Imagination DRM Driver Expands Support for TI AM62P, AM67A, and J722S SoCs

 

Imagination’s open-source DRM kernel driver now supports TI AM62P, AM67A & J722S SoCs, enabling better PowerVR GPU acceleration in automotive & industrial Linux systems. Learn about the clock-handling fixes and why this update matters for embedded developers.

Key Developments in Open-Source GPU Support

The Imagination Direct Rendering Manager (DRM) kernel driver, a critical open-source component for enabling modern PowerVR GPU acceleration, is now being extended to support Texas Instruments’ AM62P, AM67A, and J722S SoCs. 

This update enhances Linux-based graphics performance for automotive and embedded applications, pairing with the PowerVR Vulkan driver in Mesa.

Why does this matter?

• Expands open-source GPU support for niche but high-value embedded systems.

• Enables better graphics acceleration in automotive, industrial, and edge-computing deployments.

• Strengthens Linux kernel compatibility for Imagination’s BXS-4 GPU architecture.

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Technical Breakdown: Imagination DRM Driver for TI SoCs

Targeted Hardware: TI AM62P, AM67A, and J722S

While not mainstream consumer chips, these Arm Cortex-based SoCs are widely used in:

• Automotive infotainment systems

• Industrial automation controllers

• Medical imaging and robotics

The Imagination DRM driver now supports these SoCs, ensuring smoother Vulkan API performance and kernel-level rendering optimizations.

Challenges & Solutions in Clock Handling

Linux developer Michael Walle submitted patches addressing a critical clock management issue on these SoCs. Key insights:

• Problem: The GPU’s dedicated PLL clock (on AM62P) fails initialization before driver probing.

• Solution: The driver now reconfigures clocks during .probe() after device activation.

• Tested on: AM67A evaluation boards, confirming stability.

*"The AM62P and AM67A/J722S feature the same BXS-4 GPU as the J721S2. However, clock handling differs—requiring a driver-level workaround."*
— Michael Walle, Linux Kernel Developer

 

FAQ Section 

Q: Which TI SoCs are now supported by Imagination’s DRM driver?

A: AM62P, AM67A, and J722S—all featuring the BXS-4 GPU core.

Q: What was the key technical challenge resolved?

A: Clock initialization failures due to dedicated PLL management on AM62P.

Q: Why is this important for automotive systems?

A: Enables smooth Vulkan-based rendering for digital dashboards and infotainment.