QuickLogic Develops Power-Efficient Qualcomm Modem Chipset-Application Processor Connectivity Solution

• Connection between the Qualcomm modem chipset with the EBI2 interface and the application processor with the SDIO interface
• Realization of low-cost, low-power solutions to replace USB-based interfaces

November 10, 2011 – QuickLogic Corporation (NASDAQ: QUIK), a leader in low-power Customer Specific Standard Products (CSSP), announced the development of a new application solution for the PolarPro® platform family that connects the SDIO ports of application processors to the EBI2 interface of Qualcomm modem chipsets. This new application solution enables mobile and portable device designers to use an affordable, low-power, and easy-to-use solution instead of common interfaces such as USB ports.

Many mobile device architectures use PHY-based USB for connecting devices, including application processors and cellular modem chipsets. The SDIO interface is characterized as a low-cost solution due to lower power consumption and less software overhead compared to PHY-based USB ports, which consume more power than necessary for device-to-device connections.

QuickLogic's new application solution enables connection to the EBI2 interface of Qualcomm modem chipsets using the SDIO ports of application processors from vendors such as Freescale, Marvell, MediaTek, Nvidia, and TI (Texas Instruments). QuickLogic also provides software drivers to ensure that this solution works well with the Linux OS.

Mehul Kochar, Senior Business Development Manager at QuickLogic, said, “The SIDO - EBI2 client application solution was developed in response to high market demand for directly connecting application processors to Qualcomm modem chipsets without using a USB interface. Today’s mobile device designers must always prioritize cost, power consumption, and ease of use to remain competitive. As the SDIO interface becomes increasingly popular in the industry, designers need flexible connectivity solutions that can streamline the design process while enhancing the user experience.”

Product supply
The SDIO - EBI2 client application solution is available for immediate purchase and is implemented in the PolarPro product family, provided in the smallest 3.25mm x 3.49mm WLCSP package currently available. For more information on QuickLogic's CSSP features and platform, please refer to http://www.quicklogic.com/cssp-solution-overview/ .