MicroModule Systems adds Intel MMX technology support to ultra-portable Spectrum CPU module family; MicroModule's Pentium CPU modules to drive "Xtreme Mobile Computing" Designs.

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 25, 1997--MicroModule Systems, Inc., (MMS) today announced its enhanced, third-generation small Pentium(R) CPU module featuring Intel MMX(TM) technology, operating at clock rates of 133, 150 and 166 MHz.

The newest Spectrum(TM) CPU module features a Pentium(R) processor, PCI chipset, 256 KBytes of L2 cache, Tag RAM, and a National Semiconductor LM75A temperature sensor in a snap-in daughtercard that measures 49 x 54 x 5mm.

Roger Stein, director of portable CPU products at MicroModule Systems, said, "Our Spectrum CPU products enable the builders of wearable and embedded computing and communications products to deliver Pentium processing power and desktop software compatibility in extremely small, highly mobile systems.

"Now, with the addition of Intel Pentium processors with MMX(TM) technology we are able to provide the designers of these "Xtreme" mobile applications with enhanced graphics and compute performance within an ultraminiature form factor."

Because the new MMX modules are pin-compatible with existing Spectrum modules, customers can begin their designs immediately with the MMS Gemini reference design kit. Each kit contains a 120 or 133 MHz Spectrum module mounted on a Baby-AT reference board with 16 Mbytes of DRAM, a design binder and CD ROM. BIOS support is available from IBM, Systemsoft, and Phoenix.

Spectrum-based designs in standard form factors

Spectrum customers can accelerate their Pentium system designs by implementing off-the-shelf systems based upon a variety of industry-standard board formats. Megatel Computer Corporation (Ontario, Canada) is offering powerful Spectrum-based systems based on the new Small PCI standard, in a complete 64 MByte system the size of a Type III PC card.

MATRIX Corporation (Raleigh, North Carolina) is building industrial and ruggedized Spectrum-based 3U and 6U VME boards, while the parvus Corporation (Salt Lake City, Utah) recently has introduced the world's first Pentium-processor-based PC/104 Plus card using the MicroModule Systems Spectrum module.

Spectrum with MMX technology enabling new wearable system designs

David Ghaemi, CEO of Zykronix (Englewood, Colorado) said, "Today Zykronix is building our next-generation body-worn computers with MicroModule Systems Gemini modules. By designing with MMS each of our highly mobile systems is fully socket-compatible with Intel's MMX(TM) technology and future versions of the Pentium processor."

The newest Spectrum CPU modules with MMX technology will be sampling during the second quarter, with volume shipments beginning in the third quarter. Sample pricing for the newest Spectrum modules is $1679 for 166 MHz devices and $1239 for 150 MHz versions.

Background

MicroModule Systems, Inc. is the world's largest fully merchant supplier of advanced interconnect solutions. The ISO 9001 certified company supports an array of performance-driven applications in workstations, file servers, and embedded computing products for the systems, semiconductor, and communications industries. On October 24, 1996, the San Jose Business Journal named MicroModule Systems the fifth fastest growing private company in Silicon Valley.

For additional information, visit the MicroModule Systems Web site at http://www.mms.com . -0-

Note to editors: Color photographs of the newest Spectrum CPU modules are available from MicroModule Systems. Contact Howard Green at 408/864-5986. For more information about PC/104 Plus Spectrum designs contact the parvus Corporation at 801/483-1533. For Spectrum-based VME boards contact MATRIX Corporation at 919/231-8000. for additional information about Spectrum-based Small PCI systems contact Megatel at 919/856-0604.

MMX is a trademark, and Pentium is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation. Spectrum is a trademark, and both MicroModule Systems and the MicroModule Systems logo are registered trademarks of MicroModule Systems, Inc.

CONTACT: MicroModule Systems, Inc.

Howard Green, 408/864-5986

[e-mail]