QuickLogic Unveils Smart I/O Connectivity for Smartbook/Netbook and Mobile Developers
Oct 22, 2009 (Close-Up Media via COMTEX) --
QuickLogic announced it has expanded its line of Smart I/O Proven System Blocks (PSBs) for use in Customer Specific Standard Products (CSSPs).
Among the PSBs now available are an I2C master controller, a pulse width modulator (PWM), a PS2 controller, and a low-power matrix keyboard controller.
"Many developers of smartbooks and netbooks are approaching the market from the smartphone point-of-view," said Brian Faith, QuickLogic's VP of worldwide marketing. "They are utilizing ARM processor architectures, which in many cases do not have all of the required I/O that consumers have come to expect from computing products. QuickLogic's CSSPs with Smart I/O PSBs close these gaps quickly, with low BOM cost and PCB space."
QuickLogic said its PSB library already includes highly desirable I/O functions such as USB 2.0 High Speed Host/Client/OTG, various memory card and HDD mass storage interfaces, general-purpose I/O (GPIO), and LCD display controllers featuring QuickLogic's Visual Enhancement Engine (VEE). Now, PS/2 interface, PWM control, matrix keyboard, and I2C host controller functions have been added and, due to their configurable nature, can connect these critical I/O functions to whatever processor architecture the developer chooses. These I/O functions are especially valuable in the smartbook/netbook market:
- PS/2 interfaces are commonly used for controlling touchpad pointing devices.
- I2C master controllers provide efficient control of position and orientation sensors such as electronic compasses and accelerometers, ambient light and proximity sensors, as well as touch-screen controllers.
- PWM controllers provide backlight intensity control as well as on-off and variable brightness control for indicator LEDs, including the new "breathing" functionality.
- A matrix keyboard controller provides a low-power interface for low-cost full-function keyboards, and includes support for features such as 3-key rollover and ghosting detection.
All of these Smart I/O PSBs are available immediately and can be embedded in all CSSPs utilizing the PolarPro, PolarPro II, ArcticLink and ArcticLink II solution platform families.
((Comments on this story may be sent to newsdesk@closeupmedia.com))
Copyright (C) 2009 Close-Up Media. All rights reserved
News Provided by COMTEX
Related terms: architecture, library, market, marketing, products
