Moschip Semiconductor has introduced two new network appliance processors (NAP) that integrate PCI express, gigabit ethernet and display interfaces into a single solution.

The MCS8142 and MCS8144 units are geared towards a variety of applications, including consumer network attached storage (NAS), media docking stations, SOHO, home network automation, VoIP gateways and media servers.

"Today's system designers are looking for more than just a chip from its fabless IC developers," Vamshi Kandalla, a Moschip VP told IT Examiner. "Worldwide, it is necessary to provide a total system ecosystem  ready to go to have a competitive edge. These components come with such total solutions ready to go, with the needed application level software, so a complete application can be realised in a few short weeks instead of many months. Thus, the faster time to market enables significant design cost reductions and faster time to revenues," said Kandalla.

The new System-on-a-Chip (SoC) NAPs are powered by an enhanced 525MHz ARM9 processor that supports both Linux and Windows CE operating systems. Dual mode PCIe is offered for scalable performance, while a point-to-point link guarantees sustained bandwidth. Both devices offer gigabit ethernet, PCIe, USB and a DDR-II memory interface along with other key features. In addition, segmentation and IP Checksum off-load facilitates higher performance at an optimal CPU load.

"The MCS8142 and MCS8144 are Moschip's second generation network appliance processors that bring to market the best in class performance and price," explained Moschip COO Bhanu Nanduri. "With our comprehensive out of the box system design packages, customers can bring to market USB Server, NAS, POS, Digital Signage, Serial over IP, PC and media docking station and other related products in record time," added Nanduri. X