TCP/IP stack in a chip enables
connectivity for small systems
The iChip S7600A signaled the onset of TCP/IP
enablers for small systems, a flood of which,
both hardware and software, were announced at the
Embedded Systems Conference in September. Because
it is hardwired to act as a network accelerator
for any 80xxx or 68xxx microprocessor, the iChip
S7600A opens the possibility of retrofitting
existing small systems based on those families.
If your bathroom mirror flashes a message that
your toast is burning, this chip may be in both
the toaster and the mirror.
The iChip network stack is hardwired to add
TCP/IP networking capability to very small
systems. The device embodies the TCP/IP protocol stack in
hardware, making it possible for cellular phones,
pagers, and PDAs to act as minimal Web browsers
and e-mail clients (see diagram ). The same
facility will afford a practical way to connect
small nonportable devices to a network.
The chip runs at 256 kHz on less than 3 mW.
Future chips are planned to integrate e-mail and
Web clients, as well as an LCD controller. The
design is licensed from iReady (Santa Clara, CA).
The S7600A is packaged in a 44-pin PLCC. ($8
ea/1,000–available now.)
Seiko Instruments
Torrance, CA
Information 800-934-9334
Fax 909-975-5699
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