Broadcom Breaks Into Applications Processor Market

Broadcom Corp. has announced its entry into the applications processor market with the launch of the BCM2820 application processor. Optimized for high-volume markets, the chip combines a VideoCore multimedia processor and an ARM11 applications processor, operating under the umbrella of Linux. Multimedia features include support for an 8-Mpixel camera, MPEG-4/H.264 VGA video decoding at 30 fps, video encoding at 30 fps, and NTSC/PAL TV output via composite, component, and S-video interfaces. The VideoCore video-processing engine ensures the device's software compatibility with all members of the BCM27xx family. The programmability of VideoCore technology allows developers to program or re-program different applications in software. The ARM11 core serves as the host processor and runs at speeds up to 300 MHz; however, when working with up to 6 billion instructions per second of multimedia processing in the VideoCore processor, it typically runs at less than 200 MHz. The BCM2820 runs as low as 10 MHz during full H.264 video playback, thereby enabling lower power consumption. Price for the BCM2820 is $15 each/10,000. BROADCOM CORP., Irvine, CA. (949) 450-8700.