CSR launches integrated processors for printers, scanners and all-in-ones

CSR plc has introduced the Quatro 5300 series of programmable imaging processors, the most highly integrated solutions available for efficiently developing the next generation of printers, scanners and all-in-ones (AIOs) that meet the latest EU and US energy-efficiency requirements.

Sampling now, the Quatro 5300 series’ reduced overall system BOM cost, programmable architecture and modular firmware platform help OEMs create smaller, less expensive controllers for a wide range of low-end to mid-range products and bring them to market more quickly.

“The Quatro 5300 series sets a new industry benchmark for the level of integrated functionality in a product of this kind, and represents the latest example of the continuous innovation and integration CSR is pursuing with the highly successful Quatro product line,” said Neil Epstein, Senior Director of Product Marketing for Document Imaging at CSR.

“The Quatro 5300 processor is already being used by several of our Tier-One customers to develop highly economical products that will be available in stores starting early next year, and with the Quatro 5300’s compelling cost-savings and other advantages, we are confident it can provide an attractive solution for other OEMs seeking to build market share and volume in the price-sensitive BRIC markets and elsewhere.”

Highest Level of Integration in the Industry

The Quatro 5300 series eliminates the need for many of the external components typically used to control printers, scanners and AIOs, making the Quatro 5300 series an attractive solution for OEMs seeking to reduce BOM costs.  Newly integrated features include ARM Cortex™-M3 microcontroller cores for direct control of printer and scanner motors, eliminating the need for external motor control ICs. The Quatro 5300 also supports the latest graphical user interface designs with its integrated ARM Mali™-400 MP GPU, LCD controller and touch screen controller interface.  The integrated Silicon Labs’ V.34 hardware fax modem provides a globally-programmable telephone line interface with proven performance, and the Quatro 5300 series also integrates a complete scanner analog front end (AFE).  The integrated DRAM interface supports DDR2 and DDR3 memory, enabling use of the lowest cost option as the memory market evolves, while the integrated DAC provides cost-effective sensor control.  An innovative 14-mm advanced quad flat no-lead (aQFN) package reduces board area and material cost compared to conventional BGA packages.

Greater Energy Efficiency

The Quatro 5300’s energy-saving low-power sleep mode can reduce processor power consumption to less than 100 milliwatts, more than enough to meet the new EU energy efficiency requirements expected to be implemented in January 2013.  The Quatro 5300 low-power sleep mode disables unused function blocks, reduces the system clock frequency, puts DRAM into self-refresh mode and operates the CPU only on internal memory to monitor USB, Ethernet and operator panel interfaces for wake-up conditions.

Faster, Easier Software Development

Developers will appreciate the Quatro 5300 series’ fast ARM11™ CPU core, up to 525 MHz, and dual Quatro 4-datapath SIMD DSP cores, which enable the Quatro 5300 series to efficiently cover a range of applications including inkjet printers and AIOs, monochrome laser/LED printers and AIOs up to 50 ppm, color laser/LED printers and AIOs up to 25 ppm and document scanners.  Higher-end products are covered by the CSR Quatro 4500 series. The CSR Inferno™ modular firmware platform provides developers with a single firmware base for the full range of Quatro processors that enables them to easily customise features to meet their specific needs and efficiently build cost-effective controllers for a wide range of products.  The Quatro programmable CPU, DSP and microcontroller cores enable developers to implement their own unique features, image processing algorithms and mechanism controls using standard tools for faster software development and time to market.  Developers can choose between Embedded Linux or ThreadX® RTOS for the underlying operating system, and the extensive CSR library of optimised image processing algorithms for the Quatro family makes developing image processing pipelines easy.

Wi-Fi Connectivity

For Wi-Fi connectivity, the CSR UniFi® CSR6030™ and CS6031™ solutions interface directly with the Quatro 5300 and the CSR Synergy™ connectivity software is integrated with Inferno.

Availability and Pricing

The CSR Quatro 5300 series uses 40nm silicon process technology and is sampling now, with production volumes expected by the end of this year.  It is available in either 14-mm aQFN or 23-mm BGA packages, depending on model and configuration.  Please contact CSR for pricing and other information.



About CSR

CSR is a global provider of innovative silicon and software solutions for the location-aware, media-rich, cloud-connected world. Our platforms are optimised for the automotive navigation and infotainment, digital cameras and imaging, connected home infotainment and wireless audio markets. We provide solutions to complex problems in the audio-visual, connectivity and location technology domains across a broad range of markets, with a technology portfolio that includes GPS/GNSS systems, Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi®, FM, NFC, aptX® and CVC™ audio codecs, JPEG, MPEG, H.264 imaging, PDL printing, microcontrollers, DSPs and broadband receivers. CSR's technology solutions and market platforms enable its customers to deliver a superior user experience and are adopted by leaders in the auto, computer, home and mobile markets. More information can be found at www.csr.com. 

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