TI adds low-end Sparc processor

Electronic News, Oct 12, 1992

HOUSTON--Texas Instruments has introduced a lowend Sparc microprocessor with peripheral functions integrated on-chip. With a price tag of $179 in OEM volumes, the microSparc is targeted against high-end Intel MPU-based systems.

Designed in conjunction with Sun Microsystems, the new processor includes a 32-bit Sparc integer unit, separate instruction and data caches, a Sparc reference memory management unit, a configurable dynamic RAM controller, an SBus interface, and a floating point unit co-developed with Meiko Ltd. The part needs only memory, a clock crystal, and peripherals for a specific target application to build a complete system, said TI.

The microSparc introduction is TI's second assault on the desktop--and Intel's MPU stable--in as many weeks. Last week the company released its version of the 486 MPU, using Cyrix architecture and design, with pricing ranging from $59 to $99 (EN Oct. 5). That circuit is aimed directly at desktop systems in the 386 and low-end 486 class, while TI said the microSparc is targeted at highend 486 applications including business as well as design workstation uses.

The circuit, which complies with Sparc Architecture version 8, was "architectured to meet the needs of low-end workstation manufacturers," said Rich Templeton, TI vice president of ASIC products. He said the part is also aimed at the high-performance X terminal market as well as the general desktop business market now dominated by Intel-architecture circuits.

In addition to integration of the various peripheral functions on the Sparc silicon, specifications include a 50MHz clock rate, binary compatibility with other Sparc circuits, and packaging in 288 pin TAB. The $179 price is for 10,000-piece, fourth quarter deliveries, with samples available immediately at $500 each.

Although no systems were introduced along with the circuit, TI quoted testimonials by executives from Sun, Tadpole Technology, C. Itoh, and Hyundai Electronics America subsidiary Axil Workstations. Sun and Hyundai indicated plans to introduce low-end workstations using the processor. C. Itoh executives spoke of a Sparc-based X-terminal, and mentioned plans for "a new generation of Sparc-compatible portable workstations."

Larry Hembly, Sun's vice president of marketing, said "the microSparc workstation on a chip will allow Sun to bring to market SPARCstations which will be even more competitive with highend PCs."