Transmeta's Crusoe processor chosen by Densitron for use in new embedded single board computer

EDP Weekly's IT Monitor, Feb 2, 2004

Transmeta Corporation (NASDAQ:TMTA), a leader in efficient computing, and Densitron Technologies, the display and computer products specialist, has announced that the Transmeta Crusoe processor will be used on the new Densitron Technologies DPX-114 Single Board Computer (SBC). The DPX-114 is specifically designed for a wide range of embedded applications that require high-security, a small footprint and high-performance. The DPX-114 is optimized for use in a variety of deployments such as ATMs, telecommunications, ticketing, vending machines, POS kiosks, video slot machines and various multimedia gaming applications.

Launched as part of the new Densitron ConnectBus II platform, the DPX-114 provides the OEM with a turnkey solution for the creation of embedded SBC devices. Based on the Transmeta Crusoe processor, the DPX-114 offers a full range of performance starting at a 667MHz model with optional graphics, up to a 1GHz model that incorporates MOBILITY RADEON graphics technology by ATI. The latter enables high-end graphics with extended capabilities such as the ability to run dual independent displays, wide-format displays, digital LCD and plasma screens.

The Transmeta Crusoe microprocessor, used in conjunction with an industry standard Trusted Platform Module (TPM) solution, enables the high level of onboard security necessary for use in certain markets such as automated banking and the multimedia gaming industry. Specific functions include the Data Encryption Standard (DES) for encryption and decryption, secure key storage and Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA) acceleration. These functions allow the system to lock the software down to the hardware platform, thereby protecting the code against theft or cheating and preventing software piracy.

"We are excited that the Crusoe line of processors is now available to additional markets with the introduction of Densitron's new single board computer," said Arthur L. Swift, senior vice president of marketing at Transmeta. "Pairing the low power, small footprint and high-performance Crusoe processor with the high-security features implemented by Densitron in the DPX-114 makes this new single board computer well suited for use in the automated banking industry, vending machines, video slot machines and various other embedded applications."

In addition to its security and performance features, the DPX-114 is capable of running processor-intensive multimedia applications such as MPEG4 or MPEG2 video while using less than ten watts of power. It also features an accelerated PCI wavetable polyphonic sound controller with 4-channel Line level outputs offering impressive sound capabilities. The DPX-114 includes a versatile expansion bus (DirectPC) that allows a wide range of I/O configurations through Densitron or customer specific I/O cards. Other features include two serial ports, four USB ports, a PCI Bus Master 10/100Base-TX Ethernet controller and support for up to 512MB DDR SDRAM.

"We have produced a winning product combination by building the Transmeta Crusoe into our new single board computer platform," said Nick Jarmany, technology director at Densitron. "The Crusoe processor-based DPX-114 makes sound economic sense for any manufacturer designing new equipment. It provides an efficient, high-performance platform with great multimedia capabilities on which our customers can build the next generation of embedded single board computer related devices."