Connects to the host CPU via a PCI Express (PCIe) Gen1 x1 interface.
aspeed-wdt : Controls the internal watchdog timers to automatically reset the BMC if the management OS freezes. i2c-aspeed : Manages the high-count I2C buses.
Features a built-in PCIe graphics pocket capable of driving 1920x1200 video resolutions at 60Hz with 16bpp color depth.
Supports display resolutions up to 1920x1200 at a 60Hz refresh rate with 16-bit or 32-bit color depth. aspeed ast2500 datasheet new
Includes an on-chip PCIe 2D VGA controller capable of 1920x1200 resolution at 60Hz, eliminating the need for separate VGA add-on cards in server systems.
The is not just a spec sheet; it is a survival manual for maintaining legacy infrastructure in a modern security and thermal environment. The updates hidden in revisions 1.10 through 1.13 address real-world failures that cost data centers millions of dollars in unexpected downtime.
The AST2500 bridges the gap: it's a notable leap over the 2400 thanks to its faster DDR4 memory, more powerful CPU core, and modern PCIe interface. This combination made it the workhorse for servers manufactured between 2015 and 2020. Connects to the host CPU via a PCI
is a 6th-generation Server Management Processor (BMC - Baseboard Management Controller) designed to provide advanced remote management capabilities for modern server systems. It serves as a dedicated system-on-chip (SoC) that monitors physical parameters such as temperature and voltage while providing remote KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) functionality. ASPEED Technology Inc. Key Specifications
: Integrated on-chip PCIe 2D VGA controller for local display capability without needing an external card. Connectivity Dual Ethernet ports (NCSI support). USB 1.1 and 2.0 for remote KVM emulation. LPC/eSPI interface for Super I/O functions. ASPEED Technology Inc. Core Functionalities Remote Management
Supports transfer speeds up to DDR3-1600 or DDR4-1600. Features a built-in PCIe graphics pocket capable of
The silicon includes dedicated cryptographic hardware accelerators to offload secure handshake computations from the ARM core:
At the heart of the AST2500 SoC is an . This processing unit runs entirely independently of the host machine’s primary x86 or ARM64 CPUs, ensuring management access remains active even during complete host operating system crashes or hard power failures. Memory Subsystem Transition
Easily implements modern data center standard interfaces including Redfish API, IPMI 2.0, WebUI (HTTPS), SNMP, and Serial-over-LAN (SOL). Summary of Key Specifications Specification Processor ARM1176JZF-S up to 800 MHz (with VFP) Memory Support DDR3 / DDR4 16-bit up to 1GB Graphics 2D Engine, 1920x1200 @ 60Hz, 32bpp Network 2x Gigabit MACs (RGMII/RMII), NC-SI support Host Interfaces PCIe 1.1 x1, LPC, eSPI Telemetry 16x ADC, 16x Tachometer, 8x PWM Communication Up to 14x I2C/SMBus interfaces Security Secure Boot, Cryptographic Hardware Acceleration
In the world of data centers and high-performance computing, the component that often goes unnoticed is the unsung hero of remote management: the . For over a decade, ASPEED Technology has dominated this space. While the AST2600 represents the cutting edge, the ASPEED AST2500 remains the gold standard for a vast majority of deployed servers, high-end network switches, and industrial embedded systems.