Digital Ink Supported in New CPU

8086 compatible chip stores “ink” in a separate buffer

Vadem, a manufacturer of processors and integrated circuits for the portable computing market, has this month begun shipping in sample quantities an enhanced implementation of its integrated CPU that supports “digital ink” used by pen-based computers. The single-chip, 3-volt VG-230 is an integrated 8086-compatible 16-MHz NEC V30HL microprocessor that includes an LCD controller, local bus video, ISA motherboard logic, keyboard scanner, and PCMCIA-card support.

In addition to ink support, the 2.0 version provides a bidirectional parallel port and power management facilities.

In short, the chip provides just about all the internals a manufacturer needs to easily build a low-cost, small-size stylus system. Vadem expects the updated IC, which will begin shipping in quantity in December, to appear first in vertical application handheld terminals.

When it comes to small form-factor machines, the local bus video is particularly important. Vadem claims that with display memory on the local bus, the processor can write text directly to CGA screen nine times faster than can a 16-MHz 80386.

Pen/GEOS to Support “Ink Plane”

The digital ink feature allows a pen to leave a simulated ink trail of darkened pixels on an LCD panel without affecting other screen images or system performance. Ink support is achieved by modifying the display controller to address a second screen buffer in main memory, called an “ink plane.”. The primary screen buffer is still located at the usual address space of $B8000 to $BBFFF (hexadecimal); the new buffer is at $BC000 to $BFFFF. Marks made with the pen are stored in the ink plane buffer and combined with screen images from the primary buffer using OR, XOR, and MODULATE functions.

Since the chip stores digital ink trails in a separate buffer, the ink doesn’t interfere with other screen elements, even when they appear to be superimposed on background images. Brian Dougherty, the CEO of GeoWorks, is quoted in a Vadem press release as saying that GeoWorks will support the “ink plane” concept in its Pen/GEOS operating system.

VGA Controller Also Unveiled

In addition to the VG-230 CPU, Vadem recently announced a VGA controller optimized for use in battery powered portable systems. The 100-pin VG-660 is about one third the size of a standard business card and consumes 25% less power than competitive controllers, according to Vadem. The controller is priced at $9.98 in quantities of 30,000 and up. Samples are supposed to be available this month.

For more information, contact:

Vadem
1885 Lundy Avenue #201
San Jose, CA 95131
408-943-9301