AMD Adds 50-MHz AM186® Embedded Controller
AUSTIN, TEXAS -- March 31, 1998 --AMD today introduced the highest performance member of the Am186® microcontroller family, the 50-MHz Am186®ER microprocessor. With a 25 percent faster clock speed than previous models and the addition of 32 KB on-chip Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), the Am186ER microprocessor is rated at 6.6 MIPs and delivers 386-class performance at a 16-bit price. The new microprocessor is ideally suited for the ever-increasing CPU requirements of a broad range of embedded communications, mass storage and general embedded applications. The Am186ER is the latest in AMD's Am186 family of microprocessors which offers developers high-performance chips supported by world-class development tools that enable shorter product development cycles and faster time to market for AMD's OEM customers.
"The Am186ER microprocessor is a cost-effective, high-performance product designed to give developers the power they need for tomorrow's embedded applications," said Rex Meek, Director of Marketing and Systems Engineering for the Am186 family of microprocessors. "We listened to our developers, and the Am186ER incorporates the features they want as well as a significant speed increase."
"IBM Storage Systems Divisions and AMD enjoy a long-standing relationship based on the Am186/88 family of processors," said David Foote, manager of disk drive controller development at IBM SSD in San Jose, Calif. "With improved technology and on-chip SRAM, AMD's newest Am186ER microprocessor offers a level of integration that delivers lower power, better performance, reduced system cost and increased reliability."
In addition to the faster processor speed, the 32 KB of SRAM on the chip helps developers reduce system costs, lower system power requirements and save board space in the design cycle. "Integration of 32 kilobytes of on-chip SRAM allows us eliminate two external SRAMs from our card, which saves cost and power," says IBM's Foote. Eliminating external SRAM also simplifies inventory management during production and reduces assembly cost.
Based on AMD's proven Am186 microprocessor core, which has shipped over 30 million units, the Am186ER microcontroller integrates commonly required peripheral logic found in most embedded systems as well as 32KB of zero wait state SRAM. The Am186ER microcontroller features an asynchronous serial port, a synchronous serial interface, DMA, Timers, an Interrupt Controller, general purpose programmable I/Os and chip selects, including a glueless interface to external RAM/ROM. As a 3.3-Volt (V) optimized part, power consumption is substantially reduced while the ability to interface with 5V devices is retained through 5V tolerant I/Os. The Am186ER microcontroller is also offered in an 8-bit version, the Am188*ER microcontroller.
The Am186ER microprocessor is supported by AMD's Fusion partners, who offer a complete software tool chain including compilers, linkers, locators, debuggers and emulators. A variety of RTOSs are available as well.
AMD's E86TM family of x86-compatible embedded processors and controllers, including the Am186 family, leverage industry-wide familiarity with x86 code and the broad availability of mature design tools to provide a significant time to market advantage over competing architectures. Because of the long life cycles required by embedded applications, AMD is committed to long-term product availability and support.
Price/Availability
AMD's Am186ER 50 MHz microcontrollers are currently available in limited quantities, with general availability scheduled for Q2. Contact your local AMD sales office to schedule an evaluation board-based demonstration. The Am186ER microcontrollers are shipped in a 100 PQFP or TQFP. Am188ER microcontroller pricing starts at $7.70 for 10,000 piece quantities.
