Digital ICs/DSP: Enhanced Host Bridge Chip Adds Features While Lowering Power

An upgraded version of the Tsi108 PowerPC host bridge chip, the Tsi108A, adds integrated spread-spectrum clock generation to lower radiated noise and DDR2 memory support for high-speed data transfers. The Tsi108A also has a low active power, typically about 2.5 W with all ports active, and it operates at 200 MHz (3.7 W, maximum). Able to support dual CPUs, PCI-X interfaces, DDR2-400 SDRAM memory, dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, and flash memory interfaces, the chip's additional integrated features lower overall system costs. A low-latency, nonblocking internal switch fabric provides port-to-port interconnects and high throughput. Integrated bus arbiters are available for processors and PCI-X devices. Four independent DMA/XOR channels provide high-speed data-streaming support. The Tsi108A is housed in a 1023-contact, 33- by 33-mm FCBGA. Samples will be available in September. Contact the company for projected pricing.