrates a quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 processor (up to 1.2GHz) and Mali-400 MP2 GPU, supporting 32-bit DDR2/DDR3/DDR3L/LPDDR2/LPDDR3 memory. The T3 is fully pin‑compatible with the industrial-grade A40i processor but is specifically positioned as an automotive-grade chip capable of operating in harsher environments. With robust video codec capabilities, multi‑display outputs, multi‑channel video inputs, and rich industrial interfaces, the T3 supports an industrial temperature range of -40℃ to +85℃. It is widely used in in‑vehicle infotainment (IVI) systems, digital instrument clusters, 360° surround view systems, and industrial HMIs.
T3 Core Features
Automotive-grade Quad-Core CPU： Quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 @ 1.2GHz with 512KB L2 shared cache
Mali-400 MP2 GPU： Supports OpenGL ES 1.1/2.0 with 2D graphics acceleration for smooth UI interaction
1080P Video Codec： H.264 encode up to 1080P@45fps, H.264 decode up to 1080P@45fps, multi‑format video decoding
Multiple Display Outputs： 4‑lane MIPI DSI (1080P@60fps), dual RGB (1080P@60fps), dual LVDS (1080P@60fps), 4‑channel TVOUT – dual‑screen independent or identical display
Multi‑Channel Video Inputs： Dual MIPI CSI (CSI0 up to 1080P@45fps, CSI1 up to 720P@30fps), 4‑channel TVIN (CVBS input, NTSC/PAL)
Rich Industrial Interfaces： Dual Ethernet (1×GMAC Gigabit + 1×EMAC Fast Ethernet), 3×USB 2.0, 8×UART, 5×I²C, 4×SPI, 8×PWM, SATA 2.0, SDIO
AEC-Q100 Certified Automotive Grade： -40℃ to +85℃ wide operating temperature, designed for harsh automotive environments
Pin‑Compatible with A40i： Fully pin‑compatible with the industrial‑grade A40i processor, allowing flexible selection between automotive (T3) and industrial (A40i) grades on the same hardware platform
Integrated PMIC Support： Pairs with AXP221s PMIC for external power, USB, and Li‑ion battery power with charging management
Flexible Memory & Storage： Supports DDR2/DDR3/DDR3L/LPDDR2/LPDDR3 (up to 2GB), eMMC 5.1, NAND Flash, SD card, SATA
T3 Applications
In‑Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) / Car Navigation： Specifically designed for car navigation with multi‑channel video input and integrated codec performance, widely used in automotive central navigation systems
360° Surround View Systems： Supports 4‑channel CVBS camera inputs with hardware codec for panoramic parking
Digital Instrument Clusters / Dual‑Screen Display： MIPI DSI, RGB, and LVDS display outputs for independent cluster and center screen displays
Industrial Human‑Machine Interface (HMI)： Industrial touch controllers, equipment panels, instrument displays – wide‑temperature design for industrial environments
Security Surveillance / NVR： Multi‑channel camera inputs and H.264 hardware encoding for video capture and storage
Energy & Power / Industrial Control： Dual Ethernet, multi‑serial ports, and wide‑temperature operation suitable for power monitoring and industrial gateways
T3 Key Advantages
Automotive vs. Industrial Dual Positioning： T3 and A40i are pin‑compatible with identical functions but different certifications. T3 is automotive‑grade for harsh environments, while A40i is industrial‑grade for industrial control applications
Dual‑Screen Display + Multi‑Camera Input： Supports up to 4 CVBS camera inputs and 4 display outputs – ideal for 360° surround view and multi‑camera surveillance applications
1080P H.264 Encode/Decode Dual Engines： Independent H.264 encoder and decoder, both up to 1080P@45fps, enabling efficient local video recording and playback
Dual Ethernet + 8 UARTs： Gigabit + Fast Ethernet MACs with independent operation, plus 8 UARTs – perfect for industrial gateways requiring network separation
100% Domestic Industrial Core Board Solutions： Multiple vendors offer T3‑based industrial core boards with 100% domestic components, certified for power, rail, and industrial control applications
Mature Android + Linux Ecosystem： Full BSP support for Android 7.1, Linux 3.10 (QT5.9), Ubuntu 16.04, and OpenWrt‑based Tina OS, with high market share in aftermarket car navigation
Pin‑Compatible with A40i for Hardware Reuse： T3 and A40i share the same pinout, allowing the same hardware platform to select either automotive or industrial grade. Upgrade to T3 for higher reliability or choose A40i for cost‑sensitive industrial projects
AEC-Q100 Quality + -40℃ to +85℃ Wide Temperature： Automotive‑grade reliability certification for front‑load automotive and outdoor industrial applications
SATA 2.0 + Dual Ethernet + Multiple USB： Integrated SATA for mass storage, dual Ethernet, and multiple USB ports for ample expansion in automotive and industrial devices
Why Choose QIXINWEI
Years of experience in the electronics industry. Trusted by global customers. Massive In-Stock Inventory – Ready to ship promptly. BOM Matching Service – One-stop solution, save time. PCBA Customization – Professional engineering team creates tailor-made solutions based on your needs. Cost-Effective & Efficient – Better channel, better cost. A dedicated team makes your procurement smoother. Contact us for BOM quotes or PCBA inquiries.
FAQ:
What is the Allwinner T3 and what are its core specifications?
The Allwinner T3 is an automotive‑grade quad‑core processor based on the Arm Cortex‑A7 architecture, with each core running at up to 1.2 GHz. It integrates a Mali‑400 MP2 GPU, a 1080p video encoder/decoder, and a dual‑screen display controller, all housed in an FBGA‑468 package. Designed specifically for in‑vehicle infotainment (IVI) systems, digital instrument clusters, and entry‑level ADAS applications, the T3 delivers reliable multi‑tasking performance and rich graphical interfaces within a strict automotive power and thermal budget.
What makes the T3 suitable for automotive applications? Does it have automotive certifications?
The T3 is an automotive‑grade SoC that meets AEC‑Q100 reliability standards. It is specified to operate across a wide temperature range, typically from ‑40 °C to +85 °C, making it suitable for dashboard installations exposed to extreme cold and heat. The FBGA‑468 package provides robust mechanical stability and thermal dissipation for the constant vibration and temperature cycling found in vehicles, ensuring long‑term reliability in harsh automotive environments.
How does the quad‑core Cortex‑A7 at 1.2 GHz perform in in‑vehicle infotainment?
The four Cortex‑A7 cores provide an excellent balance of processing power and energy efficiency for mid‑range IVI systems. They can simultaneously run navigation, media playback, voice recognition, and vehicle diagnostics without noticeable lag. The 1.2 GHz clock speed, combined with the Mali‑400 MP2 GPU, ensures smooth UI animations and responsive touch interactions on in‑dash displays, delivering a user experience comparable to mainstream consumer tablets while meeting automotive reliability requirements.
Does the T3 support dual‑screen display? How is it configured?
Yes, the T3 features a dual‑screen display controller capable of driving two independent screens simultaneously. A typical configuration uses one LVDS or RGB interface for the main infotainment display (up to 1080p resolution) and a second output for the instrument cluster. This allows the same chip to power both the central control screen and the dashboard, reducing system cost and complexity while ensuring synchronized content between the two displays.
What video and audio codec capabilities does the T3 offer?
The T3 integrates a hardware video engine that supports 1080p encoding and decoding for H.264 and H.265 (HEVC) formats. It can decode multiple video streams simultaneously—for example, playing a high‑definition movie on the rear‑seat entertainment screen while displaying a real‑time navigation map on the front dashboard. Audio codecs are handled by integrated I²S and TDM interfaces, supporting multi‑channel audio input and output for voice commands, Bluetooth hands‑free, and media playback.
How does the T3 compare with newer Allwinner automotive SoCs like the T3L or T7? When should I choose the T3?
The T3 is the original automotive quad‑core platform in Allwinner's lineup. The T3L is an updated variant with a refined power profile, and the T7 is a hexa‑core upgrade for more demanding applications. The T3 remains a proven, cost‑optimized choice for entry‑level IVI systems and digital clusters. Choose the T3 when your product needs a mature software ecosystem, reliable automotive performance, and a lower bill‑of‑materials cost. If you require additional processing headroom, consider the T3L or T7.
Can the T3 run Android or Linux‑based IVI systems? What development tools are available?
Yes, the T3 is fully supported by both Android and Linux. Allwinner provides a Board Support Package with optimized drivers for the GPU, video codec, and display controller. The chip is compatible with standard Android SDKs, and a Linux SDK based on Buildroot or Yocto is available. This allows Tier‑1 suppliers and OEMs to build custom infotainment applications on a familiar Android framework or a lightweight Linux distribution, leveraging the large developer ecosystem and existing application libraries.
What is the advantage of the Mali‑400 MP2 GPU for automotive HMI?
The Mali‑400 MP2 is a proven, energy‑efficient GPU that provides hardware‑accelerated 2D and 3D graphics. For automotive HMI, it enables smooth transitions, animated gauges, and real‑time map rendering on the instrument cluster or infotainment screen. While it is not as powerful as the latest Mali‑G series, it is more than capable of handling the graphical demands of modern IVI systems—including multi‑layer UI compositing—at a lower power and cost point, which is ideal for price‑sensitive vehicle segments.
What kind of memory and storage does the T3 support?
The T3 supports DDR3/DDR3L memory, typically configured with 1 GB to 2 GB, providing sufficient bandwidth for 1080p video processing and multi‑display applications. For storage, it supports eMMC Flash and SD card interfaces, enabling fast boot times and reliable storage for operating system images, navigation maps, and media libraries. The use of widely available DDR3 memory helps keep the overall system cost low.
What are the most typical applications for the Allwinner T3 in the automotive industry?
It is used in entry‑level and mid‑range infotainment head units, digital instrument clusters, rear‑seat entertainment systems, commercial vehicle fleet management terminals, and basic ADAS platforms. Its combination of quad‑core processing, 1080p video, dual‑screen support, and automotive‑grade reliability makes it a popular choice for cost‑sensitive passenger cars and commercial trucks that need a robust, feature‑rich IVI system without the premium cost of higher‑end SoCs.