Intel Corporation Technical Bulletin
Intel Announces Microsoft WHQL Certification for the MD563X-HaM Host Accelerated Modem
FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 14, 2000--Intel Corporation (Nasdaq:INTC - news) today announced it has received Microsoft© certification for the MD563X-HaM V.90 modem, making it easier and faster for modem and system original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to build the Host Accelerated Modem (HaM) chipset into new desktop, mobile and set-top systems.
Receiving Microsoft© Windows Hardware Quality Labs (WHQL) certification signifies compatibility with Windows 2000 Professional©, Windows NT© 4.0 and Windows© 98 and permits usage of the ``Designed for Windows'' logo.
``By obtaining WHQL certification, we are helping OEMs spend less time worrying about compatibility between the pieces of a new platform, and more time building powerful solutions that address the needs of their customers,'' said Clement Lam, director, Modem Silicon Operations at Intel.
A team of testers at Microsoft, who verify that products install, operate and uninstall properly, determine WHQL Certification. These assurances allow end user customers to receive the best possible out-of-box experience and help OEMs reduce support costs.
The MD563X-HaM builds on the latest developments in Digital Signal Processors (DSP). It uses Intel's unique HaM technology to optimally distribute processing between the host CPU and the modem DSP. The MD563X-HaM provides modem and computer manufacturers with a low-cost, high-performance solution.
About Intel
Intel, the world's largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer of computer, networking, and communications products. Additional information is available at www.intel.com/pressroom.
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Contact:
Intel
Tami Casey, 408/765-8203
tami.casey@intel.com
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Saw that today...so I hunted down what I could. Here is what I found.
AMBIENT INTRODUCES 56k v.90 "HaM"
MODEM IC TECHNOLOGY
Leap forward in technology, performance and cost savings delivers better price, performance ratio than software- and hardware-only modems.
FREMONT, California, May 28, 1999 - Ambient announced today the release of the software upgradable MD563X-HaM chipset and reference design. Targeted at modem and computer manufacturers this new product is a leap forward in technology, performance and cost savings. The MD563X-HaM is a Host Accelerated Modem (HaM) solution that combines and optimizes the best features from software and hardware modems. This unique hybrid delivers superior performance and is cost competitive with software modems-without the corresponding performance and patent issues
The MD563X-HaM uses the host computer's CPU to replace the modem's controller without degrading CPU performance. Since today's CPUs are well equipped to handle Digital Signal Processing (DSP), some of the DSP functions are diverted to the CPU. However, to prevent a decrease in CPU and modem performance a separate, and less expensive, DSP chip is used to share the load. By splitting the processing optimally between the CPU and the DSP maximum system and modem performance is maintained.
Unlike software modems, there is minimal performance penalty because the CPU does not handle all of the controller and DSP functions. Instead, functions have been strategically optimized for accelerated performance by either the CPU or the DSP depending on which device can perform them most efficiently-delivering a price, performance ratio neither software- nor hardware-only modems can match.
Optimizing CPU usage in this manner eliminates the need for a controller and reduces the size of the DSP, thereby reducing part count, board size and the amount of silicon used. These cost saving advantages make the MD563X-HaM a superior high-performance and feature-rich alternative to software modems.
With an integrated PCI interface, this ITU-V.90 solution provides a complete set of industry-standard data/fax/voice and speakerphone features. Effective data receive rates of up to 56K (53.333 kbps FCC max.) ensures interoperability with major Internet service providers around the world. The MD563X-HaM exceeds Microsoft© PC 98 specifications for Windows© and is TAPI and PCI 2.1 compliant. It satisfies legacy applications and supports all requirements for PC-based communications including all industry-standard AT commands for data, IS-101 voice, and Class 1 fax. A Mac version is due out in Q3 of 1999.
Headquartered in Fremont, California, Ambient Technologies is a privately held semiconductor company that develops integrated circuits (ICs) for 56K V.90 modems (USB, PCI, ISA and PCMCIA). Ambient will soon introduce ADSL "Lite" (G.Lite) and home networking/automation solutions designed to facilitate Internet access and communication. Ambient's semiconductor expertise in modems and communications signal processing qualify it to ride the crest of the internet explosion.
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Contact:
David Todd (Phone: 510-683-6687) Marketing Manager,
Ambient Technologies, Inc.
(dtodd@ambient.com)
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OH....forgot to mention Ambient is an Intel Company. |
