QuickLogic's SPIDA system block speeds mobile device sideloading

Underscoring their commitment to the mobile device market, the folks at QuickLogic have developed a new family of Proven System Blocks (PSBs) that speed data transfer operations such as media sideloading in mobile devices.

The Smart Programmable Intelligent Data Aggregator (SPIDA) PSB creates an optimized, dedicated link between high-speed peripheral I/O, such as USB 2.0 High Speed, and storage interfaces to transfer data between them without requiring significant Application Processor (AP) loading.

By not requiring the AP to directly handle the data movement, the SPIDA provides a substantial increase in sideload speeds – defined as the download of media from a PC's or Notebook's USB port to the internal memory of handheld devices – and similar mass data storage transfers. Increased sideload speeds mean lower energy per byte transferred, which directly yields longer battery life before recharging.

According to iSuppli, a market intelligence company, over 1 Billion handsets will ship in 2010 with an integrated USB interface. With the predicted high attach rate for embedded USB and the ever-increasing amounts of flash storage in handsets, the stage is set for sideloading to become the de facto method for consumers to move multimedia content to their handset.

Flexibility is key
The ability to move data with minimal to no AP loading helps system architects maximize system performance while minimizing power demands. For example, a sideloading transfer once initiated can proceed on its own, leaving the AP free to engage in other tasks, or even go to sleep to save power. QuickLogic's SPIDA is unlike generic sideloading schemes, because it is highly configurable to match specific interface and timing requirements of the specific AP. This allows tuning of design performance to eliminate wait states and other performance-eroding workarounds for interface mismatches.

SPIDA is the first-generation PSB in a planned family of smart data transfer blocks with ever-increasing capability. As with other PSBs, SPIDA is a fully designed and field-proven system block that can be implemented in the programmable fabric of QuickLogic's Customer Specific Standard Product (CSSP) solution platforms. These platforms not only give OEMs and ODMs the ability to have customized solutions created for them that solve mobile device design challenges, they also support rapid adjustment of designs to meet changing market and consumer demands – all at standard product pricing and availability.

Availability
The SPIDA PSB is available immediately for use with QuickLogic's ArcticLink, ArcticLink II VX, PolarPro and PolarPro II CSSPs.