| National ups the SOC ante with 3 new "appliance-on-chip" ICs |
Sep. 18, 2000
National Semiconductor has taken the wraps off a triad of highly integrated system-on-chip (SOC) devices -- and in the process, has proclaimed a new standard for highly integrated SOCs: "appliance-on-chip". The three new devices are the latest members of National's highly successful Geode family. Each combines a 32-bit 'x86' processor CPU core with a full system's worth of peripheral interfaces. The new devices will be supported by Embedded Linux through an arrangement with Lineo.
National expects the new appliance-on-chip ICs to strengthen the already favored position of its Geode product line, for which the company claims more than 120 design wins in high volume information appliance applications. Based on an analysis of trends among current Geode customers, National targeted the devices at the technical needs of three high growth areas for information appliances:- SC1200 "set-top-box on-a-chip" -- a single-chip solution targeting set-top appliance applications that use TV sets for display. Expected uses include interactive TV programming, web-based TV-guides, instant messaging and chat, web-surfing, email, etc.
- SC2200 "thin-client on-a-chip -- a single-chip solution targeting thin client systems. Expected uses include low cost desktop computers, Internet terminals, point-of-sale systems, and terminals in airports, hotels, banks, etc.
- SC3200 "web-pad on-a-chip" -- a single-chip solution for mobile personal access devices. Expected uses include PDAs, PIMs, wireless webpads, etc.
Summary of features
As indicated by the following summary of features, each of the three new appliance-on-chip devices contains a large percentage of the functions required to implement typical systems in one of the three targeted markets . . .- CPU -- 266 MHz 32-bit 'x86' processor with MMX support
- Memory interface -- 64-bit SDRAM memory interface
- Expansion buses -- PCI and ISA-subset buses (used for added functions and ROM/DiskOnChip interface)
- PC core logic -- PC-compatible DMA, interrupts, counters, and real-time clock
- Disk interface -- Dual-IDE hard drive interface
- I/O ports -- 3 USB, 2 serial, IrDA, ACCESS.bus, IEEE-1284 parallel (SC2200 only), general purpose digital I/O
- Display interface -- video graphics interface with 2D acceleration; specific interfaces vary according to version:
- SC1200: NTSC/PAL display output; CCIR-656 video input; internal video mixer and DACs
- SC2200: CRT and TFT LCD display output
- SC3200: TFT LCD display output
- Sound -- AC97/AMC97 compliant audio interface
- Power management -- ACPI compliant power management
Support and availability
National expects the very high integration levels of the three new Geode appliance-on-chip devices to fuel a large number of design wins in the high growth information appliance markets targeted. To further that process, detailed reference designs are available for each of the new ICs, including full schematics, bills-of-materials, software drivers, and other technical documentation.
In light of the high level of interest among Geode customers for Embedded Linux, National has developed a strategic relationship with Lineo, who will provide a comprehensive suite of Embedded Linux support and software development tools for applications based on the new devices.
National says that all three new "appliance-on-chip" products are already sampling to key OEMs, and that each will be priced at under $50 for 10,000+ volumes.
Related stories:
National demo's dozens of apps based on Geode WebPAD reference platform
National's WebPAD reference platform to power Internet devices
National Geode GXLV system-on-chip
Geode-based WebPAD reference platform
Lineo announces Geode SOC support
One-chip Linux systems hasten arrival of Post-PC Era
(Click here for further information)
|
|
|
7 Advantages of D2D Backup
For decades, tape has been the backup medium of choice. But, now, disk-to-disk (D2D) backup is gaining in favor. Learn why you should make the move in this whitepaper.
4 Legal Reasons to Control Internet Access
The Internet is obviously a valuable resource for many organizations. However, many are exposed to legal liability concerns because they fail to control Internet access. Learn if you're safe in this white paper.
Rapidly Resolve J2EE Application Problems
Whether you are in the process of building J2EE applications or have J2EE applications already running in production, you must ensure that they deliver the expected ROI. Learn how in this white paper.
Load Testing 2.0 for Web 2.0
There are many unknowns in stress testing Web 2.0 applications. Find out how to test the performance of Web 2.0 in this white paper.
Build Better Games Online
For the game infrastructure providers, life is complex. Making money from games has become more complicated. Why? Find out in this white paper.
Building a Virtual Infrastructure from Servers to Storage
This white paper discusses the virtual storage solutions that reduce cost, increase storage utilization, and address the challenges of backing up and restoring Server environments.
Gaining Faster Wireless Connections with WiMAX
Welcome to what is quickly becoming the hyperconnected world where anything that would benefit from being connected to the network will be connected. Learn more in this white paper.
Is Your Desktop a Security Threat?
The new wave of sophisticated crimeware not only targets specific companies, but also targets desktops and laptops as backdoor entryways into those business’ operations and resources. Learn how to stay safe in this white paper.
Increasing SAN Reliability by 100 Percent
Storage area networks (SAN) are a strong part of storage plans. Learn how to increase your reliability and uptime by 100 percent in this case study.
|
|
|
|
|
news feed