Custom chip delivers tablet touch to the telly

3rd August 2015

Mick Elliott

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Development of a custom IC for ZRRO Technologies to help produce an innovative new remote controller that brings tablet and mobile phone-like gaming experiences to users’ televisions was expedited by a team from Arrow Electronics. The Kickstarter-funded project incorporates ZRRO’s zTOUCH 3D-sensing technology and enables users to interact with their TVs from the couch using a hover-and-touch remote controller with the sensing capabilities of a tablet.

This makes it possible to enjoy more immersive experiences from any of the over one million Android games and apps available, with the benefits of the larger television screen and higher audio power.

In addition to supporting the project with its supply-chain expertise, Arrow also leveraged its design-support capabilities and close partnership with chip maker STMicroelectronics to help develop a custom microcontroller capable of managing the application.

“Our engineers met with ZRRO’s team to discuss the custom chip project and helped to identify STMicroelectronics as the most suitable manufacturing partner,” said David Spragg, vice president semiconductor marketing and engineering for Arrow Electronics EMEA. “We also took care of project management to make sure that technical, turnaround time and cost targets were met.”

Ori Rimon, ZRRO CEO and co-founder, said, “Arrow’s contribution to the custom chip design gave us extra freedom to manage our in-house resources and inspired confidence that the project would fulfil all our expectations. STMicroelectronics had the ideal customisable platform for this project, delivering a high-performing, low-power device with an optimal blend of peripheral functions, within a fast turnaround time.”