[May 30, 2006] PLX Technology, Nethra Imaging Announce Reference Platform for High-Speed USB-Based Digital Imaging; Reference Design Enhances Image Quality, Speeds Video Transmission for PC Webcam Applications Tweet SUNNYVALE, Calif. & CUPERTINO, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- May 30, 2006 -- PLX Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLXT), the leading supplier of PCI Express(TM) (PCIe), USB and other standard input/output (I/O) interconnect silicon, and Nethra Imaging, a privately held developer of imaging solutions for consumer applications, today announced a reference platform to enhance the quality and connectivity of digital imaging. The PLX(R) NET2272 Hi-Speed USB 2.0 controller and Nethra NI-2060 image processing system-on-chip (SoC) complement one another on a reference design board enabling manufacturers to streamline the development of digital still and motion cameras for desktop, laptop and embedded computers. The platform's combination of the NET2272 and NI-2060, coupled with readily available video-class firmware from PLX, brings print-quality still images and high-definition video capture to PC applications. The joint reference design provides a proof-of-concept platform for the high-speed processing and delivery of digital-imaging content with off-the-shelf silicon. Manufacturers can use the reference board to develop next-generation digital cameras and Webcams that are either added externally or built into computers. The joint reference design will deliver video-class USB 2.0 drivers for real-time video-capture and display capabilities on both MacOS(R) and Windows(R) OS platforms. The two-chip solution is compatible with CMOS sensors at different resolutions including 1.3-, 2- and 3-megapixel cameras. Design kits are available, along with associated software by contacting PLX and Nethra. USB, Image Processing Technologies Optimized for Portability, Versatility The NET2272 is a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed peripheral controller with a 16-bit high-performance, asynchronous local-bus interface capable of up to 30 independent data streams. It features the highest sustained data transfer speeds among USB controllers -- up to 40Mbytes/sec. The NET2272's low power requirements (186mW active, 8.1uW standby) make it ideal for battery-powered applications, such as laptop computers. For a full description of PLX's USB family, see plxtech.com/products/NET2000/default.asp. Nethra's NI-2060 image processing SoC delivers 54 megapixels per second which enables high-definition quality video capture and processing on a PC. Highly optimized architecture delivers a fully integrated solution and operates with no external memory requirement in an ultra-small form factor. Nethra's image processor supports CMOS sensors, from multiple vendors, up to 3-megapixel resolution. The processor, offered as a bare die option for space-constrained implementations, allows OEMs to implement a single design with multiple options when developing solutions for various price points. For more information on Nethra's family of imaging solutions, see nethra.us.com/products.html. About PLX PLX Technology, Inc. (plxtech.com), based in Sunnyvale, Calif., USA, is a leading supplier of PCI Express, USB and other standard I/O interconnect silicon to the communications, server, storage, embedded-control, and consumer industries. The PLX solution provides a competitive edge to our customers through an integrated combination of high-performance silicon, hardware and software design tools, and partnerships. These innovative solutions enable our customers to develop equipment with industry-leading performance, scalability and reliability. About Nethra Nethra Imaging is a privately held semiconductor company focused on delivering imaging solutions for a wide range of digital consumer applications. The company uses proprietary algorithms to build flexible, fully programmable image processor chips for mobile imaging and PC video capture applications. Incorporated in 2003, Nethra is located in Cupertino, Calif., and began full operations in January 2004. The company's leaders are a team of established entrepreneurs with a wealth of experience in imaging and silicon development. Nethra is venture-backed and entered the market in 2005 with a family of image processors for the rapidly growing mobile handset camera market. For more information, visit www.nethra.us.com. PLX and the PLX Technology logo are registered trademarks of PLX Technology, Inc., which may be registered in some jurisdictions. Nethra Imaging(TM) and the Nethra logo are trademarks of Nethra Imaging Inc. (C) Nethra Imaging Inc. 2006. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]