TAIPEI -- Via Technologies Inc. here today disclosed details about its scaleable High-Bandwidth Differential Interconnect (HDIT) architecture for a next-generation chip set supporting double data rate (DDR) memories in PCs and other computer systems.
The first Via Apollo HDIT chip set is scheduled to be available in sample quantities during the first half of 2001. Via Technologies said the new chip set will be implemented for high-end desktop PCs, workstations, and server applications, supporting microprocessors from both Intel Corp. and Advanced Micro Devices Inc.
"It is designed to exceed next-generation, high-bandwidth data traffic requirements within a PC system, but still maintains a flexible system implementation that allows system OEMs to meet different performance and cost requirements in all segments of the PC market," said Tzu-Mu Lin, senior vice president of engineering at Via.
The new architecture places a DDR266 memory interface, AGP4X, and Via's new 512-megabytes-per-second V-Link bus into an HDIT South Bridge for desktop and mobile PC designs. Via said manufacturers of high-end multiprocessor workstations and servers are also supported with the memory interface and AGP port in the HDIT North Bridge, which can be configured for bandwidth rates up to 4.2 GB/sec.
The data transfer rate from the HDIT North Bridge to the AGP port and I/O expansion slots can be increased to speeds of up to 2.1 GB/sec. by configuring the system in HDIT mode and integrating two additional 64-bit HDIT PCI-X companion chips, according to Via.
"The HDIT V-Link is a high efficiency, low latency bus structure with configurable bandwidth ranges to satisfy different segment system I/O requirements," said Eric Chang, director of product marketing for Via. "The 32-bit, 33-MHz PCI bus with a peak bandwidth of 133 MB/sec., is no longer sufficient as the primary bus between the North Bridge and South Bridge and system expansion for advanced PC systems, which are already being equipped with 1-GHz processors.
"Any high-performance system with leading DRAM technology such as DDR SDRAM would be handicapped when paired with a 32-bit/33-MHz PCI South Bridge," Chang added. "The system would not be able to fully benefit from advanced DDR SDRAM because the PCI bus has now become the systembottleneck."
RSS
Digital
10 emerging technologies to watch:
EE Times has compiled a list of emerging technologies that we think will be worth watching out for in 2010. Biofeedback or thought-control of electronics are among the contenders.
Hot applications in 2010:
We've compiled a list of 10 technology applications you should watch for in 2010, ranging from e-book readers to 3-D TVs. We examine the features that make these apps so compelling as well unresolved issues.
Top 25 predictions for semis in 2010:
2010 is just beginning to unfold in the electronics industry. Looking into our crystal ball, we have released our own chip forecasts--and other predictions--for 2010.
Seven things to fix in 2010:
The editors of EE Times came up with their own informal list of things we hope engineers fix in 2010, spanning everything from nano-lithography to space travel. What do you want to see get done this year?
'09 moves that are shaping the future:
This was a brutal year, but the industry gets a nod for showing grace under fire. Here's our Top 10 guide to the coming year, illustrating what to expect in 2010.
10 CEOs out in 2009:
It's been a tough year for the global electronics industry and CEOs. We survey the dismissal of 10 industry CEOs during the first three quarters of 2009 and what's ahead for the rest of the year.
Notable women in microelectronics:
There is no better time than a global economic recession to examine the keys to successful corporate governance. So, EE Times has compiled an international list that celebrates women who are business and technology leaders in semis.
EE Times updates Silicon 60:
Seventeen companies have been added to the lastest version of our Silicon 60 list of emerging startups. Forty-three companies survived as emerging companies that are still worth watching.
RSS| 
Digital| 
Mobile
