Configurable processor cores power printer engine

Seiko Epson Corp uses Tensilica's Xtensa family of configurable processor cores in its new Realoid printer engine chip.

Seiko Epson Corp has signed a long-term, multiyear licence to use Tensilica's Xtensa family of configurable processor cores in its new Realoid printer engine chip.

The first generation Realoid chip is used in Epson's latest photo-capable inkjet printers and multifunction printers (MFPs), including the newly announced Colorio PM series MFPs.

The Epson Stylus Photo R380 ultra-high-definition Realoid-based printer is now available in the USA.

The strategic relationship also includes next-generation Realoid designs.

Epson's engineers added Tensilica Instruction Extensions (TIE ) to customise several different Xtensa LX processors, each for a unique step in the inkjet image processing chain.

By using unique features of the Xtensa LX processor which allow direct high-speed datacommunications between the processors and thereby avoid the time delays of bus-based data traffic, Epson's engineers were able to reduce the time required to print a single page to less than a third of that required by previous generation inkjet printers.

These new printers can print borderless 4 x 6 photos as fast as the highest printing speed for black and white text.

"By optimising each Xtensa LX processor for a specific embedded imaging function, we achieved performance vastly exceeding that of standard processor cores, allowing us to use processors directly in our image processing data path", stated Katsuhiko Nishizawa, General Manager of the IJP Design Department of Epson's Imaging Products Operations Division.

"By using preverified Xtensa processors instead of traditional RTL methods of implementing the image processing datapath, we completed the design of the Realoid chip with less than half the development costs of previous chips".

"And because these processors are programmable, this Realoid chip will be valuable for future products and applications".

"The Realoid chip provides a great example of the tremendous advantage of both our direct queue interfaces to stream data between processors and the power of TIE to create application-specific processors with RTL-like performance characteristics, allowing our processors to be used in SoC designs to provide greater flexibility at RTL-equivalent speeds", stated Chris Rowen, Tensilica's President and CEO.

Future Realoid designs will utilise significant numbers of Xtensa LX and future cores not only for the printer's imaging engine but also for other very rich multimedia features such as networking, security, DTV connection and printing.

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