AMD Integrates Dram Interface on 16-Bit Embedded Microcontroller
AUSTIN, TX -- March 10, 1997 --AMD today announced the Am186ED™ microcontroller, a 16-bit embedded IC featuring the performance and integration of AMD's popular Am186/88EM™ and Am186/88ES™ microcontrollers, with the addition of an on-board DRAM controller. The new microcontroller makes possible a lower-cost DRAM solution ideally suited for embedded applications requiring more than 64KB of RAM.
The Am186ED microcontroller delivers zero-wait-state performance at 40-MHz with 50-ns DRAM, 70-ns SRAM or Flash memory.
The Am186ED microcontroller reduces system costs by enabling embedded designers to specify low-cost, glueless interface to DRAM. Integration of the DRAM controller on chip also eliminates the need to design a DRAM interface, speeding time to market, reducing solution form factor and enhancing system reliability.
Further memory sub-system cost savings result from the programmable bus sizing option which allows a designer to mix 8- and 16-bit peripherals. A less-expensive 8-bit ROM can be used on boot-up, and speed critical routines can be copied to the no wait state DRAM.
Applications benefiting from specification of the Am186ED microcontroller and inexpensive DRAM include mass storage, DVD systems, point-of-sale terminals, industrial control, and a broad range of communications and networking equipment.
The Am186ED microcontroller shares the popular Am186/88EM™ and Am186/88ES™ microcontroller feature set including two 9-bit asynchronous serial ports, two DMA controllers, three 16-bit timers with pulse width modulation/demodulation, 32 programmable I/O's, 12 chip selects, eight internal and eight external programmable interrupts and programmable bus sizing. An expanded watchdog timer enhances system reliability. The microcontroller is fully instruction set compatible with the Am186/88EM and ES series for simple system upgrades.
Based on industry-standard x86 architecture, the Am186ED microcontroller integrates virtually all of the peripherals required for a complete system, supporting AMD's E86™ family Systems in Silicon™ design philosophy.
The Am186ED microcontroller is available in a choice of 20-, 25-, 33-, and 40-MHz versions in 100-pin PQFP or TQFP packaging. AMD direct prices start at $9.70 each for the 20-MHz PQFP package in quantities of 10,000. Samples are available now, with production units slated for Q3, 1997 availability. An evaluation board showing a complete system solution will also be available in Q3, 1997 for $186 through AMD sales offices.
