The MAP-BSP15 uses the same processor core as its predecessor, the MAP-CA, but adds a digital video output. One of the biggest changes in the move from a 0.25-micron to a 0.15-micron Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) process was for the phase-locked loops that control the VLIW processor's various clocks.

"We pushed for fast PLL locking and redesigned the entire analog section. We wanted fast gear shifting [between clock speeds]," said John O'Donnell, chief technology officer at Equator, based in Campbell, Calif.

The processor runs from a 27-MHz video clock input and the company wanted to be able to support mobile devices that can shift between clock speeds depending on workload and available battery power. The core will work down to 80 MHz, for a power consumption of just under 400 milliwatts at 1.2 volts.

O'Donnell said the company is experimenting with different voltage levels to optimize the design for power. In principle, it can run at speeds below 1.2 V, but the company has not fully characterized the points at which the device no longer works. O'Donnell said he expects voltage characterization to be complete by the end of the year.

Although the company had an earlier video processor architecture running on 0.18-micron process technology, it had gone back to 0.25 micron for the first MAP-CA to, "get back to a more stable process," O'Donnell said.

"When creating a new design, we like to use a proven process technology. TSMC's 0.15 micron now has a substantial volume of designs on it, and we feel comfortable with it," said O'Donnell.

"We use the standard single-poly, six-layer metal process. It uses a mixture of custom, semi-custom and standard cell techniques.

"The MAP-1000 [first-generation video processor] had a larger amount of full-custom design. As tools mature, we can do more in a semicustom design flow," said O'Donnell.

The MAP-BSP15 will not replace earlier MAP-CA devices immediately. Rich Christopher, senior vice president of sales and marketing, said: "We will continue to provide both lines, but we will see that, over time, most people will want to move over [to the MAP-BSP15]."

Chris Edwards is the editor of Electronics Times, EE Times' sister publication in the United Kingdom.

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