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1. OPTi Demonstrates USB Controller Solution for Notebook Computers During Computex'98 in Taipei; FireLink Chipset Brings USB to CardBus
TAIPEI, Taiwan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 1, 1998--OPTi Inc. announced today that it will demonstrate its FireLink USB controller solution in a new CardBus application during Computex'98 in Exhibit Suite No.1446 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, Taipei.
FireLink is a host USB controller designed for mobile and desktop applications based on the Compaq Open HCI standard.
"Once again, OPTi offers the most flexible approach to upgrading system functionality with our standalone FireLink USB controller. Packaged in a tiny LQFP, FireLink fits anywhere. It can be designed into the notebook or can even be put into a CardBus card as we will be demonstrating during Computex'98," said Mark Williams, director of marketing for Systems Logic.
"The CardBus approach is the perfect solution for upgrading older mobile designs to USB, or for fixing systems with USB controllers no longer supported by Microsoft."
The FireLink standalone USB controller allows USB to be provided at very low cost, and it can also be used in host systems, docking stations, as well as in PCI add-in cards. Since it is power managed it is ideal for mobile applications. FireLink provides two independent USB ports and is pin-compatible with the CMD USB0670/3 PCI-USB controller.
Packaging and Pricing
OPTi offers the FireLink at $7.00 in 10,000 unit quantities. This part has been shipping in volume since Q4'97. >>
2. OPTi Demonstrates FireBridge II Docking Station Solution for Intel PENTIUM II During Computex'98; FireBridge Chipset With PCI Surprise Undock Feature
TAIPEI, Taiwan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 2, 1998--OPTi Inc. announced today that it will demonstrate its FireBridge II docking station controllers during Computex'98 in Exhibit Suite No.1446 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, Taipei.
The OPTi FireBridge II (82C814, Revision 1) chipset provides a safe, low-cost docking station solution. The FireBridge II supports either a 5V or 3.3V docking interface running synchronously or asynchronously at speeds up to 33 Mhz. By offloading the primary PCI bus, the FireBridge II can increase available system bandwidth.
"The FireBridge II chipset does what Q-switches can't, allowing recovery from a surprise undock," said Mark R. Williams, director of marketing for Systems Logic. "Designers can now design in one docking solution across many platforms, relying only on Windows drivers for operation."
FireBridge II supports all Intel(R) Pentium(R) II and Pentium chipsets. Its docking station controller supports fully isolated hot docking with true surprise undocking. The system can never be locked up by an unintentional undock, unlike competing solutions based on "Q" switches. In addition to supporting both 3.3v and 5v docking, FireBridge II supports both voltages on the host PCI interface as well.
FireBridge II can also be used in place of conventional PCI-PCI bridges. Its unique features include the ability to connect two peer PCI buses together, allowing host-to-host communication between asynchronous PCI systems. FireBridge II also supports multiple level PCI bus architectures.
Packaging and Pricing
OPTi offers the FireBridge II at $5.00 in large volume quantities. Production shipments are available now.
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