XaQti introduces the industry's first GE-MAC HDL model Gigabit Ethernet MAC Core and Gigabit Development Kit; XaQti's GE-MAC Core implements CSMA/CD access method, runs both half duplex and full duplex modes at Gigabit speed, meets draft proposals of key IEEE standards for Gigabit Ethernet, VLAN and Priority; Allows system vendors to develop custom Gigabit Chips rapidly.

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 16, 1997--XaQti Corporation (pronounced Shak-ti), a Gigabit silicon systems solutions company, introduced today its second product, GE-MAC HDL core, the industry's first complete CSMA/CD Gigabit Ethernet Media Access Controller core that complies with the current IEEE 802.3z D2 draft proposal.

The GE-MAC core is a "Soft" HDL model of the chip already introduced by XaQti.

Speeds Custom ASIC Chip Designs

XaQti became the first company to introduce a high value-added soft core HDL model of Gigabit Ethernet Media Access Controller (MAC) today, which enables the design of custom chips for 1,000 Mega bit per second client/server adapter card and Gigabit Switch Uplink designs.

System Vendors that are looking to design their own custom chips can quickly integrate the GE-MAC core into their designs and be assured of interoperability and future standards compliance. Unlike other Gigabit Ethernet products that have been recently announced, which run only in full duplex mode, the XaQti GE-MAC Core runs in both half duplex and full duplex modes.

Half duplex operation with standard Ethernet CSMA/CD protocol method is critical for shared multi-station LANs. The design also supports full duplex operation with IEEE 802.3x standard compliant flow control, carrier signal extension and packet bursting, to improve Gigabit Ethernet performance.

XaQti offers a Physical Layer control core model and using both cores, chip designs can support 25 meter short haul copper links, 500 meter multi mode fiber links and 3 Kilometer single mode fiber links. The GE-MAC core can support Network Adapter cards, Giga speed Server links, switch/router link designs and enables system vendors to get their Gigabit Ethernet products to market quickly.

Technical Excellence

The GE-MAC HDL core incorporates all key functions necessary to run in either Full Duplex or Half Duplex mode. To provide true CSMA/CD access at Gigabit speed, the GE-MAC implements 512 byte slot time using Carrier Signal extension and improves data throughput using packet bursting. Packet bursting maximizes data throughput by allowing the GE-MAC to transmit multiple packets during each transmit attempt.

To prevent data loss due to device buffer overflow, the core employs IEEE 802.3x based XON/XOFF flow control. There is an optional Physical Layer control core model including 8B/10B encoder, decoder which converts data to, and from, the serial data stream needed to run across the network and Link configuration/management. Link configuration feature enables a Gigabit Ethernet device to "Shake Hands" with another device and interoperate automatically.

The core also incorporates extensive network management support for implementing SNMP and RMON.

According to Samba Murthy, vice president of marketing and a XaQti founder, "The GE-MAC core is the second product introduction from XaQti and is a further evidence of its innovative technology. We are the first company to introduce both a chip and a HDL core that provides both CSMA/CD and full duplex functionality, as well as extensive management support for Gigabit Ethernet.

"We look forward to strong acceptance of this product as there are many systems designs that are looking to build custom chips. The XaQti core can offer inter-operability and compliance to the IEEE standards."

A Complete Solution

In addition, to help customers in Gigabit System Designs, XaQti is introducing a Gigabit Development Kit (GDK), which will let the users generate and process Gigabit packets for testing. Therefore, a complete suite of support: a MAC chip, a MAC CORE and a Gigabit Ethernet Development Kit (GDK) are all available from a single source.

Dataquest Analyst Gregory Sheppard commented, "Innovative companies like XaQti will accelerate adoption of gigabit Ethernet technology by providing cost effective merchant silicon on a timely basis."

XaQti plans to demonstrate GE-MAC based Gigabit Ethernet technology during the Networld + Interop trade show, in Start-Up City booth No. 1805. For pricing and availability, please contact XaQti.

XaQti Corporation is a privately-held semiconductor manufacturer focused on the Ethernet Data Communications market. Headquartered in San Jose, the company was founded in September 1995 by leading experts in the networking industry.

XaQti has been active in setting the Gigabit Ethernet standards through the IEEE 802.3z committee, as well as a leading participant in the Gigabit Ethernet Alliance (GEA). XaQti has been successful in building a very experienced R&D and Marketing team that has allowed the company to secure significant venture capital funding.

By mid-1997, the company plans to announce and deliver additional Gigabit Ethernet semiconductor products to the market. XaQti expects that the rapid introduction of standards based Gigabit Ethernet merchant silicon components, will enable systems customers to quickly deliver solutions to end-users, and accelerate the adoption of Gigabit Ethernet as the solution of choice for LAN backbones.

Visit XaQti on the Web at http://www.xaqti.com or write 1630 Oakland Road, Building A-214, San Jose, CA 95131. Telephone [phone], Fax [phone].

CONTACT: XaQti Corporation

Chris Parry, 408/487-8731

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