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Atmel Corporation introduced today a fully functional DVD chipset with embedded microcontrollers. Allowing the system designer to take advantage of totally integrated functionality while supporting all DVD and CD Writeable and Re-Writeable standards currently in use.

Traditional solutions have resulted in interface and control components being located separately on the same circuit board, whereas Atmel's total solution chipset reduces board space and minimizes design time by combining 5 component elements with embedded ARM7TDMI(R) and AVR(R) microcontrollers to provide superior performance and programmability. These components include an Interface Controller, AT78C1501, a Servo System AT78C1502, a Read Channel AT78C1503, a Laser Power Controller AT78C1504 and its adjunct device the AT78C1507 providing all of the controls and features necessary to enable fast product design. Firmware is also provided.

The chipset has been designed to function as a total system, eliminating the dozen or so additional "glue" components usually required in traditional designs, to combine components from multiple suppliers. This further reduces design complexity, board space and power consumption. Using the chipset, drive designers can accomplish the entire electronic package in as little as 5000 square mm, a dramatic reduction from the 20000 sq. mm typically required in traditional multi-supplier implementations. The chipset interfaces seamlessly with Atmel's T08XX series of Laser Drivers, typically deployed with the laser on the Optical Pickup Unit (OPU).

The Interface Controller, AT78C1501, contains ARM and AVR microcontrollers, buffer management, Error Correction Code (ECC) and Encoder/Decoder (ENDEC) for DVD and CD. Also included is a Writeable Control Store for timing generation and an on-board frequency synthesizer to generate system frequencies from one crystal. ATA66/ATAPI66 and I2S interfaces are provided.

The Servo System, AT78C1502, provides all of the control requirements for DVD and CD mechanisms including programmable control for coarse and fine tracking, focus, sled, draw motor and tilt. Three parallel programmable AVR microcontrollers are the heart of the system providing a range of servo sample rates. Real time notch filters can also be calculated.

The Read Channel solution, AT78C1503 with AT78C1507 adjunct device, programmable through a serial port, is fully featured for all standards.

AT78C1504 is a pre-programmed automatic device for controlling the write and read pulses to a Laser Diode Power Amplifier. All of the present DVD and CD write strategies are provided in the device, included also is Automatic Power Control (APC) and Optimum Power Control (OPC). Though the device is pre-programmed, it is possible through a serial interface to adjust pulse timing, width and amplitude. Five DACs are provided to individually control the Laser Diode Power Amplifier. Packaging for inclusion on the PCBA or on the OPU is available.

John Read, storage products business unit manager, explained. "The DVD chipset is a result of intense collaboration within Atmel to provide the DVD system engineer with a solution that will significantly reduce design time and lower overall system costs." He continued, "Because all the component elements are manufactured by Atmel, we are in the unique position to help drive the industry to continue producing smaller, more efficient end products."

Samples of all devices, system development boards and firmware are now available with prices starting at $20 in quantities of 200K sets per month and sample sets of $35. PQFP packaging is standard and others are available.