Faster DVD.....
IML Announces World's First 10X Speed DVD-ROM Controller
Delivers 55X speed for CD-ROM drives
Increases ECC bandwidth by 50 percent
Reduces host CPU utilization by more than 50 percent
Reference design kit accelerates time to market
SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 26, 1997-- Integrated Memory Logic, Inc. (IML) today announced the world's first 10X speed DVD-ROM controller chip.
The IML2101 is designed for use in DVD-ROM drive systems that interface to industry standard DRAM, digital signal processors (DSPs) and microcontrollers. The chip integrates a buffer manager, CD/DVD-ROM decoder, ECC engine, microcontroller interface and ATAPI host interface.
The IML2101 is capable of sustaining transfer rates of 10X speed for DVD-ROM applications and 55X speed for CD-ROMs. This is equivalent to 13.8Mbytes/s data transfers for the 10X DVD-ROM and 8.2Mbytes/s for the 55X CD-ROM.
The controller's superior performance is achieved through several industry standard features as well as IML's own patent pending features. The IML2101 implements industry standard Ultra DMA modes 1 and 2 for fast 33.3 Mbytes/s transfers, a 16-bit DRAM interface and fast ``on-the-fly'' error correction. IML's patent pending architecture enhancements include an automated cache, host and disk manager and highly integrated ATAPI sequencers.
``The 10X speed and high data transfer capability of the IML2101 provides a migration path to higher DVD-ROM performance, which will accelerate the acceptance of DVD-ROM drives as a standard device in multimedia PCs,'' said Yong E. Park, IML President and CEO. ``We will help drive the adoption of DVD-ROM drives by continuing to integrate additional circuit functions in order to lower chip count and manufacturing costs for our OEM customers.''
The IML2101 provides separate DVD-ROM and CD-ROM signal interfaces to support DSP chip solutions from Toshiba, Philips and Samsung. Industry standard 8- and 16-bit microcontrollers, such as the 8051, 68HC11, H8 and K4 are supported as well.
The IML2101 is based on a new architecture that optimizes firmware development and bandwidth efficiency. The unique buffer management system allows designers to select various types of DRAMs, including 60ns Fast Page Mode and 35ns EDO DRAMs, to accommodate the system's performance and cost requirements.
When performing on-the-fly IED check and correction and EDC detection, the IML2101 reduces ECC bandwidth by as much as 50 percent because the controller performs error correction only when errors occur. The controller also reduces host CPU utilization by more than 50 percent.
The IML2101 also supports seamless constant angular velocity (CAV) audio playback technology. This feature enables the chip to buffer audio data at the maximum 10X DVD or 55X CD data rate and then play back at the required 1X audio rate, thus improving performance while reducing stress on the drive's mechanical components.
The IML2101 consumes very little power at 0.5 watts typical and also provides a sleep mode and an automatic wake-up mode to further improve system power efficiency.
The IML2101 maintains firmware and architecture compatibility with the IML1102 and IML1101 CD-ROM controllers, assuring a migration path for future customer designs. IML's optical storage roadmap will encompass the IEEE 1394 interface, DVD-RAM controllers and further single-chip integration.
Pricing and Availability
The IML2101 DVD-ROM controller is supplied in a 144-pin thin quad flat pack (TQFP) package and is priced at $8.00 in 10,000 unit quantities. The device is sampling in October with full production volumes scheduled for late fourth quarter 1997.
A reference design kit including drive, firmware source code written in the C language and device drivers will be made available to OEM customers. At 20KB, the firmware is less than half the size of competitive solutions.
About IML
Integrated Memory Logic, Inc. designs, develops and markets innovative, high-performance and cost-effective optical storage chip set and firmware solutions to PC and consumer electronics OEMs worldwide. Founded in 1995, IML is a privately held company located at 2953 Bunker Hill Lane, Suite 204, Santa Clara, California 95054-1131. |
