STMicroelectronics (STM) has released three new chips in its Nomadik family of multimedia-oriented system-on-chip (SoC) processors. The STn8810/11/12 run Linux and target mobile applications requiring multimedia playback and audio/visual communications, such as mobile phones, wireless PDAs, Internet appliances, and automotive infotainment systems.

All three devices maintain software compatibility with their predecessor, the STn8800, according to STM. The STn8810 succeeds the STn8800 with improved video and audio performance, advanced power management features, and a comprehensive security framework to protect sensitive data. On top of these enhancements, the STn8811 and STn8812 provide greater amounts of on-chip SDRAM and NAND Flash.

Nomadik Block Diagram
(Click image for larger view)
The STn8810 is based on a 264- to 350-MHz ARM926EJ processor with smart video and audio accelerators, and an advanced power management unit. These features combine to encode or decode 30 frame/second VGA-resolution MPEG-4, H.263, and H.264 video, as well as 5-Mpixel JPEG images and 24-bit audio with noise reduction, echo canceling, stereo enhancements, and surround effects, according to the company. Other multimedia features of the STn8810 include built-in 3D software and a comprehensive audio library.

STM says that the STn8810's security framework includes SHA-1 and DES/3DES hardware accelerators, antitamper protection, secure boot loader, a true random-number generator, secured watchdog timer, and unique die identification.

The devices support a wide array of peripheral interfaces including simultaneous TV and color LCD outputs and a camera input, a high-speed (12-Mb/s) USB On-The-Go (OTG) port and a MultiMediaCard, SD Card, and SDIO controller.

The STn8810 is priced at $15 in quantities of 10,000. Samples are available now, with production quantities expected in Q3 2005, according to the company.

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