I assume a similar annoucement from S3 isn't far behind??
I only wish we had been first!
FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 3, 1997-- Cirrus Logic Inc today announced that it has sampled the
industry's first graphics accelerator for Intel's Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP).
Sample quantities have been provided to key industry partners, including Microsoft and Intel. The 64-bit accelerator
(CL-GD5465) is the first entry in the Laguna3D family of AGP-enabled 2D/3D graphics accelerators.
The AGP interface, the next generation high-speed port for PC graphics, will further enhance 3D graphics capabilities for users
of volume-priced mainstream PCs as well as users of high-performance platforms.
"AGP-based systems will be the next big thing for both system vendors and consumers alike," said Mike Feibus of Mercury
Research. "The top OEMs will have systems on the shelves by the second half of this year and within two years AGP will
become the dominant port for graphics."
Cirrus Logic is able to deliver the first AGP-compliant product ahead of competing solutions, because the internal architecture
of the Laguna3D family is built around the AGP programming model. This model, a fundamental element of AGP, enables the
efficient use of system memory for graphics data -- attaining higher performance while reducing system cost.
"The new device allows our customers to get the benefits of AGP on PCI-based systems today as they make the transition to
AGP," said Art Swift, vice president of product marketing for Cirrus Logic's Graphics Company. "Just as Cirrus Logic took
the lead in bringing out PCI and VL-bus graphics controllers, we are also taking the lead in moving the market to AGP-based
solutions."
About Laguna3D-AGP and TextureJet(TM) Architecture
Based on Cirrus Logic's TextureJet(TM) technology, first unveiled in September 1996 in the Laguna3D (CL-GD5464)
product, the CL-GD5465 offers highly-efficient hardware texture-map management.
The TextureJet(TM) architecture is a powerful texture-management scheme that addresses the need to make 3D experiences
more realistic through higher resolutions and faster action. By implementing a hardware texture manager and a sophisticated
PCI/AGP bus mastering scheme, TextureJet architecture enables the Laguna 3D Family to display more complex textures with
fluid 30fps (frames per second) motion.
While the bus master maximizes bus throughput, the hardware texture manager significantly reduces overhead involved in
moving textures between system memory and the 3D graphics subsystem. With this built-in hardware texture manager, the
Laguna3D architecture inherently supports Intel's AGP model.
Enhanced 3D Performance with RDRAM
The Laguna3D Family leverages the bandwidth advantages of the Rambus(TM) DRAM (RDRAM) technology. Rambus
memories deliver over 600Mbytes-per-second memory bandwidth, yet they are as affordable as conventional DRAMs,
making them ideal for high-bandwidth 3D personal computer applications. RDRAMs use a high-speed, 8-bit-wide interface,
which minimizes the number of controller pins required for the memory interface and allows the continued and cost-effective
use of popular 208-pin packages.
Pricing and Availability
The CL-GD5465 is packaged in a 208-pin plastic quad pack (PQFP) and is now available in sample quantities. Production
units, priced at $29.50 each in quantities of 10,000, are expected to ship in Q2 97.
Cirrus Logic is a leading manufacturer of advanced integrated circuits for the desktop and portable computing,
telecommunications and consumer electronics markets. The Company applies its system- level expertise in digital and analog
design to innovate highly integrated, software-rich solutions.
Additional information about Cirrus Logic and its subsidiaries can be accessed on the World Wide Web at
cirrus.com or via fax-on-demand at 800/359-6414 (dial 510/249-4200 from outside the United States).
Note to Editors: (TM) All trademarks noted herein are registered to their respective owners. |
