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QuickLogic: Novel Low-Power Platform Solves The Performance And Power Challenges For Feature Innovation In Handsets; *new data transfer engine function supports progress in multi-media capability of portable products(M2 PressWIRE Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) RDATE:11022008 Barcelona -- The versatility of QuickLogic's unique 'fabric and functions' configurable companion device for handset applications is being extended at Mobile World Congress. Among a number of new configuration options on show for the first time is a data transfer capability that allows PC-to-handset communication of large files such as videos independently of the handset's host processor, with traffic flowing directly between a handset's USB port and hard disk. QuickLogic's ArcticLink device provides hard-wired cores, plus an array of programmable fabric - with a large library of proven functions for handheld products. The platform can act as a versatile companion device for handset processors to enable product differentiation, and is ideally suited to integrating most of the features on handset development teams' wish lists for 2008-2009. For example, it can autonomously perform high-level functions in the display and/or mass storage interface paths, relieving the load on the host processor. ArcticLink incorporates a large programmable fabric, plus hard-wired cores including a USB 2.0 On-The-Go controller and PHY, and configurable storage interface - the latter being able to serve as controller for SD or MMC memory cards, managed-NAND memory, or various flavours of interface to miniature hard disk drives. The programmable fabric element has an exceptionally low power consumption and can be used to implement an application processor interface plus (typically) several additional functions such as DRM or Bluetooth EDR-compliant UARTs. The latest option in this area is an independent data transfer capability that is designed to provide fast and power-efficient file transfer and/or synchronisation between PCs and handsets controlled by utilities such as Microsoft's ActiveSync. In such an application, ArcticLink could be configured to allow mass data transfers of files such as videos or music tracks without running traffic over the handset's host processor bus, transferring data directly between the device's hard disk and USB interface. As well as relieving the load on the host CPU, this will also typically speed such operations: the architecture will easily handle data rates up to 33 Mbytes/second for instance - which is as fast as the maximum transfer speeds of today's typical miniature hard disk drives. "Differentiation in handsets today demands truly innovative design around the core processor or ASSP silicon," says Owen Bateman of QuickLogic. "ArcticLink introduces a novel option into this consumer electronics area, providing a power-efficient blend of hard wired functions and programmable fabric that can liberate developers, and can be reconfigured to support long time-in-market for design concepts." Extending time in market is a critical goal for many of today's consumer electronics developers. ArcticLink is ideally suited to this. It can be configured and programmed to implement different feature sets on different models, such as a managed NAND function for an all-Flash memory based product, or a hard disk variant. Detail changes can equally be made throughout a product's life. For example, migration from P-ATA to CE-ATA interfaces to hard disk drives is a common requirement today. With an ArcticLink companion device, such upgrades involve only a minor change to the device's configuration. QuickLogic, 15 London Street, Chertsey KT16 8AP, UK. CONTACT: QuickLogic Tel: +44 (0)1932 579 011 e-mail: [email protected] WWW: http://www.quicklogic.com ((M2 Communications Ltd disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data supplied by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to [email protected])). Copyright ? 2008 M2 Communications Ltd. |