Benefits

Unmatched price/performance-Third-generation SIMD parallel processing architecture

Flexible platform-Software development kit that enables OEMs to rapidly deploy their intellectual property

Fast time-to-market-Complete suite of customizable image pipelines

Superior image quality-Advanced image processing algorithms

Cost-effective solution-Embedded memory and small package ideal for high-volume, lowcost MFP

High-Performance Imaging Platform

Low-cost MFPs are advancing at an increasingly rapid rate. In addition to improved performance and lower price, new functions such as digital photo printing, color fax, Internet fax, and higher quality copying are making MFPs more compelling to consumers, and quickly making current models obsolete. To implement this growing list of functions with ever shorter time-to-market, MFP designers need a programmable, high-performance imaging platform.
The PM-44ix is that platform.

Advanced Parallel Architecture

A single PM-44ix delivers up to 16 color inkjet or 30 monochrome laser copies per minute. The PM-44ix achieves its impressive performance by processing image data in parallel. The PM-44ix is based on Zoran’s advanced DSP single instruction, multiple data (SIMD) parallel processing architecture. The DSP SIMD architecture takes advantage of the parallelism inherent in image data by processing columns of an image in parallel. Conventional DSPs, based on very long instruction word (VLIW) parallel processing architectures, attempt to take advantage of the parallelism hidden in sequential code. For image processing applications, the DSP SIMD architecture achieves a much higher degree of parallelism and, as a result, provides superior price/performance.
The PM-44ix contains four symmetric parallel pipelined processors that together deliver 3,700 MIPS and 930 MMACS.

Advanced Memory Architecture

The PM-44ix’s advanced memory architecture boosts performance and lowers cost. The PM-44ix employs three different types of memory:

2 Kbyte instruction memory

64 Kbyte high-speed embedded SRAM

Up to 64 Mbytes of external SDRAM

Data is transferred between the memories using programmable DMA controllers.

The PM-44ix’s instruction memory ensures single-cycle instruction execution.

The PM-44ix’s high-speed embedded SRAM provides high bandwidth for memory-intensive image processing algorithms. The PM-44ix’s processors operate directly on data stored in this memory.

An integrated controller provides an interface to low-cost external SDRAM that can be used as a large buffer for input, output, or intermediate image data.

PM-44ix Development Environment

The PM-44ix is programmed in the DSP algebraic assembly language. Code is written in a simple C-like syntax. The following example of 3x1 matrix multiplication shows how each of the three input values is extracted from registers containing packed data, multiplied by the appropriate coefficient, accumulated into a result, and inserted into register containing packed data.

RZ = LA = EXT(mM3x1InWord1) * mM3x1Coeff1;

RZ = LA = EXT(mM3x1InWord2) * mM3x1Coeff2 + LA;

mM3x1OutWord = LI = INS(EXTI(mM3x1InWord3) *
mM3x1Coeff3 + LA, LI);

The PM-44ix programming environment contains all the tools needed to program the PM-44ix:

DSP Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

DSP Library

PM-44ix Evaluation Board

Color Inkjet and Monochrome Laser Solution

The PM-44ix is ideal for both color inkjet and monochrome laser MFPs. The PM-44ix performs all the image processing required in a MFP, eliminating the need for dedicated image processing or compression silicon.

Flexible Integration

The PM-44ix can be easily integrated into a variety of peripheral controllers. Design features include:

Internal phase-locked loop (PLL) for generating PM-44ix’s clock from a lower-frequency external signal

Simple host CPU interface for use with any standard processor

Flexible input and output ports with Burst, Video Burst, and Single DMA modes

Easily daisy-chained for configurations with multiple PM-44ix’s

Key Features

3,700 MIPS and 930 MMACS

4 parallel pipelined processors

225 MHz internal clock

Up to 16 color inkjet copies per minute

Up to 30 monochrome laser copies per minute

Internal 64 Kbyte high-speed data memo

Interface to external SDRAM–up to 64 Mbytes

Flexible input, output, and host CPU ports

Programmed in iDSP algebraic assembly language

DSP Integrated Development Environment

Code-compatible with PM-44i

128-pin LQFP

1.8 Volt supply with 3.3 Volt TTL-compatible I/O

PM-44ix Inkjet MFP

$149-$399 retail price

Standalone high-quality color copying

• 600 dpi scanning
• 1200 dpi printing
• 8 ppm color normal mode
• 16 ppm color fast mode
• Copy speed equal to print speed

Standalone color and monochrome faxing

Standalone digital photo printing