Beijing-based Vimicro has announced an ARM-based system-on-chip (SoC) intended for low-cost Linux-based smartphones. Built on a 0.13 micron process, the VC0818 offers a variety of multimedia features, supports three-megapixel camera sensors, and is available with a complete development platform, Vimicro says.

(Click here for a larger view of Vimicro's Vinno-III)

The VCO818, also known as the Vinno-III, is based on an ARM926EJ core running at up to 216MHz. Its 0.13-micron process, “advanced design flow,” and “multi-power architecture” make its power consumption low, according to Vimicro.

A block diagram of the Vinno-III
Touted multimedia features include hardware decoding of VGA-resolution MPEG-4 video at 30 frames per second, and support for 3GP-format video encoding and TV output.

Features and specifications listed by Vimicro for the Vinno-III include:

• ARM928EJ core running at up to 216MHz
  
• 0.13-micron process construction
  
• High-quality stereo DAC (90dB S/N ratio) and ADC; headphone power amp
  
• MPEG-4 decoding, up to 30fps @ VGA resolution
  
• 3GP recording and playback
  
• MP3/WMA/AAC/aacPlus audio decoding
  
• AMR-NB voice codec with bitrate control
  
• SD/MMC/NAND flash storage interface
  
• USB 2.0
  
• TV out

Part of the Vinno-Win development board, with Vinno-III SoC
(Click to enlarge)
The Vinno-III is also available integrated into Vinno-Linux and Vinno-Win development boards (pictured above). Although only brief details of the boards were provided, they include slots for RAM and flash memory, plus interfaces that support a QVGA touchscreen, 3-megapixel camera, and USB connectivity. Vinno-Linux supports MontaVista Linux, and Vinno-Win supports Windows Mobile, according to Vimicro.

Vimicro did not provide pricing or availability information for the Vinno-III products.

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