Synopsys' DesignWare IP passes SuperSpeed USB certification

Synopsys Inc. said its DesignWare SuperSpeed USB 3.0 xHCI (Extensible Host Controller Interface) IP has obtained the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) SuperSpeed USB certification.

To achieve certification, the IP must support the new U1 and U2 power modes as well as all four USB transfer speeds, including SuperSpeed (5.0 Gbps), Hi-Speed (480 Mbps), Full-Speed (12 Mbps) and Low-Speed USB (1.5 Mbps). Synopsys is the only USB IP provider with both certified SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Host and Device IP.

Synopsys' DesignWare SuperSpeed USB IP solution is based on the USB 3.0 specification from the USB Implementers Forum and consists of the xHCI host and device controllers, PHY and verification IP. Additionally, the solution includes a SuperSpeed USB virtual platform and drivers to aid software development. Utilizing elements from a single vendor enables designers to quickly create SuperSpeed USB-based designs from concept through implementation and software development.

Next generation applications, such as camcorders, portable media players and smartphones require higher bandwidth for faster "sync-and-go" functionality between PCs and portable electronic devices. SuperSpeed USB delivers more than 10x the data transfer rate of Hi-Speed USB and is backwards compatible with previous USB technologies, offering the same ease-of-use and plug-and-play capabilities, while maintaining interoperability with existing USB products.

The USB 3.0 solution now includes a protocol analyzer for use with the Synopsys USB 3.0 verification IP.

Availability
The silicon-proven DesignWare SuperSpeed 3.0 USB Device, Host and Dual-Role Device Controllers are available now along with, verification IP, virtual prototype and drivers.

The DesignWare SuperSpeed USB 3.0 PHY IP is available in 65nm and 130nm process technologies now, with support for 28nm and 40nm process technologies scheduled to be available in the first half of 2011.