Mitsubishi Announces Double-Density, 133-MHz, 2-Mbit SRAM for Level-2 PC Cache Applications; Low-Power, Synchronous Pipeline Burst Device Doubles Level-2 Cache Size in High-End PCs

Business Wire, Oct 7, 1996

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 7, 1996--The Electronic Device Group of Mitsubishi Electronics America, Inc., today announced the North American availability of a double-density, 2-Mbit synchronous pipeline burst SRAM that provides a Level-2 cache solution for high-end Pentium and PowerPC microprocessor-based personal computer (PC) systems that require the cache-memory bus to operate at up to 133 MHz.

The SRAM improves CPU performance by doubling Level-2 cache memory size without increasing motherboard real estate, which is particularly beneficial for space-sensitive portable PCs.

The 2-Mbit synchronous SRAM device, the M5M5V2132, has a 64-Kword by 32-bit organization and integrates a 2-bit burst counter, as well as input and output registers on a single monolithic circuit. The device is manufactured in Mitsubishi's 0.4-micron SuperCMOS process technology, which combines the best characteristics of bipolar and CMOS technology to enable high-frequency, low-power ICs to fit in small die sizes.

"While CPUs in personal computers currently run in excess of 166 MHz, the PC designer may have difficulty taking advantage of the higher clock rates, due to limitations on cache-memory bus speed," said Narayan Purohit, Mitsubishi Electronics' product manager for SRAMs, Flash memories, and PC cards. "But Mitsubishi's 2-Mbit, Level-2 SRAM cache memory allows designers to run the bus at a higher frequency, which will greatly improve system performance."

Key design features

The 1-Mbit SRAM device has several design features, optimized for Level-2 PC cache applications:

-- A snooze mode feature especially suited for portable applications. Snooze mode turns off Level-2 cache memory when it is not in use, extending battery life while maintaining data integrity.

-- A burst mode control pin allows designers to choose either an interleaved burst for Pentium applications or a linear burst for PowerPC applications.

-- Synchronous circuitry provides designers with a precise cycle control that is triggered by a positive-edge clock transition.

-- An on-chip, self-timed write operation eliminates complex signal generation characteristics associated with off-chip write operations.

-- A flow-through mode offers designers a 2-1-1-1 burst sequence.

Supports Level-2 cache applications for high-speed CPUs

Designers can implement the M5M5V2132 synchronous SRAM as either single- or dual-banked cache memory for systems that require a bus clock frequency of up to 133 MHz. For example, designers can configure a 512-Kbyte single bank with two devices or configure a 1-Mbyte dual bank with four devices. The SRAM is LVTTL compatible and available in the following access times: 5.0 ns at 133 MHz and 117 MHz, and 5.5 ns at 100 MHz.

Designed for low voltage and low power consumption

The device offers single, 3.3V power supply operation and low power consumption, dissipating from 790 mW (at 100 MHz) to 870 mW (at 133 MHz). It consumes only 3.3 mW in stand-by and snooze mode.

Compact footprint and 100-pin standard package size

The SRAM fits within a 14.0 mm by 20.0 mm footprint, has a pin pitch of 0.65 mm, and is available in a JEDEC-standard, 100-pin TQFP package and pinout.

Availability and pricing

Samples of the 2-Mbit M5M5V2132 product will be available in November with volume production scheduled to begin in January 1997. The 133-MHz version of the device will sell for $19 each in sample quantities.

About Mitsubishi Electric and Mitsubishi Electronics America

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation is a worldwide leader in providing fast and low-power SRAM products in small package sizes, and is known throughout the industry as a market-driven memory supplier. Mitsubishi markets its SRAM products in North America through the Electronic Device Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Electronics America, Inc.

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation and its North American affiliate, Mitsubishi Electronics America, Inc., are world-class suppliers of semiconductors and electronic products for visual computing. Mitsubishi combines its systems-level expertise and high-level silicon process technology to provide chip, chipset, and system-on-a-chip solutions. The company is ranked among the top 10 worldwide semiconductor suppliers and offers an extensive range of semiconductor-based products in the North American marketplace including ASICs, memory ICs, optoelectronic products, microwave GaAs FETs, MPEG codecs, and flat-panel displays. -0-

Note to Editors: Pentium is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation. PowerPC is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.

CONTACT: Mitsubishi3 Electronics America, Inc.

Sherry Hill, 408/774-3188

shill@msm.mea.com

or

The Horn Group, Inc.

Kathleen O'Boyle, 415/579-6455

koboyle@horngroup.com