New family of Ultra I/O Multi-Mode(TM) parallel port floppy disk controllers from SMC brings keyboard controller and RTC on-chip; All the I/O functionality of a PC Motherboard is now on one chip.

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 11, 1994--Standard Microsystems Corporation (SMC(R)) has continued its stream of new innovations in the area of personal computer input/output devices by introducing the FDC37C922 and FDC37C932 high-performance parallel port Ultra I/O floppy disk controllers.

The new devices, executed in low-power 0.8 micron CMOS using SMC's proven SuperCell(TM) technology, incorporate the functionality of SMC's recently introduced Super I/O devices, with the addition of an enhanced 8042 software-compatible keyboard controller with 2 kB of BIOS ROM, an MC146818/DS1287-compatible real-time-clock and a mouse port. The new devices also support the IrDA, HPSIR and ASKIR formats for wireless data transfers between notebook computers or personal digital assistants (PDAs) and desktop PCs.

The FDC37C932 is fully compatible with Microsoft's Windows 95 and Version 1.0a of the ISA Plug-and-Play standard. The `932 also features an EEPROM interface and 14 multi-function I/O pins that can be assigned functions by the system processor. One pin is available for use by the on-chip keyboard controller. The lower-cost FDC37C922 has eight general-purpose I/O pins available for assignment by the keyboard controller and 16 general-purpose I/O pins available for use by the system CPU, but unlike the `932, has no special features added to support the Plug and Play specification.

Both the `922 and `932 have directed and intelligent power-down capability and draw approximately 500 nanoAmperes during power-off periods. This minuscule level of battery current drain is greatly improved over competing implementations and permits greatly extended life for the lithium battery that powers the real-time clock.

Each device incorporates SMC's CMOS 765B/82077-compatible floppy disk controller core, supporting data rates of up to 2 Mbps for vertical recording, floppy disks and high-speed tape drives. Other features common to both devices are SMC's advanced digital data separator, an IDE interface, a high-speed parallel port with 16-byte data FIFO and two high-speed NS16C550-compatible UARTs. The UARTs can also run at ultra-high speeds of 230K baud and 460K baud to support modems that operate on the new high speed v.34 standard. The high-speed parallel port can operate in the industry-standard Centronics and PS/2 modes as well as the ECP and EPP modes. The port also includes a ChiProtect(TM) feature that prevents damage to the chip during printer power-up. Operating in standard mode, the parallel port is compatible with IBM PC/XT, PC/AT and PS/2 architectures. In the high-speed mode, the port is compatible with the enhanced parallel port standards (EPP 1.7 and EPP 1.9) and the extended capabilities port (ECP) standard.

Douglas L. Finke, vice president of marketing for SMC's Component Products Division, says the new devices bring several advantages to PC system designers. "By including the keyboard controller and real-time clock, we are helping designers decrease cost, parts count and board space while increasing reliability. We are offering the `922 and `932 as the first two devices in a whole family of products that will provide our customers a broad choice of capabilities to match to their system's performance and cost requirements. In addition, our customers will find that their cost of procurement will be reduced by being able to source all of the I/O functionality on a motherboard from one vendor instead of two or three."

Pricing for the FDC37C922, which is housed in a 160-pin PQFP or TQFP, is under $12.00 in quantities of 10,000 pieces. Samples are available now, with production orders shipped 12 weeks ARO. Pricing for the FDC37C932 in the same package choices is under $13.00 in 10,000-piece quantities. Samples of the `932 will be available in December. For more product information, contact SMC's Component Products Division, 1-800-443-SEMI. For editorial information, contact Pete Weiss, TQMS, (PLEASE DO NOT PUBLISH THIS NUMBER) 516/931-1511.

Founded in 1971, Standard Microsystems Corporation's (NASDAQ: SMSC) Component Products Division designs, develops and manufactures MOS VLSI circuits. The component products are designed for the computer peripherals market with a focus in networking, industrial and personal computer input/output. In addition to the Component Products Division, SMC's Systems Products Division provides a broad range of networking solutions for scaling, managing and connecting local area networks. SMC's products include LAN switches, hubs, LAN adapters and network management software.

SMC is a registered trademark and ChiProtect, SuperCell and Multi-Mode are trademarks of Standard Microsystems Corporation.

IBM, PC/XT and PC/AT are registered trademarks and PS/2 is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective companies.

CONTACT: Standard Microsystems Corporation, Hauppauge

Douglas Finke, 516/435-6000