Toshiba Introduces World's First 3.3-Volt Single-Chip UTOPIA Multiplexer/Demultiplexer; Low-power, Self-learning Solution Delivers High-bandwidth Connectivity for ATM Applications.

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 15, 1999--Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. (TAEC) today announced the world's first 3.3-volt, single-chip Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) multiplexer/demultiplexer, that meets the ATM Forum's Universal Test and Operations Physical Interface (UTOPIA) level 1 and 2 specifications.

The new TC35885TB UTOPIA multiplexer satisfies the demand for low-power solutions while providing self-learning capability and stand-alone operation (no processor support required). It enables connectivity for up to 31 physical interfaces (PHYs), providing broadband equipment manufacturers with functionality ideally suited for high-performance data and telecom applications including ATM switches, concentrators and Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexers (DSLAMs).

"By combining exceptional performance with a high level of feature integration, we are able to provide customers with a convenient single-chip solution that simplifies product development and reduces time to market," said Chuck Storey, ATM Business Development Manager at TAEC. "Toshiba is proud to supplement its current ATM portfolio of high performance SARs, PHYs and Switch Chip Sets with this new UTOPIA Multiplexer."

UTOPIA Compliance

The TC35885TB UTOPIA multiplexer incorporates an innovative ATM cell multiplexer/demultiplexer design, offering full compliance to the ATM Forum's UTOPIA level 1 and 2 specifications. The architecture enables the TC35885TB to connect several physical layer devices (eight or 16-bit mode) to a single ATM layer device (16-bit). Each port has built in first-in, first-out (FIFO) buffer capability, providing storage for up to 30 ATM cells in the receive direction and 16 ATM cells in the transmit direction. As a result, four full duplex ATM cell streams can be multiplexed/demultiplexed into a single data stream of up to 800-megabits per second. When two 8-bit ports are configured in 16-bit mode, receive and transmit FIFO port storage can be increased to 60 cells and 30 cells respectively. All UTOPIA ports operate with independent clocks up to 50Mhz.

The TC35885TB is also designed to operate in stand-alone mode, capable of handling idle/unassigned/SOC-error conditions without microprocessor support. For polling of logical UTOPIA ports, a weighted round robin algorithm is used. A self-learning mechanism detects the active UTOPIA ports, while a timeout facility prevents head-of-line blocking by detecting if a logical UTOPIA port is disabled. A JTAG port enables boundary scan testing during product development. Through the employment of Toshiba's advanced, low-power 0.30-micron CMOS process technology, the TC35885TB facilitates 3.3-volt operation with 5-volt tolerant inputs.

Pricing and Availability

Offered in a space-saving T-BGA, 256-pin package, samples of the TC35885TB will be available in June 1999 with production anticipated in the fourth quarter of 1999. Budgetary pricing may be obtained locally through authorized distributors or Toshiba sales offices.

TAEC's System IC Business Unit

TAEC's System IC Business Unit has an array of networking devices targeted for specific applications, ranging from low- to high-end. The 622 megabits per second (Mbps) ATM products provide solutions for LAN backbone and WAN access applications. Toshiba's broad selection of 155-Mbps ATM devices includes SARs and framers optimized for the hub/switch, server and adapter markets. Evaluation kits based on Toshiba's 155Mbps SAR and SONET/SDH framer products are also available to aid designers in the evaluation, design and production of network interface cards.

For fast Ethernet applications, a 10/100Mbps Ethernet controller is available which integrates a 32-bit Peripheral Components Interconnect (PCI) bus interface, a Direct Memory Access (DMA) engine and a Media Access Control (MAC) layer.

About Toshiba

Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. (TAEC) is the North American design, manufacturing, marketing and sales arm of Toshiba Corporation, a global technology innovator. TAEC is recognized as a leading supplier of semiconductor, electronic component and storage solutions. The company delivers technology solutions that enable OEMs to develop advanced integrated products for the computing, networking, communications and digital consumer markets. In fact, its technology offerings account for more than 30 percent of the total possible components used in desktop and portable computers. By continuing to develop leading-edge solutions that cost-effectively meet the emerging needs of the design engineering community, TAEC keeps its customers in touch with tomorrow. For additional information, please visit TAEC's web site at, http://www.toshiba.com/taec.

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