Falanx Microsystems Demonstrates Desktop Graphics Programmability on Mobile Platforms at 3GSM

Programmable Mali200 with OpenGL ES 2.0 support pushes the envelope on performance and quality for the mobile multimedia handset

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Feb. 7, 2006 -- Falanx Microsystems, Inc. the premier developer of mobile graphics/video IP cores for System-on-Chip (SoC) semiconductor manufacturers today announced that they will be demonstrating their award-winning fully programmable Mali200 on mobile platforms in a private suite during 3GSM World Congress 2006 in Barcelona (February 13-16). Mali200's flexible and distinctive design delivers visually stunning graphics and video, can be easily customized to fit to virtually any platform -- from handsets to laptops and game systems, and is the first GPU to show off OpenGL ES 2.0 in FPGA hardware.

"The demand for high-performance video and graphics is increasing exponentially, whether it is a handheld device or on the desktop," said Borgar Ljosland, president and CEO of Falanx Microsystems. "Yet to achieve this type of performance would normally mean a considerable loss of battery life. Mali200's unique design solves this need."

"With the introduction of OpenGL ES 2.0, Mali200 is even more appealing," Ljosland added. "Mali200's full support of this new API means today's content developers are no longer constrained by the fixed-functions of OpenGL ES 1.1's limited programmability. Moreover, OpenGL ES 2.0's language specification is not hindered in any way, enabling the use of advanced 3D mediums available to create rich, life-like environments and characters while adding robust gaming capabilities to any multimedia device."

Excellence in Engineering -- A Complete Solution

Like the rest of the family of Mali IP cores, Mali200 pushes the envelope with its patent-pending single-pipeline 2D/3D/Video IP rasterizer core by going beyond 16X FSAA, delivering 30fps video recording and playback, and increasing bandwidth savings through the use of smart texture filtering and compressions techniques for the ultimate in visual quality.

The market reach of the Mali200 is further enhanced with the support of OpenGL ES 2.0. This new API, through the elimination of high-end functionality and reduction of redundancy, enables fully programmable shaders, while conserving power consumption and increasing speed in next-generation cell phones and embedded systems.

Falanx Microsystems' pre-verified, in-house developed software stack supports Java and C/C++ applications, with interoperability guaranteed through the support of standard APIs such as Microsoft DirectX9, Direct3D Mobile, OpenMax, OpenVG, OpenGL ES 1.1 and OpenGL ES 2.0.

Scalability is ensured by the fact that the software stack is the same no matter how many Mali200 IP cores are used, as is the quality of video and audio through the use of standard codecs such as MPEG-4, H.264 and WMV.

The industry has recognized Falanx for its patented graphics architectures. "Falanx' Mali mobile processors have been recognized as a technical breakthrough in the field of semiconductors and IP's and were recently awarded DesignCon's 2006 DesignVision Finalists Award," said Ljosland. "This award symbolizes Falanx' dedication and contribution to the mobile gaming community, and we are excited about giving 3GSM attendees the opportunity to witness the technology that will enable the next generation of seamlessly integrated media devices."

About Falanx

Falanx Microsystems develops graphics accelerator IP cores, marketed to semiconductor system-on-chip (SoC) vendors, that deliver high quality multimedia images without compromising performance, power consumption and system cost. Unlike most graphics IP cores, Falanx's Mali Graphics Core -- designed from the ground-up for mobile applications such as cell phones, PDAs and portable game platforms -- is the only graphics IP core offering a complete integration of 2D, 3D and video, plus software and interoperability drivers, in an all-in-one solution. Falanx is headquartered in Trondheim, Norway, and is privately-held. For more information about Falanx and the Mali IP Core Family, visit www.falanx.com.