News

6/8/2003

Samsung Selects SoftConnex USBLink Host Software Solution to USB-Enable Home Network Product Line

In its latest move to bring intelligent products to the home, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. today announced that it has licensed USBLink Host software from SoftConnex Technologies, Inc. to integrate into their new home networking products. Beginning with their next-generation set-top boxes targeted for the European market, Samsung will utilize USB as the solution for connecting mass storage devices, modems, audio devices, digital still cameras, hubs, keyboards and mice.

"Traditionally used as a tuner and signal decoder, the set top box is rapidly becoming the entertainment console in the household and is acting as the hub, or host, to many peripheral devices," said Mr. Andre Minn, vice president of new business development, Telecommunication Systems Division of Samsung Electronics. "We continue to build strategic relationships with partners like SoftConnex that enable us with proven solutions that meet the needs of our customers." As a leading provider of comprehensive Universal Serial Bus (USB) software solutions for embedded systems, SoftConnex offers a complete product suite, which includes USBLink Host, USBLink Device and USBLink On-The-Go (OTG). The USBLink product suite is a modularized approach to providing USB connectivity and data transport capabilities for embedded products.

"Samsung is a dynamic company that is committed to delivering innovative products to its customers," said Jim Gilbert, SoftConnex vice president of marketing and business development. "Our software solution will enable Samsung to reduce time to market and enhance the user experience with their new home networking products. We are pleased to partner with Samsung and look forward to expanding our relationship in the future."

SoftConnex's USBLink Host solution is comprised of the host controller driver layer, USB protocol layer and a class module framework. The host controller layer is responsible for driving USB 1.1 and 2.0 host controllers, while the protocol layer enumerates USB devices and simulates a plug and play environment with the host operating system when the USB supports external devices. All USB transfer types are supported, as are complex USB devices that contain multiple configurations/interfaces and alternate settings. The USBLink Host class drivers are responsible for driving each type of device, such as Bluetooth baseband modules, printers, digital still cameras and MP3 players.

The new Samsung set top box will incorporate the Conexant CX24430, an ARM9-based CPU with embedded OHCI host controller, as well as the VxWorks operating system from Wind River.

www.samsung.com