New Cirrus Logic Communications Controller Supports Record Throughput Rates for Networking I/O Applications.

FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 11, 1995--Cirrus Logic Inc., (Nasdaq: CRUS) today announced the availability of its newest communications controller, an eight channel I/O chip called the CL-CD1865.

This new device significantly improves overall system-level throughput for networking applications by featuring increased serial data rates, and provides customers with a cost-effective upgrade by maintaining software compatibility with the industry standard CL-CD180 and CL-CD1864.

"The CL-CD1865 is a cost-effective I/O communications device that addresses networking requirements," said Michael Leung, Director of Marketing for Cirrus Logic's Internetworking Products. "It provides remote access and terminal server equipment as well as PC add-in card manufacturers with a solution that efficiently manages the transfer of data from serial channels to the host system at increased speeds over a greater number of channels. As a result of its greater channel density, this chip offers lower system costs-per-channel than other solutions."

Features the new device supports include fast data transfer rates (up to 115.2 kbps that supports V.34 modems), eight full-duplex channels, 8-byte deep buffers and in-band and out-of-band flow control for data communications applications. The three 8-byte on-chip FIFOs per serial channel -- one each for transmit, receive, and status significantly reduce the number of interrupts to the host CPU, resulting in both improved throughput and system performance.

With its high-performance RISC processor, the device performs many of the functions previously executed by the CPU. The processor offloads instructions from the CPU and allows the implementation of such efficiency-enhancing features as automatic flow (in-band and out-of-band) control and character recognition. Automatic flow control permits the new chip to manage the flow of data in real time, minimizing host intervention and preventing loss of data. Character recognition lets the processor generate and detect special control characters.

Packaging, Pricing, and Availability

The CL-CD1865 Communications Controller is packaged in a 100-pin plastic quad flat pack (PQFP). Sample quantities of the new device are now available priced at $25 in quantities of 1,000. Volume production is planned for May 1996.

Headquartered in Fremont, Calif., Cirrus Logic Inc. 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 analog and digital design to innovate highly integrated, software-rich solutions. Cirrus Logic has developed a broad portfolio of products and technologies for applications spanning multimedia, graphics, communications, system logic, mass storage, and data acquisition.

CONTACT: Cirrus Corp., Fremont

Connie Duncan, 510/226-2346 (Editor contact)

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Mike Leung, 510/226-2140 (Reader contact)

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