QuickLogic has introduced a PCI bridge for Intel's PXA27x (“Bulverde”) XScale chips targeting mobile multimedia devices. The uWatt Programmable Bridge lets designers interface PXA27x processors to PCI-based peripheral functions such as Wi-Fi, UWB, and USB 2.0, the company says. It targets handheld GPS, portable medical devices, VoWLAN PDAs, and smartphones.

Intel launched the PXA27x series in June of 2004, as a follow-up to the PXA255. Both chips target multimedia-enabled mobile devices, and are widely used in Linux PDAs and smartphones.

According to QuickLogic, the programmable uWatt bridge can be used to quickly add PCI-based peripherals, including a variety of Wi-Fi chipsets.

Scott Dunagan, Intel's director of marketing, said, “QuickLogic's programmable bridge addresses the near-term opportunity presented by the broad availability of 802.11a/b/g chipsets for portable and handheld consumer market segments such as VoWLAN phones, games, and medical devices.”

Kevin Yee, QuickLogic's Director of Business Development, said, “Our companion solution provides system performance at very low power, a void left unaddressed by traditional FPGA and CPLD solutions.”

QuickLogic's uWatt Programmable Bridge for the PXA27x is available now. The company also offers an 802.11a/b/g WI-Fi daughtercard for the chip that connects to Intel's PXA270-based “Mainstone” development board through the VLIO connector. Additionally, QuickLogic offers a Linux BSP (board-support package) for the Mainstone board.

 
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