Click here to learn
about this Sponsor:
Home  |  News  |  Articles  |  Polls  |  Forum

Keywords: Match:
New SuperH-based SOC targets set-top apps, runs Linux
Oct. 16, 2001

Geneva, Switzerland -- (press release excerpt) -- STMicroelectronics has introduced a new System-on-Chip (SoC) device that combines a 32-bit SuperH microprocessor with high-performance graphics for next-generation set-top box, Internet, and interactive TV applications.

Known as the ST40GX1, the new device contains an ST40 32-bit RISC microprocessor, a Gamma 2D graphics engine and compositor supporting six display planes, and a digital video encoder. In addition, an array of interfaces to optional external peripherals is integrated. The ST40GX1 can be used stand-alone in web-enabled analog TV applications or with the STi5514 set-top box decoder to provide a complete solution for high-end interactive digital TV applications.

At the heart of the ST40GX1 is the ST40, a member of the SuperH family of RISC processor engines that ST has co-developed with Hitachi. The ST40 core provides a 166MHz, 300MIPS 32-bit CPU based on a two-way superscalar architecture, a 64-bit floating-point co-processor and on-chip instruction and data caches.

The integrated graphics and video subsystem contains the Gamma 2D graphics accelerator, the Gamma compositor, which performs real-time digital mixing of six display planes, and the video encoders. The Gamma architecture supports two digital video input streams and the six display planes allow features such as mixing of two video sources, picture-in-picture and hardware cursors to be efficiently implemented.

The audio block provides two PCM digital audio inputs and a PCM digital audio output, with internal sample rate conversion and digital mixing to ensure both flexibility and high audio quality.

In addition to its on-chip peripherals, including two serial ports, a general-purpose I/O port, timers and real-time clock, the ST40GX1 is equipped with a full set of interfaces to optional external peripherals. These include interfaces for a smart card, teletext insertion, infra-red control, a modem codec for software modem, and PCI and USB peripherals such as DOCSIS and ADSL modems. An external memory interface is provided that supports burst-mode Flash memory and an optimized connection to the STi5514.

The ST40GX1, with its built-in memory management unit, supports standard operating systems including Linux, WindowsCE, and ST's own OS-21 and can efficiently run applications written in C, C++ and Java. It is supported by a wide range of ST and third-party tools and includes a full range of debug features and an emulation mode with a dedicated 1kbyte buffer for emulator firmware.

Housed in a 35 x 35mm 456-pin BGA package, the ST40GX1 is built in 0.18-micron CMOS technology, resulting in a low power consumption of less than 2W. Samples are currently available, with volume production scheduled for Q4, 2001.



Related stories:


(Click here for further information)


FUEL Database on MontaVista Linux
Whether building a mobile handset, a car navigation system, a package tracking device, or a home entertainment console, developers need capable software systems, including an operating system, development tools, and supporting libraries, to gain maximum benefit from their hardware platform and to meet aggressive time-to-market goals.

Breaking New Ground: The Evolution of Linux Clustering
With a platform comprising a complete Linux distribution, enhanced for clustering, and tailored for HPC, Penguin Computing¿s Scyld Software provides the building blocks for organizations from enterprises to workgroups to deploy, manage, and maintain Linux clusters, regardless of their size.

Data Monitoring with NightStar LX
Unlike ordinary debuggers, NightStar LX doesn¿t leave you stranded in the dark. It¿s more than just a debugger, it¿s a whole suite of integrated diagnostic tools designed for time-critical Linux applications to reduce test time, increase productivity and lower costs. You can debug, monitor, analyze and tune with minimal intrusion, so you see real execution behavior. And that¿s positively illuminating.

Virtualizing Service Provider Networks with Vyatta
This paper highlights Vyatta's unique ability to virtualize networking functions using Vyatta's secure routing software in service provider environments.

High Availability Messaging Solution Using AXIGEN, Heartbeat and DRBD
This white paper discusses a high-availability messaging solution relying on the AXIGEN Mail Server, Heartbeat and DRBD. Solution architecture and implementation, as well as benefits of using AXIGEN for this setup are all presented in detail.

Understanding the Financial Benefits of Open Source
Will open source pay off? Open source is becoming standard within enterprises, often because of cost savings. Find out how much of a financial impact it can have on your organization. Get this methodology and calculator now, compliments of JBoss.

Embedded Hardware and OS Technology Empower PC-Based Platforms
The modern embedded computer is the jack of all trades appearing in many forms.

Data Management for Real-Time Distributed Systems
This paper provides an overview of the network-centric computing model, data distribution services, and distributed data management. It then describes how the SkyBoard integration and synchronization service, coupled with an implementation of the OMG¿s Data Distribution Service (DDS) standard, can be used to create an efficient data distribution, storage, and retrieval system.

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.

 


Got a HOT tip?   please tell us!
Free weekly newsletter
Enter your email...
Click here for a profile of each sponsor:
PLATINUM SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
(Become a sponsor)

ADVERTISEMENT
(Advertise here)

Check out the latest Linux powered...

mobile phones!

other cool
gadgets



BREAKING NEWS

• Appliances use Pentium M SoC
• Laser-guided French robots run Linux
• GPL compliance guide published
• PMPs run Linux on ARM Cortex
• Linux to gain anti-virus software
• Intel aims x86 at digital TVs
• Intel unveils dual-core Atom
• Linux powers MID-like nav device
• Virtualization technology targets MIDs
• Open-source phone getting WiFi sign-on port
• Streaming media player targets netbooks, nettops
• Intel announces high-speed SSDs
• Dell embeds Linux in enterprise laptops
• Utilities automate Debian filesystem creation
• Linux SDKs target Cortex-A8 SoCs


Most popular stories -- past 90 days:
• Open source phone goes mass-market
• Updated! Linux Mobile Phones Showcase
• World's cheapest Linux-based laptop?
• Garmin Nav devices run Gnome Linux
• First Atom-based notebook runs Linux
• ARM9 board boots Debian in 0.69 seconds
• Open source camera records geotagged video to SATA HDD
• Linux-friendly Beagle fetches $150
• "PDA phone" runs Linux
• Intel offers $80 "Little Falls" Atom mobo
• Netflix Player runs Linux


DesktopLinux headlines:
• Linux to gain anti-virus software
• Linux gains backup utility
• Testing Lenny
• HP offers Linux on low-end mini-notes
• Dell shipping five Hardy Heron systems
• IBM pushes "Microsoft-free" desktops
• Unified communications groupware comes to Linux
• Lightweight GNOME alternative emerges
• Freespire lives! Goes back to Debian
• gOS 3.0 goes Gadget crazy


Also visit our sister site:


Sign up for LinuxDevices.com's...

news feed

Home  |  News  |  Articles  |  Polls  |  Forum  |  About  |  Contact
 

Ziff Davis Enterprise Home | Contact Us | Advertise | Link to Us | Reprints | Magazine Subscriptions | Newsletters
Tech RSS Feeds | White Papers | ROI Calculators | Tech Podcasts | Tech Video | VARs | Channel News

Baseline | Careers | Channel Insider | CIO Insight | DesktopLinux | DeviceForge | DevSource | eSeminars |
eWEEK | Enterprise Network Security | LinuxDevices | Linux Watch | Microsoft Watch | Mid-market | Networking | PDF Zone |
Publish | Security IT Hub | Strategic Partner | Web Buyer's Guide | Windows for Devices

Developer Shed | Dev Shed | ASP Free | Dev Articles | Dev Hardware | SEO Chat | Tutorialized | Scripts |
Code Walkers | Web Hosters | Dev Mechanic | Dev Archives | igrep

Use of this site is governed by our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Except where otherwise specified, the contents of this site are copyright © 1999-2008 Ziff Davis Enterprise Holdings Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Ziff Davis Enterprise is prohibited. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.