With 2009 recognized as a watershed year in the evolution of the eBook market, manufacturers and developers are racing to develop new terminals. So Texas Instruments has launched an OMAP 3 processor-based eBook development platform to help manufacturers and developers rapidly deploy their endless ideas to launch new, innovative eBook readers.
With an electrophoretic display, TI’s platform includes the new OMAP3621 applications processor, WiLink6.0 WiFi/Bluetooth/FM “combo” connectivity solution, the new TPS6518x electronic paper display (EPD) power management IC, along with other TI analogue solutions, and 3G modem connectivity support.
The development platform uses the low-power 45nm OMAP 3 processor family orinigally designed for smartphones 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 uses the 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 thinner 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
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
The 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.”
Key features and benefits of TI’s eBook development platform
Features | Benefits |
Proven digital and analog technology from TI inside | · ARM Cortex-A8-based 45nm OMAP3621 processor with optimized peripheral set and small footprint enables sleek consumer designs and delivers unmatched performance with minimal power consumption · Flexible, programmable architecture design enabling differentiation · WiLink 6.0 solution integrates Bluetooth®, FM and WLAN technologies in a single-chip, reducing costs and size; advanced coexistence algorithms enables simultaneous Bluetooth® audio and WLAN data downloading; mobile industry’s first to support 802.11n · New single-chip TPS6518x electronic paper display power management IC, with integrated display panel temperature sensor and unique ability to automate the setting of the VCOM voltage via I2C interface · Comprehensive hardware offering also includes full reference schematics and design layout files that reduces customer integration efforts and speeds up time-to-market · 3G modem support, 3 axis accelerometers, and other key TI power management and analog components included |
Support for various display screens and technologies, several dual-screen eBook configurations, and range of eBook file formats | · Addresses multiple electronic display technologies, including electrophoretic, electromechanical, electrowetting and thin film transistor liquid crystal displays · Supports dual screen designs, allowing readers to view primary text in one screen and supplementary text, like footnotes, in the second · Enables a strong multitasking environment, as well as enhanced, innovative and smooth user interface support through 3D graphics acceleration |
Delivers complete software foundation | · Supports Linux and Android operating systems · Hardware device drivers · Optimized power management · Software display controller · WLAN, Bluetooth and FM drivers · “Out of the box” connectivity through pre-validated use-cases and drivers optimized for power and throughput |
Portable form factor | · Battery powered platform replicates a real-world eBook reader environment · Portable design supports all typical eBook display sizes |
Supports new and unique use cases | · OMAP platform delivers support for advanced multimedia features including EPD and color screens, as well as high quality video as future eBook designs advance · Feature rich, text-to-speech (TTS) capability · FM transmit allows user to stream audio eBook or TTS to car radio while driving · FM receive allows user to listen to radio while reading · Bluetooth enables user to stream audio eBook or radio to Bluetooth headset or car radio while driving |
Availability
The OMAP3621 processor, designed for high-volume consumer electronics OEMs and ODMs, is currently sampling. The eBook development platform is available today for high-volume eBook manufacturers. These solutions are not available through distributors. Samples of the TPS6518x can be ordered via www.ti.com/tps65180-pr. Volume production is expected in the first quarter.
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