NXP BV sampling PNX847x/8x/9x set-top box IC

LONDON: NXP BV, the leading semiconductor manufacturer based in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, is currently sampling the PNX847x/8x/9x set-top box integrated circuit (IC).

The PNX847x/8x/9x chip, implemented in a 45-nm CMOS manufacturing process, is based on the ARM Cortex-A9 multi-processing and ARM Cortex-M3 processor cores.

In a statement, NXP BV said it will display the PNX847x/8x/9x set-top box IC at the Consumer Electronics Show, in Las Vegas, the United States.

According to Mike Inglis, executive vice-president of the processor division of ARM, the display of ARM technology by NXP BV is a “highly visible demonstration” of the growing strength of the ARM Cortex processors in set-top boxes.

NXP BV said it will transfer the parts to Trident Microsystems Incorporated, based in Santa Clara, California, the United States. Trident Microsystems specializes in ICs for digital media applications.

In the statement, NXP BV added that, in the process of transferring its television systems and set-top box business lines to Trident Microsystems, it will take a 60 per cent in Trident.