ChipWrights Solves Video and Power Performance Issues for Netbook Developers

CWvX Visual Signal Processor (ViSP) Technology Provides Low-Power, High-Performance Solution

Bedford, MA - April 21, 2009 -- ChipWrights, Inc. - part of AD Group - touts its multi-core CW5631 SoC as the optimal solution for netbook developers struggling to implement successful web video and Linux® support without driving costs sky-high. The CW5631 is an ARM processor-based SoC that achieves excellent video performance at cost-effective price and power points; it also combines a CWv16 ViSP (SIMD processor with sixteen 32-bit parallel processor datapaths) and a RISC Serial Application Processor.

The CW5631 performs MPEG4 decode at 720p30 and H.264 decode at 480p30, which is "perfect" for netbooks that play video, says Cary Robins, President of ChipWrights. The chip supports video decode of MPEG 1/2/4, H.264 (AVC), MJPEG, WMV 7/8, H263+, FLV (Flash H263 Variant), and audio decode of MPEG1 Audio Layer 2/3, AC-3, AAC, Vorbis, WMA V1/V2, ADPCM, G.276. Its embedded ARM processor runs the Linux kernel and libraries layered on top of that.

A fully-featured EclipseT IDE for both the ARM and ViSP processors allows easy code development and debugging. Reference code is provided for a fully operational Linux Media Player solution, based on 2.6.29 Kernel, with a number of IPTV example applications, including IP VOD players, with full support for Wi-Fi and other peripherals over either SDIO or USB. The package also includes a QT framework as well for easy porting of existing mobile and portable solutions.

"The highly-efficient ARM and ViSP combined core provides opportunities for high quality video performance, as well as unbeatable power consumption - delivering full D1 video for around 1W", says Robins.

The CW5631 SoC is designed for multi-purpose applications that require rapid digital imaging processing, small size, and low power consumption. The CW5631 is optimized to handle large volumes of streaming data while providing a scalable and programmable platform. The chip combines a CWv16 ViSP (SIMD processor with sixteen 32-bit parallel processor datapaths), a RISC Serial Application Processor, and an ARM926EJ-S RISC processor for control operations. It also features streaming video input and output ports, composite/S-video/VGA analog video outputs, USB 2.0 OTG, I2S audio, Compact Flash, Secure Digital/MMC card, and 10/100 Ethernet interfaces, in addition to other SoC features. This makes the CW5631 an ideal platform for portable or embedded digital media products.

For more information on ChipWrights please visit www.chipwrights.com.

About ChipWrights

ChipWrights - part of AD Group - is a fabless semiconductor company that designs and develops breakthrough video processing technology to reproduce lifelike imagery. Our programmable Visual Signal Processor (ViSP) architecture is targeted at the insatiable demand for increased performance, programmability and flexibility in emerging video and audio applications. For more information please visit www.chipwrights.com.

About AD Group

AD Group with its headquarters in Warrington, England, was established in 1997, its primary objective being to create and bring to market leading edge CCTV solutions. The pioneering nature of the Group's products, with the emphasis very much on R&D, has undoubtedly been a critical element in AD's success to date.
The principal shareholder of AD is Mike Newton who founded UK CCTV giant Dedicated Micros in 1982. In 2001 Dedicated Micros became an integral part of AD Group. Since that time all AD companies have been able to take advantage of a shared technology base, offering the potential for flexible CCTV solutions on the ground, in the air and on the move. Members of AD Group include: AD Aerospace, AD Aviation, AD Network Video, ChipWrights, Dennard, Dedicated Micros, D-Tec, ISD, RemGuard, TSS and TES. More information on AD Group is available at www.ad-group.co.uk.