TI DSPs Drive To High-Speed Internet Connectivity

Programmability, worldwide support, and fab capacity attract PC OEMs

Millions of x2 Internet users are now surfing twice as fast thanks to super-fast modem software running on a powerful digital signal processor (DSP) solution from Texas Instruments (TI). The software solution, developed by modem powerhouse U.S. Robotics (USR), lets Internet users download data, pictures, and even video at 56 kilobits-per-second (kbps) -- twice as fast as today's 28.8 kbps modems.

USR's "x2" modem technology, delivered on TI's TMS320x2 DSP modem chipset, has been widely acknowledged as heralding the next generation of modem performance, providing a lower cost, mainstream alternative to 64 kbps ISDN, but with similar performance. TI's role in enabling the new modem technology is multifaceted. More than 20 million TMS320x2-based V.34 modems have already been shipped since late 1995, and as the world's DSP solutions leader, TI has well-established capacity, distribution, and support capabilities to facilitate the rapid penetration of x2 on these same devices. Furthermore, while TI is a world leader in supplying modem technology (one out of every three modems shipped in the world today includes a TI DSP solution), TI does not compete with modem makers in the end-user modem equipment market.

56 kbps in an Exploding On-line Market

The explosive growth of digital data communications, especially as related to accessing the Internet is expected to continue unabated for the foreseeable future. TI estimates, based on internal and independent research, that the number of users accessing the Internet through dial-up modems could total 140 million worldwide by 2000, up from 20 million in 1995.

While advanced broadband technologies such as digital subscriber line (xDSL) promise to advance connectivity beyond 56 kbps late in the decade, VisionQuest 2000 estimates that demand for 56 kbps modems will not peak until after 2001 and that voiceband modems will continue to represent a significant market for at least 5 to 10 years.

PC OEMs Drive Bundled Modem Growth

VisionQuest 2000 estimates that 70% of the world's modems that will ship in 2000 will be sold bundled with PCs. It is clear that it is in the best interest of PC OEMs to select technology vendors that can fulfill the quantity demands for bundled modems, relying on supplier dependability and capacity for the core modem technology. The individual and combined leadership of TI and USR gives PC OEMs partners they can count on to reliably supply these crucial components.

Beyond supply, a TI DSP-based architecture ensures a software-defined system that can easily download enhancements and new technology advances.

Software Programmability Benefits OEMs and Users

While other 56 kbps technologies have recently entered the market, TI's TMS320x2 DSP chipset has set the standard for software upgradable systems. The implication for PC OEMs and computer users is that systems based on hardware-only chips require many months to implement even the simplest of changes, modems implemented on a software basis can be altered in minutes. PC OEMs, including Packard Bell, Gateway 2000, Dell, Micron and others, who provide their customers with TI-based modems, are investment-protected against any changes in protocol standards.

TI DSP-based modems have grown to represent 67 percent of the retail 56K modem space, according to PC data communications industry analyst firm VisionQuest 2000. This demonstrates resounding acceptance of TI's software upgradability path. Leading modem OEMs such as USR, Cardinal, Practical Peripherals, Best Data, Logicode, Global Village, GVC/MaxTech and many others support TI's x2 DSP solution.

Partnership of Market Leaders

Ultimately, as the data communications market continues to expand, x2 modems based on TI DSP chipsets stand to dominate the marketplace, providing PC OEMs and their customers with the best technology available. As a software-programmable solution, x2 is the only 56 kbps modem technology that gives end users "future-proof" protection against changing standards and technical evolution. And finally, the combined strength of Texas Instruments and USR, the leaders in DSP solutions and modems respectively, gives PC OEMs high-performance modems that are reliable and deliverable in large quantities. The end result is satisfied PC users who no longer have to wait, staring at the Windows hourglass while files download from the Internet.