Synopsys' complete SuperSpeed USB IP solution

MOUNTAIN VIEW, USA: Synopsys Inc. has announced a complete, single vendor SuperSpeed USB IP solution consisting of the DesignWare device controller, PHY and verification IP. The solution also includes a SuperSpeed USB virtual platform and drivers to aid software development.

Utilizing elements from a single vendor enables designers to quickly create SuperSpeed USB-based designs from concept through implementation and software development. As a leading provider of USB IP for nearly a decade, Synopsys is expanding its portfolio with a comprehensive, high quality DesignWare SuperSpeed USB IP solution, helping designers lower the risk and cost of integrating the latest USB 3.0 specification into their system-on-chip (SoC) designs. Synopsys will be demonstrating the DesignWare SuperSpeed USB Device Controller at the upcoming SuperSpeed USB Developers Conference in San Jose, from November 17-18, booth # 6.

Consumers are demanding higher bandwidth for faster data transfer of video, pictures and music for the next generation of camcorders, portable media players and smartphones. To address this demand, the SuperSpeed USB standard, based on the USB 3.0 specification from the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF), delivers higher bandwidth for faster "sync-and-go" functionality between PCs and portable electronic devices.

SuperSpeed USB delivers more than 10x the data transfer rate of Hi-Speed USB. For example, a 27 GB high-definition movie can be transferred from a PC to a portable device in approximately one minute utilizing a SuperSpeed USB interface, compared to 14 minutes using a Hi-Speed USB interface. SuperSpeed USB is backward compatible with previous USB technologies, offering the same ease-of-use and plug-and-play capabilities, while maintaining interoperability with existing USB products.

The DesignWare SuperSpeed USB device controller and PHY IP are based on Synopsys' technology leading Hi-Speed USB products, which have been silicon-proven in hundreds of designs and are shipping in volume production. Optimized for low power, the DesignWare SuperSpeed USB device controller is designed to allow designers to maximize battery life by using dual power rails.

The DesignWare SuperSpeed USB IP is delivered with lower power intent in Unified Power Format (UPF) allowing designers to use the Synopsys' Eclypse Low Power Solution to automatically implement aggressive power management schemes for dynamic and leakage power. The DesignWare SuperSpeed USB PHY consists of integrated high speed digital and analog blocks, PLL, and I/O pads, which are delivered as GDSII for advanced foundry processes. This saves designers considerable time, cost and the risk of acquiring and integrating the IP separately.

The DesignWare SuperSpeed USB Verification IP supports all major simulators, with the added benefit of built-in support for VMM methodology, enabling designers to quickly verify connectivity between the integrated IP and the SoC. The Linux drivers and SystemC transaction-level models in the DesignWare SuperSpeed USB virtual platform allow designers to begin software development in parallel with IP integration, months before hardware and FPGA prototypes are ready. This significantly reduces the product design cycle and accelerates time-to-market.

Additionally, Synopsys is collaborating with MCCI, a leading developer of USB software solutions, to provide designers with more options for software and drivers including support for device firmware, host class drivers and software customization services.