QuickLogic's new ArcticLink II CX CSSPs target smartphone and tablet applications

In my previous post about QuickLogic's new ArcticLink II CX family of CSSPs, I waffled on about QuickLogic and their CSSP concept, so I won't repeat myself here (Click Here to see that column). Instead, let's plunge forward into this new topic with gusto and abandon...

QuickLogic's new ArcticLink II CX solution platform family of CSSPs target multimedia-oriented, and multi-modem smartphone and tablet applications.  (See also the associated How-To design article: Two keys to success in tablet PC design. )The highly integrated yet customizable architecture makes the ArcticLink II CX solution platform family ideal for CSSPs that deliver a superior consumer experience.

"High-end smartphones and tablet PCs are launching with multimedia-oriented capabilities, including the ability to capture, record, playback and view high definition (HD) video content," said Brian Faith, QuickLogic's vice president of worldwide marketing.  "Cisco Systems claims that by 2014, more than 66% of all mobile data traffic will be video."

Sad to relate, the user experience often suffers due to the substantial bandwidth and memory requirements for downloading and sideloading large video files between mobile and other computing devices.  QuickLogic's ArcticLink II CX solution platform family is ideal for delivering CSSPs that accelerate the performance of sideloading HD and DRM-protected content, as well user data.  OEMs benefit from this new dimension of customization that improves the consumer user experience of their products.

Target bpplications
The first ArcticLink II CX family members target two major applications within smartphones and tablets: multimedia content and multi-radio integration.  The 32-bit RISC microprocessor subsystem manages system tasks such as the sideloading of HD-quality content to and from the device, and management of CPRM/DRM (Digital Rights Management) middleware for the playback of copyrighted multimedia.


Today, application processors targeted for use in mobile devices are transitioning from wide, proprietary buses to serial, standardized buses such as USB.  To support this emerging trend, the ArcticLink II CX platforms can also implement a PHY-less USB link, referred to as USB UTMI+ Low Pin Interface (ULPI) – a PHY-less USB link using standard device drivers, which provide a low-power local-bus connection to the application processor using a minimal number of pins.


An emerging trend supporting the need for additional USB ports is the inclusion of both 3G and 4G modems as a way of increasing the cellular bandwidth of the mobile device.  Connecting these modems to the host processor may require additional USB ports beyond the processor's capability.  To resolve this issue, the High Speed USB Hub integrated into the ArcticLink II CX platform family can enable one processor USB port to communicate with both modems in a power efficient manner.

Availability
QuickLogic is engaged now with lead OEMs for CSSPs based on ArcticLink II CX platforms, and expects to sample devices during Q1, 2011.  Contact QuickLogic at sales@quicklogic.com, or visit www.quicklogic.com for more information.