In This Issue
Leading the Digital Revolution
15 years of DSP
Memory
Mixed-Signal and Analog
Networking
Wireless
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New PCI-to-CardBus controllers add high-speed access to portable systemsWith either of two new PCI bus-to-CardBus controllers from Texas Instruments, PC makers can deliver high-performance multimedia and networking solutions to their customers at an affordable cost. TI's PCI1221 and PCI1210 will allow entry-level notebook computers and handheld systems to support the most demanding applications such as multimedia programs, high-speed networking and real-time video by transferring data over the peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus at approximately the theoretical limit of the bus or 132 Mbytes per second. The PCI1221 and PCI1210 achieve this high level of performance with their advanced, pipelined FIFO architecture, which allows an indefinite pipeline data burst. These devices also support zoomed video, which allows full-motion video while minimizing bus traffic on the PCI bus. The 1221 provides two slots for CardBus or PC Card modules; the 1210 supports one. By providing just one slot, the 1210 addresses the emerging needs of systems such as NetPCs or network computers, handheld personal computers and personal digital assistants. Both devices are compatible with either 3.3-V or 5-V PCI signaling environments, and both allow hot insertion and removal, extend battery life by consuming minimal power and fulfill Microsoft Corp.'s PC 98 hardware specification. Samples are available now, and production volumes will be available during the first quarter of 1998 from TI and its authorized distributors.
Suggested resale pricing in U.S. dollars in 1K quantity.
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