Arasan Chip Systems Releases a SDIO neX Software Stack to Optimize Performance and Reliability

Arasan Ships SDIO neX, a Next Generation Software Stack for SDIO IP

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- May 10, 2007 -- Arasan Chip Systems, Inc. (“Arasan”), a leading supplier of reusable Intellectual Property (IP) cores, software, semiconductors and design services, today announced its is shipping its next generation SDIO software stack called SDIO neX. SDIO neX supports SD, SDIO and MMC cards with multiple host slots running on the SDIO Host and SDIO Device Controller IP from Arasan. An enhanced version supports the MMC 4.2 Card and CE-ATA micro-drive standards running on the SDIO Combo Controller IP. The stack uses and entirely new architecture designed for maximum throughput and low CPU overhead. Throughput over the SD Bus has limited the adoption of the standard in high speed applications. SDIO neX software will eliminate this bottleneck. The stack is fully compliant with the Standard SD host Controller Specification Version 2.00 from the SD Association with support for Advanced DMA 2. The software stack is optimized to work with the SDIO Host and SDIO Device IP from Arasan. The stack and bus driver are fully compatible with Linux Kernel 2.6 and can be ported easily to other embedded Operating Systems (OS) like ThreadX and VxWorks running on different processor platforms.

“Software is an important element of our Total Technology Solution,” said Kevin Walsh, Vice President of Marketing for Arasan. “Our new SDIO neX gives customers the next generation of efficiency that they need to bring up the rich set of applications supported by SDIO for mobile devices which need to deliver maximum throughput with low CPU overhead when used with our SDIO Host and SDIO Device Controller IP.”

SDIO neX supports the high throughput capabilities necessary when using SDIO with Ultra Wide Band (UWB) and WiMax embedded applications. The code can be compiled in these applications producing better throughput and requiring fewer threads to the OS. The result is the best performance in a compact implementation. The stack may be licensed by vendors developing platforms for products like cellular handsets, multi media devices, gaming platforms and other consumer products who wish to have SDIO support. The deliverables include the source code to the stack, technical documentation and one year of support.

Arasan offers custom porting services for SDIO neX for OS. These OS include Nucleus, ThreadX, µITRON, and VxWorks. Arasan works closely with customers who need customizations for their particular applications. The software is shipped in object form with our Hardware Design Kit (HDK) for SDIO. This kit can be purchased separately. The SDIO neX stack is tuned to work with the SDIO Host, SDIO Device IP and the SDIO Combo IP, which supports CE-ATA as well, all from Arasan.

Arasan is the leading provider of the SDIO Host IP Core and the SDIO Device IP core with over 100 licenses sold to date to companies like Intel, Toshiba, LSI Logic, and HP.

Total Technology Solution

Arasan provides a Total Technology Solution to all its licensees including IP source code, a test environment, sample device drivers, synthesis scripts, and complete technical documentation. The Total Technology Solution also includes optional Product Design Development tools like the Hardware Validation Platform and Software targeted for Linux. Custom bus integration services are offered to integrate the IP in a customer specific manner.

Arasan’s Validation Platform is a stand-alone board with used for compliance testing of as well as prototyping, including driver development. The Validation Platform is the easiest way to prototype and to demonstrate compliance for customers. The Platform is available for purchase.

Pricing and Availability

Arasan’s SDIO Software is available immediately.

About Arasan

Arasan Chip Systems, Inc. founded in 1995, is a leading supplier of Reusable Intellectual Property (IP’s) cores, semiconductors and electronic design services. Arasan’s product portfolio is focused on Bus Interfaces and includes IP’s for USB 1.1 & 2.0, PCI, SDIO and CE-ATA technologies. Arasan’s products and services enable businesses to develop and leverage product design and development. Arasan Chip Systems has been an executive member of SD Card Association since 2001, MMCA since 2003, CE-ATA and MIPI since 2004. Arasan is headquartered in San Jose, California, with design centers in India and support options available in Taiwan, China & Europe.
Visit: www.arasan.com for more product information.

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