Synopsys, Inc. (NASDAQ:SNPS), Mountain View, Calif., a world leader
in semiconductor design software, has announced the release of its
DesignWare(R) Wireless USB Host and Dual- Role Device (DRD) intellectual
property (IP) based on the Certified Wireless USB Specification from
USB-IF. Synopsys has been the leading provider of USB IP for five years
in a row. Designed for applications like PC chipsets, set top boxes,
personal video recorders, DVD Players and digital TVs, the DesignWare
Wireless USB Host is based on the Wireless Host Controller Interface
(WHCI) specification. Designing to the WHCI specification enables system
makers to build applications on standard WHCI drivers to save months of
software driver development. To enable broad driver compatibility, the
DesignWare Wireless USB DRD uses the same host register set as the host.
The DRD can be used in mobile phones, personal media players, digital
cameras and printers, for example, to exchange videos or music
wirelessly.
The DesignWare Host and DRD IP are built to suit portable
electronics applications that demand a high level of power conservation
and device interoperability. Dual power rails allow the designs to shut
down power to sections that are not in use, resulting in additional
power savings over clock gating. The IP's GUI enables designers to
rapidly configure the IP to use the smallest area for the required
features, minimizing silicon cost and power consumption.
Additionally, the DesignWare Host and DRD IP feature a flexible,
firmware-programmable design that can be used for post-silicon feature
additions and bug fixes. This reduces the likelihood of a chip re-spin
and saves mask costs.
"Alereon is proud to team with Synopsys to offer a silicon
solution that allows device manufacturers to add Wireless USB capability
to their products -- giving consumers the increased mobility and
ease-of-use they desire," said Eric Broockman, chief executive
officer of Alereon. "Alereon's WiMedia PHY chipset, along with
Synopsys' Wireless USB Host and Dual-role Device IP, will serve as
key building blocks for developing Certified Wireless USB end-user
products."
"Compatibility testing of IP cores with a proven physical
layer solution is an essential component of Wireless USB IP
designs," said Ran Yan, senior vice president, Wireless
Communications Technologies at Realtek. "By demonstrating
compatibility with Realtek's WiMedia PHY solution, Synopsys has
enabled use of an ultra-compact all-CMOS single-chip PHY in conjunction
with its Host and DRD IP."
The full-featured, synthesizable DesignWare Wireless USB Host and
DRD are compatible with the WiMedia(R) Alliance Ultra-wideband (UWB)
Common Radio Platform. The IP includes the digital controller logic
required to integrate Certified Wireless USB IP into systems-on-chips
(SoCs). The IP includes a standard WiMedia MAC-PHY interface for rapid
integration with standard UWB
PHYs. Synopsys continuously tests the IP with UWB PHYs from Alereon
and Realtek.
"The USB-IF is pleased to see Synopsys' continued support
for the Certified Wireless USB technology," said Jeff Ravencraft,
USB-IF president. "Solutions like the host and dual-role device IP,
will provide support for adopters to integrate the Wireless USB
technology into products and get them to market quickly."
"Synopsys is the recognized leader in USB IP, offering one of
the industry's best USB digital and PHY cores. The addition of this
Certified Wireless USB host and dual-role device strengthens our USB
offering," said John Koeter, senior director, IP Marketing at
Synopsys. "The Host and dual-role device provides customers with a
quick and easy path to integrating the next USB standard."
Availability
The DesignWare Wireless USB Device, Host and Dual-Role Device IP
are currently available and are sold separately. More information can be
downloaded from http://www.synopsys.com/designware
About DesignWare Cores
Synopsys DesignWare Cores provide system designers with
silicon-proven, digital, and mixed-signal connectivity IP for some of
the world's most recognized products, including communications
processors, routers, switches, game consoles, digital cameras, computers
and computer peripherals. Provided as synthesizable RTL source code or
in GDS format, these cores enable designers to create innovative,
cost-effective system-on-chips and embedded systems. Synopsys provides
flexible licensing options for the DesignWare Cores. Each core can be
licensed individually, on a fee-per-project basis, or users can opt for
a Volume Purchase Agreement, which enables them to license all the cores
as part of one simple agreement.
For more information on DesignWare IP, visit
http://www.designware.com.
About Synopsys
Synopsys, Inc. is a world leader in EDA software for semiconductor
design. The company delivers technology-leading semiconductor design and
verification platforms and IC manufacturing software products to the
global electronics market, enabling the development and production of
complex systems-on-chips (SoCs). Synopsys also provides intellectual
property and design services to simplify the design process and
accelerate time-to-market for its customers. Synopsys is headquartered
in Mountain View, California and has offices in more than 60 locations
throughout North America, Europe, Japan and Asia.
For more information, visit http://www.synopsys.com or call
650/584-4547.
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