The Sandblaster SB3011: A Multi-core Multi-threaded Convergence Device
John Glossner, Sandbridge Technologies, USA
Thursday, Oct 4, 8:40 - 9:30 am

Abstract:
Embedded convergence devices are an interesting mix of both multimedia and communications requirements. Execution datatypes for both include non-associative saturating arithmetic. The streaming nature of these devices leads to parallel multi-core architectures. Further complicating such designs is concurrent execution with real-time system response requirements. In this presentation we look at the requirements for convergence devices. We describe the Sandblaster SB3011 multi-core multi-threaded parallel concurrent processor containing multiple instruction issue to vector execution datapaths. We describe an auto-parallelizing auto-threading compiler and its programming model. Finally, we present some results for multimedia execution on this platform including MPEG4 and H.264 codecs.

Speaker's bio:
Dr. John Glossner is co-founder, CTO, and Executive Vice President at Sandbridge Technologies. Prior to co-founding Sandbridge, John managed both technical and business activities in DSP and Broadband Communications at IBM and Lucent/Starcore. John received a Ph.D. in Computer Architecture from TU Delft in the Netherlands, M.S degrees in E.E. and Eng. Mgt from NTU, and a B.S.E.E. degree from Penn State. John is a Senior member of the IEEE and has more than 100 publications and 30 issued patents.

MOST – The Car’s Infotainment Backbone
Christian Thiel, SMSC Europe GmbH, Germany
Thursday, Oct 4, 3:30 - 4:20 pm

Abstract:
While for the home environment the discussion about networking of multimedia equipment has just begun, the need for such solutions already became obvious in cars a few years ago. Over the years, cars are increasingly been equipped with information and entertainment features. They all need to be presented to the driver in a unified and simple manner through a single user interface – handling three remote controls while driving is simply not a feasible option. In addition, car makers want to create high-value features for passengers through a combination of basic functions. This requires intensive communication between the individual components of the infotainment systems. Therefore, in modern high and mid-range cars, the components of the infotainment system like Control Display, GPS Navigation, DVD Player, Radio, Amplifier, Satellite Tuner, TV Receiver etc. intensively exchange commands, audio, video and data over a multimedia network. All car companies who have introduced a multimedia network have decided for MOST (Media Oriented Systems Transport). It enables a unified control of all features by the driver without distracting him from his main task of managing the car, while keeping complexity, cost and weight of cabling fairly low.

Initially developed and driven by German car makers, the MOST technology is on a triumphal procession around the world. Today, MOST can be found in more than 45 car models from various European car makers. Soon several Asian car makers will also launch car models with MOST. The MOST technology is being developed and standardized by the MOST Cooperation, a consortium of car makers, their tier one suppliers and many infrastructure companies.

This talk will give an overview of the technical advantages that drove the decisions of leading car makers towards adopting MOST. It will show how typical systems are realized in a car and the kind of applications that can potentially be realized.

In its first generation, MOST offered a bandwidth of 25 Mbps and optical transmission over Polymer Optical Fiber. Meanwhile, electrical transmissions over Unshielded Twisted Pair and double bandwidth of 50 Mbps have been added. Currently, a new generation with additional features and extended bandwidth is under development. It will also feature capabilities that will bring MOST beyond its use in cars. This talk will also discuss these developments in detail.

Speaker's bio:
Dr.-Ing. Christian Thiel received his qualifications in Electrical Engineering in 1991 from Technical University Munich, Germany. After his studies, he worked at the University of the German Armed Forces at the Institute of High Frequency Electronics (Prof. Heinz Lindenmeier). In 1995, he completed his thesis on algorithms for control of high frequency surgery units and received his PhD. After that, Dr. Thiel joined BMW´s electronics R&D department. He became one of the key architects of the infotainment system of the new 7Series and co-developed the platform strategy for BMW´s next generation infotainment systems. In 1998, Dr. Thiel became head of the systems engineering group and took responsibility for the development of the MOST optical multimedia networking technology. With the 7Series, his group did the lead development of MOST for the automotive industry. He co-founded the MOST Cooperation, one of the most successful cooperations within the industry and represented BMW on its Steering Committee. Realizing that the growing functional complexity of modern infotainment systems needed new approaches, Dr. Thiel was instrumental in introducing processes for functional system design and bottom-up system integration within the BMW organization. Mid of 2002, Dr. Thiel joined OASIS SiliconSystems AG, the leading provider of components for MOST, as Vice President in charge of marketing and business development. Bringing in his expertise from his former position as a system integrator, he initiated the Intelligent Network Interface Controller architecture that today is the basis for all MOST network interface controllers of the company. When OASIS SiliconSystems AG was acquired by SMSC early 2005, Dr. Thiel became Vice President and General Manager of SMSC’s Automotive Infotainment Systems product line, taking responsibility of SMSC’s automotive business worldwide. Dr. Thiel holds more than 10 patents.