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Skiff LLC and Marvell have teamed up for the Skiff Reader Development Kit (RDK), which is designed to enable manufacturers to more easily create innovative reading devices with various display sizes, fast performance, and reduced overall component costs. It leverages what the companies call the world’s first e-reading system-on-a-chip (SoC) with an integrated electronic paper display (EPD) controller.

According to the companies, manufacturers can use this reference design to rapidly prototype and bring to market next-generation reading devices. The RDK includes built-in software support for the upcoming Skiff eReading service and digital storefront, which will enable consumers to easily access and wirelessly download a range of content from multiple publishers. The service is designed to enhance the utility and differentiation that manufacturers can bring to their devices while increasing out-of-the-box consumer value.

The Skiff RDK system design integrates the Marvell Armada SoC, which includes an application processor and a high-performance controller for driving an e-paper display. Combining these elements into one component reduces costs and power while improving overall performance, the companies claim. It also enables Armada-based devices to display layouts, graphics, and content normally associated with periodicals and documents on e-paper screens of varying resolutions and size.

The companies say that future Skiff and Marvell reference designs will support a broad range of hardware devices, including multi-purpose devices such as smart phones, tablets, and netbooks, as well as various display and wireless technologies. The Skiff RDK comprises a printed-circuit board based on Marvell’s Armada 166E application processor and includes an EPD based on E Ink’s technology.