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CRUS
Cirrus Logic Launches Maverick System-On-Chip Solution to Enable Internet Audio in Next-Generation Handheld Appliances
SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 27, 1999--
Powerful SOC to Enable Digital Internet Audio
Playback in Future PDAs, E-books, Handheld Games,
and Other Battery Operated Devices
Building on its momentum in the Internet audio chip market, Cirrus Logic Inc. (Nasdaq:CRUS) will demonstrate -- at this week's Embedded Systems Conference -- a new system-on-a-chip (SOC) solution that adds Internet audio functionality to personal digital appliances.
The new Maverick(TM) SOC (EP7212) integrates an ARM processor with Cirrus Logic's rich intellectual property in peripherals and audio processing to create a powerful single-chip solution that enables Internet audio in a variety of handheld consumer products, such as pocket organizers, electronic books, and game platforms.
With the launch of its Maverick product line, Cirrus Logic makes available the industry's first chip solutions capable of supporting multiple Internet audio standards, such as MP3 and Microsoft's Windows Media Audio format. Moreover, in related news (see separate joint release from Cirrus Logic and Microsoft issued today), the Maverick products will be first in the industry to build in support for Windows Media Technologies 4 and no-cost to licensing to OEMs.
Consistent with Cirrus Logic's strategy to provide Market Specific Processors(TM) (MSPs), the Maverick line of SOC solutions are optimized for vertical applications. Thus, the Maverick EP7212 targets the new e-appliance market, providing features for high quality audio in handheld consumer products.
The new EP7212 SOC utilizes an ARM 720T microprocessor core with an internal clock speed ranging from 18 to 74 MHz at 2.5 volts -- fast enough to match the performance of a 100 MHz Pentium PC. However, unlike the power-hungry x86 processors, the ARM-based ultra-low-power system design (less than 90 milliwatts at 74 MHz to 10 microwatts in standby) means extended battery life for handheld information devices running on standard or rechargeable batteries.
The powerful SOC also provides built-in support for a high-contrast LCD display, PC connectivity, and flash memory interface, giving OEMs a variety of value-added features to differentiate their products.
The EP7212 arrives on the cusp of a dramatic market transition in the semiconductor market. While the personal computer has dominated the chip market for more than a decade, some market observers predict that the broad category of information appliances will overtake PC volumes. According to research firm IDC, the new product category for intelligent, special-purpose computing devices should overtake new PC unit sales by 2002. Cirrus Logic expects its Maverick line of SOC solutions to help enable this market transition.
A New Convergence Market
"We see a new market emerging for digital audio support in information appliances," said Matthew Perry, vice president and general manager for Cirrus Logic's Embedded Processors Division.
"With the rapid acceptance of Internet audio standards, such as MP3 and Windows Media Technologies, we see an additional market beyond stand-alone players like the Diamond RIO. Many consumers want devices that provide multiple functions, so they don't have to carry digital audio players in addition to other battery-operated devices, like pocket organizers, electronic books. The Maverick EP7212 offers the next logical step for handheld devices."
Drawing on the company's expertise in designing standards-based products, Cirrus Logic offers the fastest ARM 7T core on the market at 74 MHz. With MP3 decoding using less than 45 MHz, the chip's remaining processing power can be applied to support additional functions.
The Emergence of Market Specific Processors
As an MSP, the Maverick EP7212 is designed to bridge the gap between Application-Specific Standard Products (ASSPs) and general-purpose processors.
As Perry explains it, "Unlike traditional, ARM-based ASSPs, which typically evolve from ASIC designs, our Maverick MSPs are designed from the ground up to meet the unique needs of targeted applications, but with enough design diversity to support product differentiation. Maverick MSPs offer OEMs the ability to control the chip's personality through software. This ability to customize allows designers to add new audio functions, like equalization.
"In addition, designers can also reuse their Maverick-based hardware designs by upgrading them through software. Our objective is to help our customers take their products 'from zero to market in Internet time(TM)'."
Because Maverick products are based on industry-standard ARM processors, Cirrus Logic's development partners can choose from a wide range of well-known tools to support the new chip solutions. At the Embedded Systems Conference, Cygnus Solutions will demonstrate support the EP7212 running its eCos embedded operating system, and Mojo Designs will display a new graphical user interface for Cirrus Logic's new SOC.
The Maverick SOC product family also features sample designs, software support, sample code, and third-party technology in a single system-level chip solution that streamlines development of new information appliance designs. Cirrus Logic already has sample development boards for the EP7212 available, as well as sample code libraries.
Packaging, Price & Availability
The Maverick EP7212 comes in a 208-pin LQFP and a 256-ball PBGA package. Samples in limited quantities are available immediately, as are development boards. Production quantities are expected to ship in the fourth quarter. The unit price for the Maverick EP7212 is US $18.75 in the 208-pin LQFP for quantities of 10,000 per year, or as low as $15.95 each in 100,000 quantities. The development board sells for $1,495.
Cirrus Logic Inc.
Cirrus Logic is a premier supplier of high-performance analog circuits and advanced mixed-signal chip solutions. The company's products, sold under its own name and the Crystal product brand, enable system-level applications in mass storage, audio and precision data conversion. Additional information about Cirrus Logic is available at www.cirrus.com.
Note to Editors: Cirrus Logic is a registered trademark and Maverick and "from zero to market in Internet time" are trademarks of Cirrus Logic Inc. All other product names noted herein may be trademarks of their respective holders.
CONTACT:
Cirrus Logic, Inc., San Jose
Anne Carr, 510/226-2374
anne@corp.cirrus.com
or
UpStart Communications
Tom Woolf, 510/457-3128
twoolf@upstart.com
KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA
BW1324 SEP 27,1999
6:17 PACIFIC
9:17 EASTERN |
