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TI Joins Consumer Electronics and Computer Vendors in Support of IEEE 1394a

1394a's Roadmap to 1 and 2 Gigabit/Second Speeds Satisfies Performance Needs Through 2001

In response to recently published articles concerning the 1394.2 Serial Express Study Group, TI, Sony, Microsoft, IBM, Compaq, Sun, Apple and others (i.e.. those companies listed on quote sheet) are publicly throwing their weight behind the backwardly compatible and low-cost version of the 1394 high performance serial bus, 1394a. In contrast to 1394a, which could be implemented in consumer electronic and computer systems in the near future, 1394.2 is years away from being fully defined and ready for implementation in semiconductor devices.

In addition, the current 1394.2 proposal would not be backwardly compatible with 1394-1995. This would mean that the electronic systems now with 1394 could not be seamlessly linked to a system using 1394.2.

"We encourage all companies to implement devices using the existing 1394-1995 interface now and migrate to 1394a when appropriate," says Larry Blackledge, TI's serial bus business manager.

TI has already introduced a complete 1394 solution consisting of physical- and link-layer components that can achieve 1394 speeds of 100 and 200 megabits-per-second (Mbps) and sees 1394a as a way to greatly extend current speeds. TI's roadmap calls for 1394a speeds of one gigabit-per-second (Gbps) by 1998 and 2 Gbps speeds by 2001.

Even at these higher speeds, all 1394a devices will be compatible with each other. This would allow vendors to avoid the added expense of bridging devices which would be required to transfer data between 1394.2 to 1394 systems.Several important differences in 1394a and 1394.2 technology point out the limitations of the 1394.2 proposal. The 1394a specification describes a low-cost half-duplex serial interconnect which carries a very low power requirement. The 1394a interface signals only while data is being transmitted. On the other hand, the current 1394.2 proposal calls for a more expensive full-duplex interface that must be supplied with power at all times. The power requirements of 1394.2 mean that it will always be more expensive than 1394a, and it will probably never be used in portable, battery-operated applications, because it consumes too much power.

The 1394a committee has defined two phases for extending the 1394 specification. Both phases will feature a DC-balanced coding scheme and be based on low-power CMOS technology, assuring 1394's continued use in mobile and handheld systems. In addition, both phases will maintain consistent timing with current 1394 link layer devices. The first phase, which is scheduled for completion in 1998, will feature a 1 Gbps data signalling speed. Phase one will be based on 0.35 micron processes and have a Link/PHY interface transfer rate of 100 megabytes per second. Phase two will achieve a signalling speed of 2 Gbps and be fully defined by the year 2001. It will be based on 0.25 micron processes and have a Link/PHY interface transfer rate of 200 megabytes per second.

TI supports 1394a as a real, soon-to-be implemented upgrade solution for the 1394 industry, that it is backwardly compatible with 1394-1995 and is a cost-effective and practical solution for both consumer electronics and computer applications. In addition, TI's technical roadmap for 1394a details vastly increasing levels of performance over the next several years. TI and the other 1394 industry leaders support 1394a as an extension of current technology and as the smart choice for new applications in the future.