EPSON introduces 32-bit RISC microprocessors with Nancy Codec

EDP Weekly's IT Monitor, Dec 9, 2002

EPSON Electronics America (EEA) has announced it has equipped the S1C33 family of 32-bit RISC microprocessors with built-in Nancy Codec, a real-time video image processing technology developed by Tokyo-based Office Noa Inc.

In addition to shrinking customer product design cycles, S1C33-based total system solutions with integrated Nancy Codec middleware enable customers to build mobile phones, PDAs and other mobile devices with video image recording/playback, video mail and TV phone functions.

Conventional real-time video image processing technology requires a high-speed CPU and dedicated processing chips, which take up space and increase power consumption. In contrast, Nancy Codec is a software solution that does not require a high-speed CPU or dedicated processing chips and that can be integrated into a small-sized hardware package.

The development of S1C33-based systems with Nancy Codec enables EPSON to achieve real-time video processing. Nancy Codec compliant software, or middleware, has also been optimized for the S1C33 family. Now with the implementation of Nancy Codec, available in EPSON's new S1C33209, compact mobile devices can be equipped with real-time video processing, previously impossible due to hardware size and power consumption constraints.

As a development tool for Nancy Codec, EPSON will provide a small, lightweight test board equipped with image I/Os to be used when testing a camera and LCD panel, and audio I/Os for a microphone and speakers. The test board facilitates users in developing their own products with video image handling functions. EPSON continues its effort to develop a system solution to maximize the capability of Nancy Codec with the minimum system configuration (see accompanying system configuration block diagram).

Nancy Codec, developed by Office Noa, is the world's smallest, most error-resistant software-only solution for video compression/decompression. The Nancy Codec solution easily records and stores video images, allowing them to be enjoyed anytime, anywhere. With real-time data compression and decompression, recorded images can immediately be sent as video mail. The Nancy file format also enables real-time encryption.

S1C33 family is EPSON's original 32-bit RISC CPU. It has a wide range of peripheral functions, including high-speed DMA, multi-channel SIO, programmable timer, PLL, prescaler along with additional functionality. High-speed operation and low-power consumption make the S1C33 family a great fit for printers and other office equipment, as well as for PDAs, electronic games and other mobile devices.

As these chips also come with a built-in A/D converter and PWM timer, they can be combined with middleware to provide audio and other digital signal processing on a single chip. All functions are included in EPSON's S1C33209, which is the first in the family to be manufactured.