Atmel Introduces Industry's First Multi-Format Integrated DVD Chipset to Significantly Reduce Design Time and Lower Overall System Costs
Designed to Function as a Total System, Eliminating the Dozen or So Additional "Glue" Components Usually Required in Traditional Designs
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 22, 2002--
Atmel® Corporation (Nasdaq:ATML - News) introduced today a fully
functional DVD chipset with embedded microcontrollers. Allowing the
system designer to take advantage of totally integrated functionality
while supporting all DVD and CD Writeable and Re-Writeable standards
currently in use. Traditional solutions have resulted in interface and
control components being located separately on the same circuit board,
whereas Atmel's total solution chipset reduces board space and
minimizes design time by combining 5 component elements with embedded
ARM7TDMI® and AVR® microcontrollers to provide superior
performance and programmability. These components include an Interface
Controller, AT78C1501, a Servo System AT78C1502, a Read Channel
AT78C1503, a Laser Power Controller AT78C1504 and its adjunct device
the AT78C1507 providing all of the controls and features necessary to
enable fast product design. Firmware is also provided.
The chipset has been designed to function as a total system,
eliminating the dozen or so additional "glue" components usually
required in traditional designs, to combine components from multiple
suppliers. This further reduces design complexity, board space and
power consumption. Using the chipset, drive designers can accomplish
the entire electronic package in as little as 5000 square mm, a
dramatic reduction from the 20000 sq. mm typically required in
traditional multi-supplier implementations. The chipset interfaces
seamlessly with Atmel's T08XX series of Laser Drivers, typically
deployed with the laser on the Optical Pickup Unit (OPU).
The Interface Controller, AT78C1501, contains ARM and AVR
microcontrollers, buffer management, Error Correction Code (ECC) and
Encoder/Decoder (ENDEC) for DVD and CD. Also included is a Writeable
Control Store for timing generation and an on-board frequency
synthesizer to generate system frequencies from one crystal.
ATA66/ATAPI66 and I2S interfaces are provided.
The Servo System, AT78C1502, provides all of the control
requirements for DVD and CD mechanisms including programmable control
for coarse and fine tracking, focus, sled, draw motor and tilt. Three
parallel programmable AVR microcontrollers are the heart of the system
providing a range of servo sample rates. Real time notch filters can
also be calculated.
The Read Channel solution, AT78C1503 with AT78C1507 adjunct
device, programmable through a serial port, is fully featured for all
standards.
AT78C1504 is a pre-programmed automatic device for controlling the
write and read pulses to a Laser Diode Power Amplifier. All of the
present DVD and CD write strategies are provided in the device,
included also is Automatic Power Control (APC) and Optimum Power
Control (OPC). Though the device is pre-programmed, it is possible
through a serial interface to adjust pulse timing, width and
amplitude. Five DACs are provided to individually control the Laser
Diode Power Amplifier. Packaging for inclusion on the PCBA or on the
OPU is available.
John Read, storage products business unit manager, explained. "The
DVD chipset is a result of intense collaboration within Atmel to
provide the DVD system engineer with a solution that will
significantly reduce design time and lower overall system costs." He
continued, "Because all the component elements are manufactured by
Atmel, we are in the unique position to help drive the industry to
continue producing smaller, more efficient end products."
Samples of all devices, system development boards and firmware are
now available with prices starting at $20 in quantities of 200K sets
per month and sample sets of $35. PQFP packaging is standard and
others are available.
About Atmel
Founded in 1984, Atmel Corporation is headquartered in San Jose,
Calif., with manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe.
Atmel designs, manufactures and markets worldwide, advanced logic,
mixed-signal, nonvolatile memory and RF semiconductors. Atmel is also
a leading provider of system-level integration semiconductor solutions
using CMOS, BiCMOS, SiGe, and high-voltage BCDMOS process
technologies.
Information
Atmel's DVD Chipset product information may be retrieved at:
www.atmel.com. For more information on the Chip solution family
members, go to: http://www.atmel.com/atmel/products/prod308.htm.
Note to Editors: Atmel, the Atmel logo and combinations thereof
and others contained herein, are trademarks of Atmel Corporation.
Terms and product names in this document may be the trademarks of
others.
Contact:
Atmel
John Read, 719/491-5030
(storage products business unit manager)
jread@cso.atmel.com
Vicki McCann, 719/540-1724
(marcom manager/USA)
vmccann@cso.atmel.com
Veronique Sablereau, +33 1 30 60 70 68
(corporate communications manager/Europe)
veronique.sablereau@atmel.com
