Adaptec UltraSCSI hard disk controller sets new standard; chipset technology boosts SCSI system performance, shortens time to market.

MILPITAS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 5, 1995--Adaptec Inc. (NASDAQ:ADPT), a market leader in input/output (I/O) technology, today introduced its first high-bandwidth UltraSCSI hard disk controller, the AIC-8325. (UltraSCSI, a compatible extension to the Small Computer Systems Interface, doubles SCSI's maximum data rate from 20 Mbytes/sec to 40 Mbytes/sec).

The AIC-8325 was designed with the performance disk drive market in mind. New performance features include: a high-bandwidth, 40MB/sec UltraSCSI interface and enhanced hardware automation to accelerate system performance; improved error correction code (ECC) to provide ultra high data integrity; and a low-risk, product development approach to set new standards in time to volume.

"With the AIC-8325's UltraSCSI interface and hardware automation, Adaptec continues to lead the performance disk controller market," said Mike Fisher, general manager and vice president of Adaptec's Mass Storage Electronics business unit. "The AIC-8325's UltraSCSI bandwidth and automation gives disk manufacturers the performance their customers require in today's PCs, network servers and workstation subsystems."

Performance for 1996 and Beyond: UltraSCSI Bandwidth & Automation

New, demanding applications on high-performance systems will require UltraSCSI I/O bus speeds. The AIC-8325's bandwidth and automation closes the performance gap between these advanced systems and SCSI computer peripherals. The AIC-8325's UltraSCSI hard disk controller supports and controls data transfer at rates of 15MB/sec from the disk drive's recording media and 40MB/sec from the UltraSCSI bus.

To accelerate array performance, ANSI standard AIC-8325's UltraSCSI hard disk controller hardware XOR automation has been added. The disk drive is now capable of generating its own parity without intervention from the host CPU. This feature optimizes SCSI bus usage and increases I/O performance when configured with multiple disk drives.

The AIC-8325 includes an automated buffer manager and a low command overhead SCSI command processor. These features offload precious CPU cycles from the microprocessor to the AIC-8325 resulting in impressively high data transfer rates and high I/O per second, clearly setting the market standard.

Ultra Data Integrity

Setting a new standard in data integrity for these high bandwidths, the AIC-8325 features an advanced, programmable 108 through 297 bit error correction code which can correct up to two error bursts on the fly while detecting as many as five bursts on the fly. For maximum data security with the lowest probability of miscorrection, an optional five burst software correction with burst limiting is available.

This powerful technology provides the industry's best data recovery, integrity and correction capabilities. Additionally, the AIC-8325 provides a programmable interrupt for the ECC that assists the end user implementing S.M.A.R.T. Technology (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) and improves overall system reliability.

Ultra Rapid Time to Volume: Minimum Risk

To meet customers' aggressive time to volume requirements, new standards in risk management must be met. The AIC-8325 is based on Adaptec's proven, low-risk, core controller technology representing over 10 years of disk controller expertise. The AIC-8325 is a minimal-risk extension of the technology used in the industry-standard AIC-8321.

Also, the AIC-8325 interfaces with industry-standard commodity DRAM and SRAM components, lowering overall system cost. Finally, the AIC-8325 uses the same cost-effective, high-density 0.6 micron CMOS fabrication found in the company's AIC-8371, AIC-8321 and AIC-8375 controllers.

To help manufacturers bring their product to market rapidly, Adaptec designed the AIC-8325 with full firmware compatibility to the AIC-8321. This enables manufacturers to easily migrate their present designs.

To support Plug & Play operation, the AIC-8325 has full SCAM automation support, allowing easy product installation for the new Windows(TM) 95 operating system. Adding to the AIC-8325's competitive advantages, the AIC-8325's UltraSCSI interface is compatible with Adaptec UltraSCSI host controllers and host chips, saving the drive OEMs valuable time through the evaluation process and setting new time to volume standards.

Pricing and Availability

The AIC-8325 is sampling today for $25/unit, and is available in a 144-pin, thin quad flat pack (TQFP).

Adaptec Inc. designs, manufactures and markets IOware(R) solutions to eliminate performance bottlenecks between microcomputers, networks, and peripherals. Solutions range from simple connectivity products for single-user and small-office desktops to intelligent subsystem, high performance SCSI, RAID and ATM products for enterprise-wide computing and networked environments.

Adaptec I/O solutions are incorporated into the products of virtually all the major computer and peripheral manufacturers around the world.

Founded in 1981 and headquartered in Milpitas, Adaptec is a recognized market leader in high-performance I/O technology. Adaptec currently employs approximately 1,800 people, and with its global distribution network, serves customers worldwide. Adaptec's World Wide Web home page address is http://www.adaptec.com. -0-

NOTE TO EDITORS: Adaptec, AIC and IOware are trademarks of Adaptec Inc., which may be registered in some jurisdictions. All other trademarks used are owned by their respective owners.

CONTACT: Adaptec Inc., Milpitas

Gary Chesnutis, 408/957-6638

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