Cirrus Logic Implements Next-Generation Power Management Capabilities in New PCI-to-CardBus Controllers; ACPI Support Enables Microsoft's PC97 "OnNow" Power Management Capabilities for Windows 98 and Windows NT 5.0 Operating Systems.

FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 23, 1997--Cirrus Logic Inc. (NASDAQ:CRUS) today introduced two new members of its PCI-to- CardBus(TM) family of controllers.

The new controllers (CL-PD6833 and CL-PD6834) are designed to comply with the latest Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) specifications to deliver the advance power management capabilities required by Microsoft's(R) PC '97 "OnNow" design initiative for next-generation portable and desktop PCs supporting Windows(R) 98 and Windows NT(R) version 5.0 operating systems.

The ACPI specification, drafted by Intel, Microsoft and Toshiba, creates a standard hardware interface that enables the operating system to control the amount of power given to each device attached to the system. Designed with this specification in mind, Cirrus Logic's new controllers enable future generation PCs to fully utilize the improved power management technology and capabilities directed by the operating system.

"Satisfying the demand for low-power PC operation, especially in the portable market, requires the PC hardware and operating system to work efficiently together," said George Brecht, director of marketing for Cirrus Logic's Host Interface Products Group.

"Our compliance with the ACPI specification, assures OEMs that our PCI-to-CardBus controllers will operate efficiently and invisibly as a bridge with Microsoft's Windows family of operating systems to deliver the increased battery life, lower power consumption and high-performance features that the end-user will expect from their next-generation PCs."

High Speed Architecture

Both controllers implement a high-speed buffering architecture that is capable of transferring data at 133 Mbytes-per-second, which is more than enough speed to support today's most demanding multimedia applications. The key to the architecture's high-speed performance and ability to manage demanding multimedia applications is its 32-bit bus mastering and data pre-fetching capabilities.

These features function as an intelligent traffic coordinator that is capable of handling the multiple data input/output (I/O) demands of the host bus interface and the socket interface. By prioritizing access to the bus and managing the interface, the CL-PD6833 and CL-PD6834 allow the system to operate more efficiently.

Multimedia Performance Enhancement

Highlighting its commitment to bringing advanced multimedia capabilities to the systems of the future, Cirrus Logic has incorporated Zoomed Video support in its controllers.

The popular ZV Port standard allows video and audio data to bypass the system PCI bus and be routed from a Zoomed Video PC Card directly to the graphics accelerator or audio DAC. Using this direct connection diminishes bandwidth impositions on the PCI bus, resulting in increased overall system performance.

CL-PD6833 -- Simple Migration to Higher Performance and Design Flexibility

The CL-PD6833 is pin compatible with its predecessor, the CL-PD6832 CardBus PC Card, thus providing OEMs with a simple upgrade to higher performance. In addition, the CL-PD6833 has also added GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output) functionality to include Zoomed Video port support and state-of-the-art power management technology.

GPIO allows additional connections, not specified by industry norms, to other system devices for non-standard enhancements. These enhancements could range from connections to additional external buffers to additional experimental port devices. This provides the easiest and most flexible way for OEMs to add differentiating features to their products.

CL-PD6834 -- Higher Performance with Reduced Board Space

The CL-PD6834 is a sister product to the Cirrus Logic CardBus PC Card Host Controllers. Having all the functionality of the CL-PD6833 including the GPIO pins, the CL-PD6834 incorporates internal Zoomed Video buffers and direct functional pin connections to allow for clean system designs and a reduced system board space requirements without sacrificing low power consumption.

Packaging, Pricing and Availability

The CL-PD6833 is packaged in a 208-pin VQFP or PQFP and can sit on the CL-PD6832 footprint, which was introduced in 1995. Available in Q4'97, the CL-PD6833 is priced at $14 each when purchased in quantities of 10,000 units.

The CL-PD6834 is packaged as a 256 PBGA, which provides direct functional connections per pin. Available in Q4'97, the CL-PD6834 is priced at $18 each when purchased in quantities of 10,000 units.

Cirrus Logic Inc.

Cirrus Logic is a leading manufacturer of advanced integrated circuits for personal computing, communications, mass storage, consumer and industrial markets. The company's "systems in silicon" add high value and software richness to major brands worldwide. With a focus on innovating microperipheral chip solutions, Cirrus Logic is committed to technology leadership for the Interactive Age. -0-

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CONTACT: Cirrus Logic Inc.

Bryant Fong, 510/252-6068

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Tsantes & Associates

Dean Fisk, 408/452-8700

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