Continued... World Class Intellectual Property from Storage Experts A wide range of peripherals are scheduled to be released to assist the drive designer up the integration ladder. Initially, these will include a range of embedded memory types for use as buffers, including read only memory (ROM), static random access memory (RAM) and flash. A number of storage-specific macro cells will also be available to speed controller design, including serial-to-parallel and parallel-to-serial converters, buffer managers and standard interface regimens including ATAPI, SCSI and IEEE 1394. Future macro cells will include high-speed EPRML read channels. Even more importantly, TI is making a major commitment to shortening time to market for its 'C27x core customers by undertaking the development of more complete solutions called integration platforms. These will include a collection of macro cells required to meet a popular configuration, complete with fully tested firmware for both servo/spindle and controller operations. For example, an integration platform might include a 'C27x core with servo positioning control, servo demodulation and sensorless spindle speed control firmware combined with static RAM and ATAPI interface standard cells and completely tested and debugged firmware. Use of such an integration platform would greatly shorten the overall development process, allowing the drive design team to concentrate on developing custom features to differentiate their products. Further platform development details are scheduled to be released in the second quarter of 1998. Highly-focused field and factory technical support is critical in the development of customized embedded processor solutions. TI offers customers a mass storage dedicated firmware and hardware technical staff, with extensive experience in storage processor solutions. Pricing and Availability In the storage market, most uniprocessor solutions using the 'C27x core will be customized devices, with final prices depending on the size of the final die and the TI intellectual property employed. 'C27x Core Available Today
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