Abstract: An integrated multimedia system having a multimedia processor is disposed in an integrated circuit having a first host processor system coupled to the multimedia processor and a second local processor disposed within the multimedia processor for controlling the operation of the multimedia processor. A data transfer switch is coupled to the second processor for transferring data to various modules of the processor, at least one of which is a data cache. The data transfer switch transfers data in either direction between the cache and a module within the processor. A data streamer schedules simultaneous data transfers among the various-modules disposed within the multimedia processor in accordance with corresponding channel allocations. An interface unit is coupled to the data streamer and has a plurality of input/output (I/O) device driver units. A plurality of external I/O devices are coupled to the plurality of I/O device driver units via a multiplexer.

Abstract: An integrated multimedia system has a multimedia processor disposed in an integrated circuit. A processor is disposed within the multimedia processor which controls the operation of the multimedia processor. A data transfer switch is disposed within the multimedia processor and coupled to the processor which transfers data to various modules of the multimedia processor. A fixed function unit is disposed within the multimedia processor, coupled to the processor and the data transfer switch. A data streamer is coupled to the data transfer switch, and configured to schedule simultaneous data transfers among a plurality of modules disposed within the multimedia processor in accordance with the corresponding channel allocations. As interface unit is coupled to the data streamer and has a plurality of I/O device driver units. A multiplexer coupled to the interface unit provides access between a selected number of I/O device driver units and external I/O devices via output pins.

Abstract: An integrated multimedia system having a multimedia processor is disposed in an integrated circuit having a first host processor system coupled to the multimedia processor and a second local processor disposed within the multimedia processor for controlling the operation of the multimedia processor. A data transfer switch is coupled to the second processor for transferring data to various modules of the processor, at least one of which is a data cache. The data transfer switch transfers data in either direction between the cache and a module within the processor. A data streamer schedules simultaneous data transfers among the various-modules disposed within the multimedia processor in accordance with corresponding channel allocations. An interface unit is coupled to the data streamer and has a plurality of input/output (I/O) device driver units. A plurality of external I/O devices are coupled to the plurality of I/O device driver units via a multiplexer.

Abstract: An integrated multimedia system has a multimedia processor disposed in an integrated circuit. The system comprises a first host processor system which is coupled to the multimedia processor. A second local processor is disposed within the multimedia processor which controls the operation of the multimedia processor. A data transfer switch is disposed within the multimedia processor and coupled to the second processor which transfers data to various modules of the multimedia processor. A fixed function unit is disposed within the multimedia processor, coupled to the second processor and the data transfer switch and configured to perform three dimensional graphic operations.

Abstract: An integrated multimedia system has a multimedia processor disposed in an integrated circuit. The system comprises a first host processor system which is coupled to the multimedia processor. A second local processor is disposed within the multimedia processor which controls the operation of the multimedia processor. A data transfer switch is disposed within the multimedia processor and coupled to the second processor which transfers data to various modules of the multimedia processor. A fixed function unit is disposed within the multimedia processor, coupled to the second processor and the data transfer switch and configured to perform three dimensional graphic operations.

Abstract: An integrated multimedia system has a multimedia processor disposed in an integrated circuit. The system comprises a first host processor system which is coupled to the multimedia processor. A second local processor is disposed within the multimedia processor which controls the operation of the multimedia processor. A data transfer switch is disposed within the multimedia processor and coupled to the second processor which transfers data to various modules of the multimedia processor. A fixed function unit is disposed within the multimedia processor, coupled to the second processor and the data transfer switch and configured to perform three dimensional graphic operations. A data streamer is coupled to the data transfer switch, and configured to schedule simultaneous data transfers among a plurality of modules disposed within the multimedia processor in accordance with the corresponding channel allocations.

Abstract: A methodology for generating structural descriptions of complex digital devices from high-level descriptions and specifications is disclosed. The methodology uses a systematic technique to map and enforce consistency of the semantics imbedded in the intent of the original, high-level descriptions. The design activity is essentially a series of transformations operating upon various levels of design representations. At each level, the intended meaning (semantics) and formal software manipulations are captured to derive a more detailed level describing hardware meeting the design goals. Important features of the methodology are: capturing the users concepts, intent, specification, descriptions, constraints and trade-offs; architectural partitioning; what-if analysis at a high level; sizing estimation; timing estimation; architectural trade-off; conceptual design with implementation estimation; and timing closure.

Abstract: On integrated circuit designs employing large, pre-defined circuit blocks, chip area utilization and signal routing is improved by permitting signals between circuit blocks surrounding (e.g., on opposite sides of) a large circuit block (megacell) to physically pass through the megacell. The megacell is laid out so that a "parting line" is defined through the megacell. Circuits within the megacell are laid out so that no circuit "straddles" the parting line. The megacell can then be split or stretched about the parting line to create a wiring channel. The wiring channel is used for routing signals from the surrounding cells (circuit blocks) through the large circuit block (megacell). Signals between the separated portions of the stretched or split megacell on opposite sides of the parting line may be routed in one metal layer, while connections of surrounding cells through the megacell may be routed in another metal layer.

Abstract: Signal area efficiency in integrated circuit designs is improved by increasing the information efficiency of signal wiring on an integrated circuit. Candidate signals are selected for combination by prioritizing signals according to length of travel, travel path, and information content. Signals with low information content and with greater distance between endpoints make poor utilization of fixed wiring and provide the best candidates for improvement. Candidate signals which travel similar (substantially parallel) paths from point to point across the integrated circuit are combined to improve chip area utilization efficiency. A variety of techniques are described for combining low-information-content signals onto a small number of wires, transmitting them over the small number of wires, and re-expanding them at their destination. Assuming that the combining/expanding circuitry occupies less space than the point-to-point wiring which would otherwise be required, there is a net reduction in chip area.

Abstract: On integrated circuit designs employing large, pre-defined circuit blocks, chip area utilization and signal routing is improved by permitting signals between circuit blocks surrounding (e.g., on opposite sides of) a large circuit block (megacell) to physically pass through the megacell. The megacell is laid out so that a "parting line" is defined through the megacell. Circuits within the megacell are laid out so that no circuit "straddles" the parting line. The megacell can then be split or stretched about the parting line to create a wiring channel. The wiring channel is used for routing signals from the surrounding cells (circuit blocks) through the large circuit block (megacell). Signals between the separated portions of the stretched or split megacell on opposite sides of the parting line may be routed in one metal layer, while connections of surrounding cells through the megacell may be routed in another metal layer.

Abstract: Signal area efficiency in integrated circuit designs is improved by increasing the information efficiency of signal wiring on an integrated circuit. Candidate signals are selected for combination by prioritizing signals according to length of travel, travel path, and information content. Signals with low information content and with greater distance between endpoints make poor utilization of fixed wiring and provide the best candidates for improvement. Candidate signals which travel similar (substantially parallel) paths from point to point across the integrated circuit are combined to improve chip area utilization efficiency. A variety of techniques are described for combining low-information-content signals onto a small number of wires, transmitting them over the small number of wires, and re-expanding them at their destination. Assuming that the combining/expanding circuitry occupies less space than the point-to-point wiring which would otherwise be required, there is a net reduction in chip area.

Abstract: A methodology for generating structural descriptions of complex digital devices from high-level descriptions and specifications using a systematic technique to map and enforce consistency of the semantics imbedded in the intent of the original, high-level descriptions. The design activity is essentially a series of transformations operating upon various levels of design representations. At each level, the intended meaning (semantics) and formal software manipulations are captured to derive a more detailed level describing hardware meeting the design goals. Important features of the methodology are: capturing the users concepts, intent, specification, descriptions, constraints and trade-offs; architectural partitioning; what-if analysis at a high level; sizing estimation; timing estimation; architectural trade-off; conceptual design with implementation estimation; and timing closure.