TI backs immigration reform petitions

    Texas Instruments Inc. almost spent Rs.11.05 crore ($2.8 million) last year to lobby for immigration reform, funding for research and other issues, according to an Associated Press report.
    A disclosure posted online Feb. 12 by the Senate's public records office stated that the company spent about Rs.5.92 crore ($1.5 million) in 2H 07 to lobby the federal government. TI lobbied the Congress, the White House, the International Trade Commission and Trade Representative's office on patent reform, health technology, more funding for research and tariff issues related to semiconductor products.
    The Dallas-based company also lobbied for immigration reform to allow increased access to highly skilled foreign professionals, more funding for U.S. math and science education programs and permanently extend tax credits for R&D.
    Microsoft Corp.'s Bill Gates last week told a congressional committee that education and immigration reforms are a must.

BSQUARE Creates Embedded CE BSP for ARM Cortex-A8, TI OMAP35x EVM

BSQUARE Corp. (Nasdaq:BSQR) announced that it is producing a production-quality board support package (BSP) for TI's new extensible OMAP35x(tm) Evaluation Module (EVM). The OMAP35x application processors are based on the new ARM® Cortex(tm)-A8 processor, which offers an unprecedented combination of laptop-like performance and superior power management for a wide range of applications, including digital set-top boxes, mobile Internet appliances, portable navigation devices, media players, and personal medical equipment. Together, the EVM and BSQUARE's BSP—the first Windows Embedded CE BSP to support the ARM Cortex-A8 processor—will give device designers everything they need to create next-generation Windows Embedded CE-powered devices using TI's new OMAP35x application processors.

BSQUARE, a leading systems integrator and solution provider for the global mobile and embedded community, will also provide engineering services, quality assurance, and support for device designers to help them get their Windows Embedded CE-powered OMAP35x products to market in record time.

Until now, TI's OMAP(tm) 3 processors were available only to mobile handset customers. With the introduction of the OMAP35x platform, TI is making its OMAP processors available to the broad market, allowing a wide range of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to create the most advanced embedded devices.

"As a leading systems integration company for Windows Embedded CE and Windows Mobile, BSQUARE has successfully completed many OMAP-based designs, allowing customers to further foster the development of smarter, multimedia enhanced products," said Gerard Andrews, OMAP marketing manager, TI. "Due to their extensive experience with both OMAP processors and Windows Embedded CE, BSQUARE has the expertise to help our customers get their OMAP35x-based products to market quickly."

"We're pleased and excited to collaborate with TI in helping the general embedded market create next-generation Windows Embedded CE- and Windows Mobile-powered devices using the OMAP35x processor family," said Raj Khera, vice president of products, BSQUARE. "With our production-quality BSP and world-class engineering services to go along with it, TI customers will not only be able to reduce their development risk and improve the quality of their devices, but also get them to market in record time."

"The availability of board support packages is vital in enabling the wide adoption of the Cortex-A8 processor-based OMAP processors into the general embedded market," said Eric Schorn, vice president of marketing, Processor Division, ARM. "The BSQUARE Windows Embedded CE BSP is an important step which will enable developers to rapidly create leading-edge OMAP35-based-devices."

ARM Cortex-A8: Marrying Super-High Performance with Power Efficiency
TI's scalable OMAP35x application processors, which offer the best general-purpose, multimedia and graphics processing in any combination, are based on the ARM Cortex-A8 processor—ARM's first superscalar processor. Featuring enhanced code density and performance technology, plus NEON(tm) technology for multimedia and signal processing, the ARM Cortex-A8 processor offers more than four times the processing power of today's 300-MHz ARM9(tm) family devices. With the ability to scale in speed from 600 MHz to more than 1 GHz, the Cortex-A8 processor can meet the requirements both for power-optimized mobile devices operating with less than 300 MW and for performance-optimized consumer applications requiring 2,000 Drhystone MIPS.

Availability
BSQUARE will be delivering its production-quality BSP and other technology and services for the OMAP35x platform beginning in Q2 2008. The BSP will be available from TI to developers who purchase the EVM. To find out more about BSQUARE's engineering services, quality assurance, and support, contact sales@bsquare.com or call 1-888-820-4500.

About BSQUARE
BSQUARE is a software solution provider to the global embedded device community. Committed to delivering quality and lowering project risk and time to market, our teams collaborate with smart device makers at any stage in their device development.

About the Texas Instruments Developer Network
BSQUARE is a member of the TI Developer Network, a community of respected, well-established companies offering products and services based on TI analog and digital technology. The Network provides a broad range of end-equipment solutions, embedded software, engineering services and development tools that help customers accelerate innovation to make the world smarter, healthier, safer, greener and more fun.

BSQUARE is a registered trademark of BSQUARE Corporation. OMAP3 and OMAP35x are trademarks of Texas Instruments.

Aricent Creates HD Video/Audio Encoders, Decoders for TI OMAP3430

Aricent, a full-service, full-spectrum communications software company, announced that it has developed high-definition video and audio encoders and decoders (codecs) for Texas Instruments' OMAP3430 processor-based mobile phones. To be demonstrated for the first time at Mobile World Congress, Barcelona, Aricent's high-definition software enables a new class of applications for the mobile consumer. The consumer will be able to use their mobile phone as a HD quality player and download high resolution HD content (720p) on their phone for playback on an HDTV screen or use the mobile phone as a DVD-quality camcorder recording in high resolution (720p). By decoding 720p MPEG-4 Simple Profile video in real-time, Aricent has become one of the first companies to offer DVD-quality record and playback capabilities for a range of mobile devices such as mobile handsets, portable media players and automotive entertainment systems.

Aricent's multimedia codecs were designed specifically for TI's OMAP3430 processor, the latest in a line of mobile platforms that combine PC- and consumer entertainment system-comparable performance with low power consumption. The Aricent MPEG4-SP 720p video and AAC audio codecs leverage the OMAP3430 processor capabilities (IVA(tm) 2.2 hardware accelerator and ARM® Cortex(TM)-A8 superscalar microprocessor core) to achieve encoding and decoding of video streams at unprecedented resolutions. Aricent's multimedia software on the OMAP3430 processor is designed for multiple mobile platforms like Linux, Symbian and Windows Mobile.

"The next generation of mobile phones will support multimedia features previously available only with high-end consumer electronics," said Markus Tremmel, worldwide wireless ecosystem manager Texas Instruments. "Using the processing power of the OMAP3430 processor, for the first time companies like Aricent are delivering better-than DVD-quality record and playback capabilities for mobile handsets."

"The Aricent high-definition codecs for the OMAP3430 processor will drive a completely new class of mobile multimedia experience," said Sajal Gupta, head of products, Aricent. "This software will allow consumers to record and play high-definition 720p video from their mobile phone, automotive entertainment system or personal media player."

The Aricent high-definition multimedia software will be on public demonstration at the Texas Instruments stand (Hall 8, A84) at Mobile World Congress from 13-14 February 2008, and by appointment at the Aricent stand (Hall 2, B25) for the remainder of the show.

Aricent is a member of TI's OMAP(tm) Developer Network, a group of leading software developers porting advanced applications to TI's high performance, power-efficient OMAP processors. Handset manufacturers adopting OMAP devices enjoy the rapid deployment of compelling wireless applications – including streaming audio and video, multimedia messaging, gaming, security, speech recognition, location based services and mobile commerce – across all leading operating systems. Systems level integration services are also provided worldwide by independent OMAP Technology Centers. The OMAP platform has been selected by leading manufacturers, such as Nokia, Palm, NEC, Fujitsu, LG Electronics, Hewlett-Packard, HTC and many more, for their 2.5 and 3G wireless devices.

About Aricent
With corporate offices in Palo Alto, California, Aricent is a full-service, full-spectrum communications software company. Aricent offers software services and products that enable the world's leading communications equipment manufacturers, device manufacturers and service providers to improve time-to-revenue and maximize efficiency. Owned by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR), Sequoia Capital and Flextronics International Ltd., Aricent has more than 350 clients worldwide.

Aricent is a trademark of Aricent, Inc. in the United States and/or other jurisdictions. OMAP is a trademark of Texas Instruments.

BSQUARE to Offer Windows Mobile, CE Board Support Package for TI OMAP

BSQUARE (Nasdaq:BSQR), a leading provider of mobile solutions to the global embedded community and an OMAP(TM) Technology Center (OTC), announced that it has signed an agreement with Texas Instruments under which BSQUARE will license versions of TI's Windows Mobile® and Windows® Embedded CE Board Support Package system-level software for the TI OMAP243x and TI OMAP34xx processors. Under this agreement, BSQUARE will customize and resell the system software to OEMs approved by TI, as well as provide system integration services. The new licensing agreement with TI applies to BSQUARE's development centers in both North America and Taiwan.

"TI's OMAP processors are high-performance, power-efficient solutions for companies building next-generation multimedia-enhanced mobile and embedded devices," said Raj Khera, Vice-President of Products, BSQUARE. "With this new licensing agreement, we expect to be able to assist customers while expanding our service and system software products business."

"By working with BSQUARE, we are providing global device OEMs another option to get their OMAP platform-based devices to market faster at lower cost and with high quality," said Markus Tremmel, worldwide wireless ecosystem manager, Texas Instruments. "BSQUARE's expertise in Windows Mobile and Windows Embedded CE operating system software development and testing will benefit OEMs selected by TI for this program."

About BSQUARE
BSQUARE is a software solution provider to the global embedded device community. Committed to delivering quality, lowering project risk and time to market, our teams collaborate with smart device makers at any stage in their device development. BSQUARE is a member of TI's OMAP(TM) Developer Network, a group of leading software developers porting advanced applications to TI's high performance, power-efficient OMAP processors.

BSQUARE is a registered trademark of BSQUARE Corporation. OMAP is a trademark of Texas Instruments.

OMAP2430 Processor for Multimedia and Wireless Mobile Applications - Texas Instruments

OMAP2430 is a Texas Instruments’ high-performance application processor targeted for multimedia and wireless mobilevideo conferencing, mobile TV, digital music, and mobile gaming. OMAP2430 is powered by TI’s OMAP 2 processing architecture and IVA 2 (TI’s imaging, video and audio accelerator). The processor provides the ultimate balance between multimedia performance, power, cost and flexibility. OMAP2430 processor also integrates a 330MHz ARM1136 RISC processor core; dedicated 2D/3D graphics accelerator, high-speed system interconnect, a host of peripherals, and camera, display and memory sub-systems.

TI OMAP2430 Processor Block Diagram

Key features of OMAP2430 processor:

• Advanced Imaging, Video and Audio Accelerator (IVA 2) boosts video performance in mobile phones by up to 4X and imaging performance by up to 1.5X
• Delivering a multimedia experience with consumer electronics quality to the handset
• Multi-engine parallel processing architecture for supporting complex usage scenarios
• Built-in M-Shield mobile security technology enables value-added services and terminal security
• Support for all major High Level Operating Systems (HLOS) aids applications development

OMAP2430 supports embedded operating systems, including Linux, Symbian and Windows Mobile. Embedded OS enable manufacturers and mobile operators to differentiate their products through:

• Friendly and powerful user interfaces, with support for a rich array of applications and services, and the ability to customize according to operators’ needs.
• Robust, flexible applications and services architecture.
• An extensive network of third-party developers.

OMAP2430 processor has a built-in M-Shield Security Technology, enabling operators to add value-added services for transaction security, content protection, secure network access and also terminal security functions.

M-Shield Mobile Security Technology
TI’s M-Shield Mobile Security Technology is a system-level security solution that intimately interleaves hardware and software technologies to provide the high level of security. M-Shield technology is the key security element of the widely used OMAP platform and OMAP-Vox. M-Shield provides the highest level of terminal and content security in the industry today, as well as setting the benchmark for the level of security needed to allow financial applications to happen.

OMAP2430’s multimedia features:

• Downloadable media playback and digital TV decode
• MPEG4, H.264, Window Media Video 9 (VC-1), RealVideo version 10 decode at VGA (640×480) 30 fps
• Motion video capture
  • MPEG4 encoding up to VGA 30 fps
• Still image capture
  • Above 5 Mpx, 1 second shot-to-shot delay
• 2D/3D gaming
  • Rasterization up to 1 million polygons per second
• Video teleconferencing
  • H.263, H.264 videoconferencing with simultaneous recording of VTC session up to CIF 30 fps

The OMAP2430 and TWL4030 combination boost system performance, maximize battery life and reduce board space.

TWL4030
The TWL4030 is audio and power manager to a host of OMAP processors. It is an integrated power management and audio codec device intended for use in cellular telephone designs which derive their power from batteries based on Lithium-Ion, Lithium-Ion Polymer or Cobalt-Nickel-Manganese chemistries. TWL4030 combines power management, DC/DC converters, audio and voice codec, amplifiers (audio), USB 2.0 transceiver, battery charger circuitry into a single chip. The TWL4030 includes stereo/mono audio support for speakers, headsets and earpiece, analog/digital microphone, analog and digital mixing and noise cancellation circuitry. The battery charger system supports for charging via USB, carkit, and AC adapter. TWL4030 also features battery presence and over voltage detection, and battery back-up management.

More info: TI OMAP2430 Processor

The TI OMAP 2420 - The Processor behind the Nokia N93

With the introduction of the N93, Nokia also introduced a new processor to their lineup. The N93 is currently the only handheld using this processor and it is doing it’s best to take advantage of it. The glorious VGA recording at 30fps is made possible by this new processor. It has also given it a 3D graphics accelerator. One thing that I have no way of testing is WLAN performance. The processor shows that it has support for AES and PKA encryption. See the image below, the encryption section is in the center.

The older 1710 processor does not have this feature. This leaves me to assume that it was handling the encryption via software. If the processor natively supports the encryption method then there may be a considerable speed increase. I STILL don’t have one of the new N or E series phones, so all I have to go by are the remarks of others, and what I have heard is that the WLAN speeds are not as high as they had hoped. Onward to the full specs of this amazing processor.

The OMAP2420 processor is a single-chip applications processor that supports all cellular standards, and complements any modem or chipset and any air interface. It is intended for high-volume wireless handset manufacturers and is not available through distributors.

The OMAP2420 includes the benefits of the OMAP 2 architecture’s parallel processing, giving users the ability to instantly run applications and operate multiple functions simultaneously without quality of service compromises. The OMAP2420 includes an integrated ARM1136 processor (330 MHz), a TI TMS320C55x™DSP (220 MHz), 2D/3D graphics accelerator, imaging and video accelerator, high-performance system interconnects and industry-standard peripherals.

Download the following documents for more information:

* OMAP2420 Product Bulletin (TI_omap2420.pdf, 210 KB)
2005 Download
* OMAP2420 Software Development Platform (TI_sdp_omap2420.pdf, 227 KB)
2005 Download

Multimedia enhancements made in the OMAP2420 include an added imaging and video accelerator for higher-resolution still capture applications, multi-megapixel cameras and full-motion video encode and decode with VGA resolution of 30 frames per second. An added TV video output supports connections to television displays for displaying images and video captured from the handset. 5-Mb internal SRAM also boost streaming media performance.

Access to the OMAP Developer Network also provides an extensive range of programs and media components that manufacturers can use for differentiating and delivering products to market fast.
Key Features:

* Dedicated 2D/3D graphics accelerator at 2 million polygons per second
* Added imaging and video accelerator enables high-resolution still image capture, larger screen sizes and higher video frame rates
* Supports high-end features including 4+ megapixel cameras, VGA-quality video, high-end interactive gaming functionality and analog/digital TV video output
* 5-Mb internal SRAM boosts streaming media performance
* Software compatibility with previous OMAPâ„¢ processors
* Parallel processing ensures no interruptions or degradation of service with simultaneously running applications
* Optimized power management companion chip, TWL92230
* 12 mm x 12 mm, 325-ball MicroStar BGAâ„¢, 0.5-mm pitch

© Copyright 1995-2006 Texas Instruments Incorporated. All rights reserved.

3GSM: TI Demos 720p From Mobile Phones!

Texas Instruments has demonstrated their first chip that enables high definition video playback at 720p... from mobile phones! Their new OMAP3430 processor supports OpenGL ES 2.0 3D acceleration and has the power to decode high definition content in mobile devices.

The question in your mind is probably going to be: what the hell do you do with 720p coming out from your mobile phone? Apart from the BWC philosophy ('because we can'), it's interesting to think where this could be headed. Think WiFi-powered phones reading 720p content from the network and showing it on a TV in the vicinity. Think HSDPA/HSUPA/4G networks for streaming HD from the web. Think HD DVB-H broadcasts.

Even though its not anywhere near that time yet, it's interesting.

TI OMAP 3430 Multimedia applications processor

“wireless handheld communication Device” - sound familiar, commonly known as the cell phone for many is just a magical piece of hardware which can do just about anything , make phone calls , access e-mails ,take pictures , play games and the list goes on and on . well it just got better . TI’s OMAP 3 architecture and the first offering named the OMAP3430 promises to revolutionize mobile multimedia.

designed to deliver laptop like performance, 3430 is also the industry’s first applications processor to be designed using the 65nm manufacturing technique, has the highest clock speed and marks huge advancements over the company’s OMAP 2 series .
The chip is based aorund the ARM Cortex A8 processor and also inclutes an integrated 2D/3D graphics processor, TI estimates that one can expect up to 4X performance increase in multimedia applications which means better audio and video playback , better games and a smoother interface, the integrated graphics processor also enables multiple formats like Real video , windows media video and mpeg , mpeg-4 etc, it features an on chip camera image pipeline which removes the need for external circuitry i.e camera phones based on it won’t weigh a ton, camera sensors up to 12 Mega-pixels are supported by the chip, the 3430 also features extended output capabilities , it can connect directly to VGA and S-Video outputs without needing any external interface , it even has fully compliant HDD interfaces and USB2.0 interface and also compliant with all the High level operating systems like Linux , Windows mobile and Symbian

a very high level architecture diagram is given below , more information can be found at the TI OMAP website