COMMUNICATION SOLUTIONS

Single Chip Integrates Common Interfaces Required by RISC Processors

Toshiba’s TC86C001FG RISC microprocessor companion chip allows engineers to rapidly and cost-effectively add many common interfaces to embedded multimedia and networking designs. This single IC implements PCI, USB, ATA/ATAPI, I²C and UART interfaces for new designs, whilst offering a simple, low-cost upgrade route for existing applications.



The device is particularly suited to applications in which storing, processing and communicating large volumes of digital content is important. It is designed as a companion chip for modern, high-performance RISC microprocessors that incorporate a PCI interface, and significantly simplifies the connection of a wide variety of components and peripherals including Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), memory storage cards, printers, terminals, and any other devices that make use of these ‘de-facto’ standard interfaces.

The TC86C001FG’s integrated 3.3V, 32-bit, 33MHz PCI interface is fully compliant with revision 2.2 of the PCI Local Bus specification. An ATA/ATAPI-66 host controller provides the common interface needed for connection of HDDs, CD/DVD drives and CF cards, and delivers a single channel for up to two devices (master/slave).

The USB host controller is fully compatible with USB specification version 1.1 and offers two USB ports that support device bandwidths of 12Mbytes/s (USB 2.0 full-speed) and 1.5Mbytes/s (low-speed). An over-current detector protects the USB bus from abnormal current overload. Also USB 1.1-compliant, the integrated USB device controller offers USB 2.0 full-speed USB data transfer and supports control transfer, bulk transfer and interrupt transfer. Printer, image and mass storage device classes are all supported by this interface.

Finally, the on-chip serial interface controller provides a single-channel I²C bus and a single-channel full duplex UART, or a maximum of five GPIO pins. By using the I²C bus, engineers can reduce the number of wires used to connect to other boards and minimise the connections on the PCB when connecting further peripherals such as audio/video ICs.

In addition to the IC itself, Toshiba is also offering a number of support tools. These include dedicated, Linux-based reference designs for digital audio/video solutions, and development boards based on Toshiba’s own RISC processors. A PCI-based development board (RBHPE4300) allows fast implementation in existing systems with a free PCI slot. Application notes and example code for the programming of the companion chip’s interfaces are also available.

Features

• Companion chip providing multiple interface standards
• 3.3V, 32-bit, 33MHz PCI 2.2-compliant interface
• ATA/ATAPI-66 host controller
• USB 1.1 host controller
  • Two ports
  • 12Mbytes/s and 1.5Mbytes/s
  • Over-current protection
  • Power management mode
• USB 1.1-compliant device controller
  • USB 2.0 full-speed data transfer
  • Control, bulk and interrupt transfer
• SIO controller
  • Single-channel I²C bus and a single-channel full-duplex UART
  • Optionally up to five GPIO pins
• 2.5V core, 3.3V I/O operation
• 144-pin QFP

Applications

• PVRs and STBs
• Information appliances
• Home gateways
• Routers
• Printers
• Desktop PCs
• WiFi access points

For further information, including a copy of the Toshiba Microcomputer Guide, please click here