In addition to this article oakt is also suing UMC
Oak Technology Introduces Highest-Performance
Integrated CD-ROM Controller
SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 8, 1997
Oak Technology (NASDAQ:OAKT - news), the leader in CD-ROM controller solutions,
today announced the highest performance three-in-one integrated CD-ROM controller
available. The OTI-9325 will markedly increase CD-ROM drive performance and enable OEM
manufacturers to deliver high-speed multimedia-enabled desktop and notebook PCs, standalone
CD-ROM drives, navigation systems and game machines to consumers. The OTI-9325 allows
manufacturers to produce CD-ROM drives and devices at a lower cost, thereby passing savings
on to the consumer. It is ideal for high-end applications due to its speed and highly integrated
design, providing lower error rates, improved readability, faster seeking and higher data transfer
rates. The OTI-9325 is the second of Oak's integrated CD-ROM offerings, a commitment that
began in July with the introduction of the 20x OTI-9220, which utilized Sony's DSP in addition
to Oak's controller core.
The OTI-9325 is a three-in-one solution, combining Oak's industry-standard CD-ROM block
decoder with an Oak-developed advanced servo and high-performance CD-DSP, as well as an
audio processor with stereo DAC onto a single chip. This integrated design has enabled a
reduced-cost CD-ROM controller with a smaller form-factor and lower power consumption.
The OTI-9325 supports both existing designs and future technologies through
backward-compatibility and a proven upgrade path to 32x and beyond CD-ROM drive
speeds. Oak's solution roadmap also allows manufacturers to more easily migrate to
DVD-ROM and CD-R technologies as they also build on Oak's proven building blocks. Oak is
also making available a high-performance RF preamplifier, the OTI-9011, which completes the
overall controller solution when combined with the OTI-9325. The OTI-9011 supports both
one- and three-beam pick-up units, has a built-in AGC and matching power-down capabilities.
''Oak is taking a leadership position with respect to speed and integration levels with the
OTI-9325,'' said Christopher Dawe, semiconductor analyst at industry research firm IDC.
''Highly integrated controllers like this one are well positioned for emerging CD-R and DVD
market opportunities.''
''With the introduction of the OTI-9325, we're helping bring the best CD-ROM controller
solution to OEMs by enabling low-cost, fully featured drives on their laptops and desktops,''
stated Aydin Koc, Vice President and General Manager of Oak's Optical Storage Business
Unit. ''The OTI-9325 builds on our industry-standard CD-ROM decoder core, the OTI-912,
ensuring that drive, desktop and notebook manufacturers will have the benefits of our newest
technology while being backward-compatible to existing drive firmware and system designs. At
the same time, it provides numerous performance and cost benefits, enabling simpler but more
robust drive designs.''
The OTI-9325's advanced servo control and CD-DSP architecture provide a variety of unique
features that increase drive performance and improve disk readability. The part offers a fast and
accurate +/- 2048 track fine seek with acceleration loop profiling and a lens centering servo
control loop, thereby reducing seek time over a wider area of the disk than competing products
and providing a more accurate landing at the target track. The servo portion also has an
accurate 1-track re-seek capability, which significantly improves drive buffer effectiveness and
reduces CPU utilization. Moreover, the OTI-9325 has dedicated circuitry to provide increased
tolerance of run-out and focus wobble.
The CD-DSP portion of the OTI-9325 has an advanced front end with minimal analog circuitry,
allowing more accurate discernment of the incoming bit stream and less susceptibility to noise.
The data is processed further to correct errors of up to four symbols per code word, and is then
passed on to the CD decoder section which performs the last level of error correction, buffering
and ATAPI I/F functions.
The CD decoder is based on the industry-proven OTI-912, providing backward compatibility
at both the drive firmware and system levels. The OTI-9325 supports many different types of
optical pick-up units and drive motors and requires only one external crystal for timing.
Additionally, various power-down modes that lower power consumption for portable
applications are available.
The OTI-9325 comes in a 160 PQFP package and will be sampling in Q1 '98, with pricing set
at $10 per 10,000 units.
The foregoing statements may consist of forward-looking statements that involve risks and
uncertainties. These statements may differ materially from actual future events or results. Factors
that could cause actual outcome to differ materially from those set forth include, without
limitation, the rate of adoption of new technology, including the market demand for 24x drives
and integrated controller solutions, competitive pricing actions and marketing programs, among
others. For a discussion of such risks, see the Company's most recent SEC form 10-K and
10-Q.
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