STMicroelectronics introduces Nomadik multimedia processor chip

STMicroelectronics launched STn8800, the first Nomadik multimedia application
processor chip, which is fabricated in 130nm technology on 300mm (12")
wafers. It enables portable terminals such as mobile phones and personal digital
assistants to play music, take pictures, record video and host two-way visual
communication in real time.

Nomadik processor chips include interfaces for CMOS image sensors, wireless
connectivity, smart cards and other peripherals. Its application processor
architecture is scalable, allowing the addition of new features and also to be
implemented in reduced feature-set versions. It supports popular operating
systems for mobile devices including Symbian OS, Microsoft WinCE and Linux.

These devices are designed to be compliant with open standards. It offers
ultra-low power consumption, which is facilitated by the optimal partitioning of
the chip between hardware and software, combined with ST´s low-power CMOS
technology and low-power design know-how. This translates into longer battery
operation for consumers and performance scalability for product manufacturers.

The chips are based on the combination of an ARM926EJ CPU core together with
programmable ´smart accelerators´ that operate independently and concurrently,
to handle the key video and audio coding functions, including
pre/post-processing.

Nomadik offers a standard baseband modem interface to provide modem
independence for mobile phone applications.