App sol'n interfaces modem chipsets

QuickLogic Corp. has introduced an application solution for the PolarPro platform family that connects SDIO port(s) to Qualcomm modem chipsets. The solution gives mobile and handheld device designers an easy-to-use alternative to common interfaces such as USB ports, the company stated.

Many mobile device architectures use PHY-based USB for device-to-device connectivity, including application processor-to-cellular modem chipsets. The SDIO interface is a lower power, lower cost solution that requires less software overhead. QuickLogic's application solution enables the use of SDIO ports on application processors, from companies such as Freescale, Marvell, MediaTek, Nvidia and Texas Instruments to connect to the EBI2 interface of Qualcomm's modem chipsets. QuickLogic also provides software drivers that enable the solution to work with the Linux OS.

"The SDIO to EBI2 client application solution was developed based on strong market demand to connect application processors directly to Qualcomm modem chipsets via a non-USB interface," said Mehul Kochar, senior business development manager for QuickLogic. "Today's mobile device designers must always take into consideration cost, power consumption and ease of use in order to stay competitive. As SDIO interfaces gain in popularity, designers need flexible connectivity solutions that facilitate the design process and enhance the user experience."