Core creates compact set-top-box SoCs

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Dec 21, 2007

Taiwan-based ALi Corporation has licensed the customisable MIPS32 24KEc Pro core for advanced multimedia designs.

One of the world's leading consumer IC companies, ALi is using the power-efficient MIPS-verified MIPS32 24KEc Pro processor in SoCs targeting digital entertainment devices, including portable media players (PMPs) and set-top boxes (STBs).

"Consumers want entertainment devices that combine superior features with cost- and power-efficiency", says May Wang, spokesperson at ALi Corporation.

"Our challenge is to deliver intuitive designs that integrate outstanding performance and low power with the smallest die size".

"Working with MIPS Technologies gives us the flexibility to design highly differentiated solutions that outstrip the competition".

"A recent example is the MIPS-enabled STB chipset for the USA Couple-Eligible convertor Box (CECB) programme, which has already been adopted by a customer and is among the first to be authorised by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)".

ALi joins an impressive list of international companies that are currently developing MIPS-based designs for digital home, networking, communications and portable entertainment applications - all markets where MIPS holds an impressive leadership position.

The rapid adoption of the MIPS architecture and cores has contributed to making the Greater China region the fastest-growing market for MIPS Technologies worldwide.

"We're delighted that ALi has chosen the 24KEc Pro core for the development of uniquely tailored SoC designs", says Brad Holtzinger, Vice President of Worldwide Sales at MIPS Technologies.

"Our combined expertise will allow ALi to sharpen its competitive edge and extend its considerable prominence around the world".

MIPS Pro Series cores give chip designers the flexibility to develop distinctive consumer applications that combine exceptional performance with superior area and power efficiency.

Leveraging the CorExtend capability, the ALi development team can add highly differentiated instructions and functionality to MIPS-based SoCs.