Motorola Computer Group Expands Processor PMC Family; Processor PCI Mezzanine Card Leverages New Standard Architecture for Modular, Entry-Cost Sensitive Embedded Applications - Product Announcement

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, March 6, 2000

Motorola Computer Group (MCG), part of Motorola's (NYSE: MOT) Integrated Electronic Systems Sector and the world's leading supplier of embedded computing platforms for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Tuesday introduced the PrPMC600, a processor PMC designed for cost-sensitive applications.

In addition to being the latest member of MCG's popular PrPMC product family, the PrPMC600 builds on the VITA-32 standard that simplifies and speeds the development of custom PCI designs in such industries as semiconductor equipment, storage, printing, medical equipment and telecommunications.

In fast-paced markets such as printing, time-to-market issues and a lack of engineering resources create real-world obstacles to product release. Therefore, a compact CPU subsystem that is easy to design in is very attractive.

"The PrPMC600 is such a subsystem," said Greg Novak, product-marketing manager, Motorola Computer Group. "This macro-component -- with on-board Ethernet and memory expansion -- provides OEMs with a standard module to easily power their systems today and to allow simple upgrades in the future.

"OEMs are then able to focus on their value add -- developing software or custom PCI interfaces -- to ultimately reduce the design cycle of their products."

The PrPMC600, along with the previous MPC750 based PrPMC750, enable OEMs building medical imaging equipment to adapt to longer regulatory and approval cycles. As the product evolves prior to final approval, it is easy to substitute a higher performance CPU or larger memory payload if required.

Also available is the PrPMCbase, which allows software developers to get a head start on their application because they can begin debug prior to completion of their custom carrier.

The PrPMC family -- based on the VITA 32 standard -- is the first to address the changing needs of today's complex applications. Traditionally, embedded computing architectures plug small mezzanine boards that contain specialized I/O interfaces into a CPU-based motherboard or carrier in order to adapt to the changing I/O needs of a particular application.

But developers are finding this is the opposite of what is needed -- rather the I/O remains relatively constant and it is the CPU and memory subsystem that changes more rapidly.

This new Processor PMC approach simplifies product development and helps speed time-to-market by enabling OEMs to concentrate on design and debug of their 33 MHz I/O controllers, rather than expending resources to reinvent and debug rapidly changing high-speed microprocessor, memory and cache interfaces.

MCG's PrPMC600 also provides the following features: -- CPU Performance: MPC8240 at 200 or 250 MHz -- Memory Performance: Up to 83 MHz bus clock -- On Board Memory: 32MB or 64MB ECC SDRAM -- Memory Expansion: Up to 256MB -- On-Board FLASH: Up to 9MB -- Timers: 4 Interval, generates reset or interrupt -- Debug Support: Serial port, JTAG/COP -- Standard Height: Compatible with single VME or CompactPCIslot

Pricing & Availability The PrPMC600 is sampling now. Its single-unit list price is estimated to start at $695 and is supported with a limited five-year warranty.

Motorola Computer Group (MCG), headquartered in Tempe, Ariz., is the world's leading supplier of embedded computing platforms to OEMs for use in telecommunications, imaging and industrial automation applications worldwide. MCG provides best-in-class solutions by combining its advanced design engineering capability with responsive, world-class manufacturing operations.

Additional information about MCG is available on the World Wide Web at http://www.motorola.com/computers.> Motorola's Integrated Electronic Systems Sector (IESS) is the leading provider of embedded electronic systems for customers who integrate embedded electronics into their products. The five businesses of IESS deliver high-value embedded electronic solutions that enable customers to differentiate their products and lead their markets.

Motorola is a global leader in providing integrated communications solutions and embedded electronic solutions. Sales in 1999 were $30.9 billion.

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