Science & Technology 
Science and Technology
Science and Technology 
Tue, February 10, 2009
QuickLogic?s SPIDA System Block Speeds Mobile Device Sideloading
SUNNYVALE, Calif.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--Underscoring its commitment to the mobile device market, QuickLogic® Corporation (NASDAQ:QUIK) has developed a new family of Proven System Blocks (PSBs) that speed data transfer operations such as media sideloading in mobile devices. The Smart Programmable Integrated 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.
"Increasing data transfer speeds and the control and management of multiple data pipes coming into today's mobile devices are increasing demands on system performance," said Andy Green, QuickLogic's Director of Platforms Strategies. "Data transfer solutions that require constant Application Processor supervision cannot simultaneously meet consumer expectations for rapid downloads and minimize power demands. The smart data transfers, enabled through QuickLogic's SPIDA PSB, can."
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.
About QuickLogic
QuickLogic Corporation (NASDAQ:QUIK) is the inventor and pioneer of innovative, customizable semiconductor solutions for mobile and portable electronics OEMs and ODMs. These silicon plus software solutions are called Customer Specific Standard Products (CSSPs). CSSPs enable our customers to bring their products to market more quickly and remain in the market longer, with the low power, cost and size demanded by the mobile and portable electronics market. For more information about QuickLogic and CSSPs, visit [ www.quicklogic.com ].
QuickLogic is a registered trademark, and the QuickLogic logo is a trademark of QuickLogic Corporation. All other brands or trademarks are the property of their respective holders and should be treated as such.
Code: QUIK-G