New eBook development platform based on TI’s OMAP™ 3 technology speeds time to market, lowers costs for eBook manufacturers
With 2009 recognized as a watershed year in the evolution of the eBook market, manufacturers and developers are racing to meet consumer demands in this emerging segment. Answering the call for differentiated devices, Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NYSE: TXN) unveiled an OMAP™ 3 processor-based eBook development platform to help manufacturers and developers rapidly deploy their endless ideas to launch new, innovative eBook readers into consumers’ hands.
Touting a sleek electrophoretic display, TI’s comprehensive platform includes
the new OMAP3621 applications processor, WiLink™ 6.0 WiFi/Bluetooth®/FM “combo”
connectivity solution, the new TPS6518x electronic paper display (EPD) power
management IC, along with other TI analog solutions, and 3G modem connectivity
support.
Driving new eBook experiences with TI’s OMAP processor technology
The eBook development platform leverages TI’s proven high-performance, low-power,
45nm OMAP 3 processor family which provides a robust, multitasking environment
to simultaneously support applications which exercise the CPU, multimedia and
graphics engines. The OMAP3621 processor will allow users to read their favorite
eBook on an electrophoretic display, while simultaneously scanning the web on a
second display for their next purchase. The processor boasts a high performance
ARM® Cortex™-A8 CPU integrated with Imagination POWERVR3D graphics acceleration,
and TI’s proven C64x+DSP technology for multimedia acceleration. The OMAP3621
processor delivers an optimized peripheral set in a 12mmx12mm, 0.5mm ball pitch
package with low power DDR memory support. The solution’s smaller footprint
enables sleek consumer designs while also delivering power and performance
metrics that will change how consumers use eBooks in the future. The processor
also provides added flexibility with its programmable architecture design.
Leveraging the programmability of the OMAP platform enables customers to further
differentiate their devices and stand out in the marketplace, giving their
devices a unique look and feel.
Unique software-based display controller reduces footprint and cost
TI has employed a DSP-based software display controller, which drives E Ink’s
Vizplex® electrophoretic display on the eBook development platform to further
streamline eBook product development. By implementing the display controller on
the DSP, the Cortex-A8 can be used to its full potential, delivering an
outstanding user experience. This software controller approach reduces the total
silicon footprint by more than 200mm2 as well as provides savings on overall
hardware cost. TI’s overall system solution eliminates the need for:
• Typical hardware EPD controller;
• Dedicated external flash memory to store waveforms;
• Dedicated SDRAM memory for the frame buffer; and
• External temperature sensor by embedding it into TI’s TPS6518x display power
management IC
Optimized power management extends usability of eBook platform
TI’s highly-optimized solutions are designed to fully address the needs of power-sensitive
consumer device markets – from eBooks to smartphones – where battery life is
just as critical as high performance. For example, TI’s eBook development
platform will allow more than 14,800 page turns on a six-inch E Ink screen using
a slim 600mAh battery, representing a 50 percent improvement over similar
solutions in the market today. With this in mind, consumers could read a 500-page
book approximately 20 times on a single battery charge. Additionally, TI has
optimized its connectivity solutions to run in a power conscious environment.
The WiLink 6.0 solution uses an innovative low-power scanning architecture that
continuously scans for available WLAN access points without impacting battery
life. TI’s system-level power optimization also extends idle times, allowing an
eBook device to last nearly four weeks without needing to recharge.
“We are excited about the potential of the eBook market and how TI’s
technologies simplifies eBook product design and enhance the overall user
experience,” said Elie Belmand, general manager of TI’s mobile consumer
business. “Today, we are working with more than ten leading eBook OEM and ODMs
to bring compelling, new eBook devices to store shelves in 2010. Our eBook
platform provides a comprehensive and solid foundation to allow these
manufacturers to shorten their product development cycle times while delivering
innovative devices that will ‘wow’ consumers and help propel the eBook market
forward.”
See
www.ti.com/ebookplatformpr for more details .
201002220222.2.2010Audio-video-hifiTexas Instruments