Compact Flash (CF) Host Controller for Mobile Devices - QuickLogic

QuickLogic has released Compact Flash (CF) host controller, integrated programmable connectivity solution portfolio,  targeted to mobile device applications.

The new Compact Flash host controller acts as a companion device to the application processor, enabling connectivity to a host of Compact Flash devices on the market. It preserves the investment made in Compact Flash peripherals by consumers while allowing them to take advantage of the more powerful emerging application processors.

Compact Flash was introduced in 1994 initially as an interface to flash data card storage. Over time, it has been enhanced to support micro hard disk drives and peripheral devices such as Wi-Fi, Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Scanner modules. Although Secure Digital (SD) card has gained more popularity due to its simpler interface, Compact Flash is still required for devices such as Enterprise PDAs, Portable Industrial ePOS, and high-end digital cameras.

The Compact Flash host controller solution supports the CF+ specification including memory, data storage, I/O and True IDE mode. It can be configured to work with Compact Flash memory cards, micro hard disk drives and a broad range of I/O peripherals. The processor interface implemented in the programmable fabric allows seamless connection to a variety of applications processors, enabling developers to quickly add Compact Flash to their mobile designs.

The Compact Flash host controller is the latest addition to QuickLogic's Customer Specific Standard Product (CSSP) offerings, all of which reduce design time and risk by embedding high performance fixed-logic with a programmable fabric. The fixed-logic portion of the CSSP enables designers to optimize the product BOM cost and battery life, while still providing the flexibility to customize the programmable fabric portion to suit their individual product requirements. The Compact Flash solution can be integrated into QuickLogic's PolarPro, Eclipse II, and ArcticLink product families.

Price: under $2 in high volume.

More info: QuickLogic’s Compact Flash Host Controller for Mobile Device