--First Member, the Am186CC microcontroller, integrates USB, HDLC with high performance x86 core--
AUSTIN, TEXAS -- June 1, 1998 --AMD today announced a new family of integrated microcontrollers for communications systems. Based on AMD's E86™ family of microprocessors and microcontrollers, the Comm86™ family of communications controllers is the industry's first processor initiative to utilize the ubiquitous x86 instruction set for communications applications, giving systems developers access to the largest base of programmers, development tools and existing applications. The communication controllers in AMD's new Comm86 family will integrate powerful x86 processors and a variety of standard communication functions on a single chip, providing powerful, cost-effective solutions for today's increasingly sophisticated communications products.
The first member of the Comm86 family is the Am186CC™ communications controller, a 16-bit high performance x86 core combined with eight serial interfaces including four HDLC (High-level Data Link Control) channels and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) peripheral controller. Available in speeds up to 50 MHz and achieving 6.6 MIPS, the Am186CC communications controller offers performance superior to competing 32-bit designs at significantly lower costs. The Am186CC controller is ideal for use in a broad range of communications applications including xDSL modems, USB peripherals, ISDN terminal adapters, low-end routers, digital line cards, PBX applications, digital phones, digital loop carriers, and key telephone systems.
"With the Am186CC controller, AMD is providing OEMs with an integrated communications solution. With our experience in both embedded x86 products and communications, AMD can offer communication developers the performance, scalability and integration they demand with the price and low development costs they need," said Bob McConnell, vice president of AMD's Logic Products Division. "AMD plans to support communications and networking customers with a continuum of integrated products compatible with the largest base of installed software in the world."
The Am186CC controller's processing power is combined with high-performance, industry-standard communication interfaces, including four HDLC channels and a USB peripheral controller. The HDLC channels enable support for HDLC, SDLC, PPP, LAPD, LAPB, v.110, v.120 and other protocols based on HDLC. Each HDLC channel has a maximum data rate of 10 Mbps and has flexible external interfaces, including DCE, PCM Highway, and GCI. The USB interface is a high-speed (12 Mbps) device controller with six endpoints and integrated USB differential driver/receiver.
In addition to the HDLC and USB features, the Am186CC communications controller integrates two UARTs, including a high-speed UART with autobaud capable of sustained operation at 460Kbaud, a DRAM controller, and a synchronous serial interface (SSI). The Am186CC communications controller also features eight channels of SmartDMA™ to support the USB and HDLC, 4 channels of general purpose DMA, an interrupt controller with 17 external interrupt sources, three 16-bit timers, a watchdog timer, and 48 programmable I/Os. Programmable bus sizing and an 8-bit boot option are also supported. As a 3.3v device, power consumption is substantially lowered, while the ability to interface to 5v parts is retained via 5v tolerant I/Os.
The Am186CC offers complete solutions including support from the Fusion E86 program with a full complement of third party development tools and protocol stacks. An evaluation system and reference designs are offered including a low-end router and an ISDN terminal adapter (available in August). Reference designs using the Am186CC controller include low level device drivers for USB, HDLC and other peripherals. Third-party TCP/IP, PPP and ISDN stacks will be ported to the Am186CC controller as well.
Pricing and Availability
The Am186CC controller is available in a 160-pin PQFP package. The Am186CC is sampling now with production starting in Q398. Pricing starts at $13.50 in 10,000-unit quantities through AMD's distributors.
About AMD Communications Products
In addition to the Comm86™ family of processors, AMD offers a range of ICs for data and voice communications. Silicon-based devices for Ethernet, wireless telephony, public network infrastructure, wireless local loop, ISDN and low-power Flash memory enable a range of personal and networked communications solutions.
