QuickLogic intends to sample in Q1 2011 a new platform in its CSSP (Customer Specific Standard Product) line for device-to-device data transfer – a process QuickLogic calls sideloading.
Called the ArcticLink II CX family it transmits data from a phone to a tablet at nearly twice the speed of an iPad download, says QuickLogic.
The new CSSPs connect, via USB 2.0, a smartphone and a tablet. Other applications will be added next year.
The platform has a processor for native DRM management and an AES encryption block for data protection and security.
The chip supports the latest, fastest, flash technology with SDXC/eMMC 4.4 controllers.
QuickLogic’s platforms are fabbed by TSMC and Tower as generic family parts but with a block of anti-fuse programmable logic on-board which allows customisation which takes "a matter of weeks" according to QuickLogic’s president Andy Pease.
All the customisation is done by QuickLogic, and there is no NRE apart from a ‘Customer Integration Service’ fee which, says Pease, is "a five figure number" aimed at "making sure it’s a real project."
QuickLogic has about 50 customers, 40% of which are in Europe, and doesn’t particularly want more, said Pease. He said he was content to deal with "industry leaders" who will order a minimum of 100,000 parts a year, though he is looking for orders in the 500,000 to 1m unit per year range.
So far QuickLogic has made most of its revenues from datacard applications but it is looking to move up the value chain with more complex chips.
The company had $6.5m revenues in its last reported quarter for a GAAP loss of $200,000. QuickLogic’s shares are publicly traded and the company has a market cap of around $200m.