o Perfect PIN compatibility and software compatibility with existing platform versions

September 4, 2014 – QuickLogic Corporation, a leader in ultra-low power Customer Specific Standard Products (CSSP), announced the new platform ArcticLink® 3 S2, the second CSSP solution in its Sensor Hub roadmap. The next-generation platform introduced this time features 4 times faster computational capacity, 4 times improved onboard algorithm capacity, and 8 times expanded sensor data buffer storage compared to the performance of the existing platform, while consuming 36% less power.

Key Technical Features of the ArcticLink 3 S2 Platform

 2nd Generation Flexible Fusion Engine (FFE) – Capable of processing more algorithms even faster at a speed 4 times faster than the previous generation.

 85% reduction in system-level power consumption compared to general sensor subsystems and 36% reduction in power consumption compared to the existing 1st generation platform

 Dual hardwired 32-bit multiplier for lowest power sensor algorithm computation function

 Increased memory capacity enables the storage of eight times more batched sensor events for longer periods between processor wake-ups, realizing reduced system power.

 Sensor and Host AppleHardwired SPI and I2C interfaces optimized for application processor or microcontroller (MCU) communication

 With an oscillator built into the chip, there is no need for an external clock source, enabling reduced Bill of Materials (BOM) costs and decreased PCB space required for sensor hubs.

 Programmable logic cells can be used to integrate functions such as infrared remote controls, LED control, and IrDA barcode transmission, eliminating the need for a separate MCU or mobile FPGA.

 It is PIN and software compatible with ArcticLink 3 S1, and provides full backward and forward compatibility for existing S1 users.

 Supports sensor algorithms developed in-house by QuickLogic or by third parties/OEMs using the Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and Flexible Fusion Engine Algorithm Tool (FFEAT).

Battery life is a critical requirement for sensor-based applications such as health and wellness, indoor navigation/Pedestrian Dead Reckoning (PDR), and gaming consoles. MCU technology is entirely based on software, which consumes more power than hardware. Furthermore, alternative technologies such as ASSPs lack the flexibility to adapt sensor hub algorithms to meet mobile requirements related to additional gesture and context-aware applications. QuickLogic's hardware-based solution offers significantly better power efficiency while providing the flexibility to add more sophisticated features through a programmable fabric. Therefore, by combining features such as increased memory, performance, and capacity with this proprietary architecture, the ArcticLink 3 S2 platform is ideally suited for implementing cutting-edge sensor-based applications for smartphones and wearable devices.

ArcticLink 3 S2 Gesture and Context-Aware Catalog CSSP

ArcticLink 3 S2 is available as CSSP and Catalog CSSP variants. Using the CSSP variants, OEMs can develop custom versions of the S2 and implement specific end products that meet industry-leading performance standards by choosing between QuickLogic's in-house or third-party/OEM-developed sensor algorithms. The first Catalog CSSP variant, called the ArcticLink 3 S2 Gesture and Context Recognition Catalog CSSP, is available for immediate use upon purchase as a complete package to support gesture recognition, such as tap-to-wake and rotate-to-wake. It also provides improved situation and critical motion detection capabilities, sensor calibration, and advanced pedometer features (including distinction between running, jogging, and walking, as well as step counts).

Brian Faith, Vice President of Worldwide Sales and Marketing at QuickLogic, stated, “Consumers are demanding more sophisticated sensor-based applications without compromising battery life. At the same time, OEMs are seeking sensor hub solutions that possess the hardware and algorithmic flexibility to accommodate future market requirements. QuickLogic’s new ArcticLink 3 S2 sensor hub fully meets these requirements with a comprehensive range of features, including ultra-low power consumption, high performance, design flexibility, and ease of integration. This enables developers to bring competitive solutions to market more quickly and easily, thereby increasing end-user satisfaction.”