High Performance Analog Front End and New CD-ROM ATAPI Disk Controller Provide Low-Power Operation

Tustin, CA, USA - May 23, 1996 -- Silicon Systems Inc. now offers two new ICs for the current generation DVD-ROM drives -- the 33P3720 DVD Analog Front End/read channel which extracts the stored information from the sensor signal and the 33C3911 CD-ROM Decoder which provides an ATAPI or DMA interface to a host computer.

"Although these are our first products for the DVD market," said Jeff Harth, product marketing manager at SSI, "they are based on our many years of experience in developing similar parts for both hard disk and optical drives. "

Fabricated in high performance BiCMOS, the 33P3720 DVD Analog Front End includes the industry's first complete DVD servo algebra repertoire, implementing on-chip functions such as seeking, focusing and track-following. The differential phase-tracking error-detection circuit features a 20 MHz bandwidth, while the focus and 3-beam tracking error-detection circuits offer a 75 KHz dynamic range.

The device also includes an RF attenuator with temperature-compensated automatic gain control and dual range 4-bit programmable equalizer/filter capable of handling DVD and CD signals over the 1X to 12X speed range. Automatic laser power control is provided on-chip to further reduce the need for external circuitry.

The new 33C3911 CD-ROM ATAPI Disk Controller integrates all facilities for CD data descrambling, real-time error correction and data transfer to the host interface, operating at disk speeds up to 12X. When used in conjunction with the discrete DVD channel decoding logic currently implemented by DVD manufacturers, it provides a universal decoding facility providing backward compatibility with all previous CD data recording formats. This new CMOS device also includes a complete microprocessor interface and support for a wide range of DRAM and SRAM timings and capacities, making interfacing and buffering a snap.

"These new devices are ideal for the first generation of DVD-ROM drives which are expected to replace CD-ROM drives in computer storage applications over the next few years," said Harth. "Silicon Systems designers around the world are already working on a second generation chip set that will greatly increase the integration of DVD drives and reduce manufacturing costs substantially. These chip sets will be sampled in early 1997."

Both of the new devices are designed for very low power operation and include extensive power-down circuitry. Samples of the 33P3720 will be available in Q4 to any DVD licensee and will be packaged in a 64-pin TQFP at a cost of less than $10 in 1,000 quantity. The 33C3911 is sampling now in a 100-pin QFP package and costs $12.00 in 1,000 quantity.

Silicon Systems, a TDK Group company, is a leader in the design and manufacture of advanced application-specific, mixed-signal integrated circuits for the data storage and communications markets.