Xicor's System Controller Packs Functions for Wide Variety of Applications; New Device Combines Key Functions to Reduce Chip Count and Power.

MILPITAS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 8, 1997--XICOR, Inc. (NASDAQ: XICO) today announced a system controller integrating extensive logic, nonvolatile field reprogrammable memory and analog functions into one chip. The chip is ideal for use in a wide variety of applications including multiprocessors, fault-tolerant systems, telecommunications, data communications and cable system set top boxes.

The X5114 packs an assortment of functions to reduce chip count, save board space and reduce power. Nonvolatile registers configure the 16 programmable I/Os as Inputs or Outputs or selects one of four handshake modes. When the device powers up, a nonvolatile register controls the state of output pins and sets a compare value for input pins, providing fault monitoring. Eight of the inputs have optional analog adjustable thresholds. The X5114 has two interrupt outputs and a maskable interrupt structure. Two fully redundant 2MHz SPI serial ports with embedded address and cascade options provide the host interface. This allows control of over 256 devices with a single set of 4 wires. The X5114 makes extensive use of an embedded EEPROM, including 4,096 bits of general purpose memory, to make configuration of the system flexible yet reliable.

According to Gary Craig, Director of Product Marketing, "We integrated an assortment of system functions with our EEPROM technology and packed them into a single device to give engineers the equivalent of an electronic Swiss Army knife. The new chip offers maximum programmable flexibility for use in implementing a wide range of features including backplane communication, hot docking, cable detection, diagnostics, etc."

For many functions on the X5114 chip, extensive use is made of programmable nonvolatile EEPROMs for easy and reliable in-the-system configuration. The device contains a nine byte configuration register that is dedicated to storing the programmed operation of the I/O pins and the interrupt circuit. This nonvolatile register specifies whether the sixteen I/O pins are outputs, inputs or in a handshake mode. Outputs have a nonvolatile value that sets the pin directly to the desired state at power up. This structure eliminates the transients or unwanted states that can occur when the state of I/O pins are loaded from an external source during power up. Inputs automatically power up with a nonvolatile compare value. In this way, the device immediately begins monitoring signals when powered up.

The X5114 has 16 programmable I/O pins which can be set to five different modes of operation. The general purpose mode, in addition to setting default input and output modes, provides an adjustable threshold control. This is important for diagnostics, monitoring remote signals or sensors, and checking the presence of hot swappable cards. In this mode, one of ten programmable analog thresholds allows the input to determine if the system or cable voltages are within specification.

There are four handshake mode options with the X5114. In these modes, 8 pins form a bytewide "port" and two to four lines provide the handshake signals. The four handshake modes are Input, Output, Bi-directional and Multiple Input. The Input mode allows an external processing unit to initiate a data transfer to a master control element through the SPI port. The Output mode allows the master control element to send data through the SPI port to an external processing unit on the port. The Bi-directional mode allows either the master control element or the external processing unit to initiate data transfers plus allows these transfers to occur simultaneously. The Multiple Input mode allows the master control element to execute continuous reads from the X5114 over the SPI bus while the port handles the operation of requesting new data. Reading an A/D converter is one example of Multiple Input mode operation. The X5114 handles all handshake protocols automatically in each of these modes.

The interrupt controller of the X5114 monitors the input fault monitoring functions and notifies the host of a violation. The inputs are maskable so inputs can be selectively monitored. The X5114 also monitors the handshake interface and notifies the host of transaction completion. Finally, the interrupt system monitors the SPI communication and notifies the host if it receives an invalid command.

The 4,096 bits of EEPROM memory in the X5114 gives the device the ability to hold data when power is turned off. This data can include system status, system configuration parameters, user preferences, serial numbers, card IDs, passwords, protocol formats, etc.

Commands and data are sent to the X5114 via two fully redundant 2MHz Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) connections. This architecture allows fault-tolerant designs since, if one port fails, the other port can maintain the connection. When multiple devices are used, the SPI protocol selects the appropriate X5114 by sending an 8-bit address which is compared to eight hardwired address bits on the device.

Availability and Price

The X5114 is now in production. The device is priced at $5.95 in a 44-pin PLCC (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier), and $5.95 in an 48-pin TQFP (Thin Quad Flat Pack). Prices are for 10,000 piece quantities.

Reader Contact

Gary Craig, Director, Product Marketing, Xicor, Inc., 1511 Buckeye Drive, Milpitas, CA 95035. Telephone: [phone], X3549 E-mail: [e-mail] Web site: http://www.xicor.com

Company Background

Xicor designs, develops, manufactures and sells nonvolatile in-the-system programmable products which retain information even when system power is turned off or is lost inadvertently. Xicor's product line includes advanced and standard EEPROMs, EEPOT digitally controlled potentiometers, Secure SerialFlash(TM) memories, various memory and secure Smart Cards, and nonvolatile SRAMs.

In-the-system programmability benefits communications, consumer, computer, office automation, industrial, automotive and military products by adding advanced capabilities. Such capabilities include a much reduced design verification cycle, faster introduction to the market, easy adaptability to changing software and operating environments at the point of use, data security, remote maintainability, and personalization by the user. Many of Xicor's products consume little power, operate well from low voltage battery power sources, and come in small packages making them ideal for hand- held and portable applications.

Xicor products are sold worldwide and are supported by technically staffed offices located in Asia, Europe, Japan and North America. Headquartered in Milpitas, California, Xicor holds the Underwriters Laboratories Certification of Compliance with the ISO 9001 quality standard and the joint automotive QS 9000 quality standard certification.

Xicor's product, corporate and financial information is readily accessible on the World Wide Web at http://www.xicor.com, or by fax request to 408-432-0640. Acronyms that are also used for the products mentioned above include E2PROMs, E2PROM, eeprom, eePROM electrically erasable PROM, electrically erasable programmable ROM, E2POT(R) digitally controlled potentiometers, E2POT, Nonvolatile RAM, NOVRAMs, NVRAMs.

CONTACT: Editor Contact:

Xicor, Inc. Curtis & Associates

Gary Craig Curtis Panasuk

Director, Product Marketing Principal

408/432-8888, X3549 415/594-4800

or

Morgen-Walke Associates

Keil Decker or Dan Durkin

212/850-5600