MicroModule Systems announces new Pentium-based multichip modules for the desktop PC and server markets

Business Wire, March 20, 1995

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 20, 1995--MicroModule Systems Inc. today announced new multichip modules (MCMs) based upon the Intel Pentium processor at the Windows Hardware Engineering Conference (WinHEC), San Francisco.

The new NorthStar III MCMs are targeted for servers and high-end desktop PCs.

For OEMs designing high performance servers, the NorthStar III provides a small, simple to use "single-chip" solution for systems requiring a Pentium processor and a very large cache. The NorthStar III CPU module contains an Intel Pentium CPU, an Intel 82498 cache controller, and either 1 or 2 Mbytes of high-performance second level cache memory. NorthStar III requires less than half the board space of traditional component designs, and reduces the board design complexity to a manageable task.

"The trend toward scalable, multiple processors and larger operating systems -- including Windows NT, OS/2 from IBM, Sun Solaris, Novell NetWare, and Novell UnixWare, require one to two Mbytes of second level cache per processor," said John Novitsky, director of CPU products at MicroModule Systems. "Due to the electrical signal timing and loading constraints, these caches are extremely difficult to design and are inherently quite large. By solving most of these difficult electrical design challenges, NorthStar III accelerates time to market schedules, while lowering costs by requiring smaller, simpler boards with fewer routing layers."

The new NorthStar III modules are packaged in a 349-pin PGA, operate at both 90 or 100 MHz, and support a 64-bit bus. The 3.3 Volt MCMs are built based on MicroModule Systems SpeedFrame thin film substrate technology. Typical power dissipation is approximately 20 Watts at 100 MHz. NorthStar modules are available immediately in several speed grades, with volume production scheduled in the second quarter. Sample pricing is $3,995 per module.

MicroModule Systems Inc. is the world's largest fully merchant supplier of multichip subsystems and interconnect solutions. The ISO 9001-certified company has successfully completed over 120 unique MCM designs for customers in the systems, semiconductor, communications, defense and aerospace industries. Located in Cupertino, MicroModule Systems provides standard, custom, and enabling technology products for its customers. Investors include AMP Inc., MVP Ventures, Bank of Boston Venture Group, and others. -0-

NOTE TO EDITORS: Data sheets and color photographs of the NorthStar III are available. Contact Howard Green 408/864-5986 or Jodi Guilbault, 415/962-9550 to arrange shipment.

Pentium and Intel are trademarks of Intel Corp. SpeedFrame and MicroModule Systems are trademarks of MicroModule Systems Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

CONTACT: MicroModule Systems Inc.

Howard Green, 408/864-5986

Email: green@mms.com

Miller Communications

Jodi Guilbault, 415/962-9550