DVD ROM support is added to flexible low-power IDE interface device
companion device for embedded CPUs simplifies mass storage adoption in portable electronics
supports simultaneous DVD ROM and HDD interfacing at >13 Mbytes/sec
Chertsey, UK and Munich, Germany September 28, 2006 --- QuickLogic Europe has added native DVD ROM support to its IDE interface device for embedded processors. The companion device - called QuickIDE - provides programmable control and interface capability between an embedded processor and IDE-based hard disk drives (HDDs) and DVD ROM drives. Additionally, the device now supports dual IDE/ATA-based devices, with one master and one slave, allowing simultaneous interfacing to a DVD ROM and HDD.
Numerous low power embedded processors are used in handheld, battery-powered embedded systems. However, many of these devices do not have a native interface to standard storage peripherals such as IDE-based HDDs or DVD ROM drives. QuickLogic, with its integrated IDE controller, provides an easy-to-implement, and highly energy-efficient solution with a combination of dedicated IDE circuitry, memory and ultra low power consumption field-programmable logic. The logic allows the device to be adapted for connectivity with a very wide range of popular embedded processors, such as devices from Analog Devices, Freescale, Intel, Renesas and TI; ready-to-use/adapt interfaces for most applications are available freely from QuickLogic.
"The gaming and movie industries are creating tremendous demand for DVD ROM drives in computers, portable multimedia players and other portable video game consoles," said Owen Bateman of QuickLogic Europe. "To address the demand for these types of high volume consumer electronic products, and to provide increased flexibility for designers, we have expanded the functionality of our IDE companion device so that you can design for both HDD and optical drives simultaneously."
The QuickIDE embedded IDE controller can now perform transfers to or from IDE drives in any of the PIO modes (0, 1, 2, 3 or 4). In addition, HDDs can also be accessed using multi-word DMA modes (0, 1, or 2).
This IDE companion device has integrated bi-directional sector buffers, which directly contributes to a demonstrated performance of greater than 13Mbytes/sec data transfers. The IDE/ATA timing and registers are completely handled by the QuickLogic device, further reducing the processor's bus utilisation and enabling highly energy-efficient operation.
The IDE and DVD-ROM controller and Windows CE software drivers are available now with unit pricing starting at US $5. A development board for the IDE companion device, called the Mobile Application Board, is available to support designers, and is priced at $999.
More information: http://www.quicklogic.com/hdd
QuickLogic Europe
15 London Street, Chertsey KT16 8AP, UK
t: +44-1932-579011
http://www.quicklogic.com
QuickLogic Germany
Stefan George Ring 29, Muenchen D81929, Germany
t: +49-89-9308 6170
http://www.quicklogic.com
About QuickLogic: QuickLogic Corporation (Nasdaq: QUIK) invented and has pioneered the Embedded Standard Product (ESP) architecture, with the introduction of first products in 1998. ESPs are semiconductor devices that deliver the guaranteed performance, lower cost and lower risk of standard products, coupled with the flexibility and time-to-market benefits of programmable logic. QuickLogic's proprietary ViaLink metal-to-metal interconnect technology offers significant benefits - including very low power consumption at high performance levels - and is the foundation of both the ESP and core FPGA products. http://www.quicklogic.com
Safe harbour statement. This news release contains forward-looking statements based on current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties. QuickLogic's actual results may differ from the results described in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include, but are not limited to, general conditions in the semiconductor industry, development risks, market acceptance and the impact of competitive products. These and other risk factors are detailed in QuickLogic's periodic reports and registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The QuickLogic name and logo, and ViaLink, are registered trademarks of QuickLogic Corporation. All other brands or trademarks are the property of their respective holders and should be treated as such.
