Insight and Memec Design Team with Infineon and Xilinx to Create RLDRAM Demonstration Kit

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 10, 2002--Insight Americas, a leading global semiconductor distributor and a member of The Memec Group, and Memec Design, Memec's design and engineering division, today introduced a complete solution for developing designs that utilize high-speed reduced latency dynamic random access memory (RLDRAM) in FPGA-based applications.

Available from Insight in the Americas, the Memec Design RLDRAM Demonstration Platform includes four Infineon Technologies' HYB18RL25632 32-bit wide RLDRAMs; a Xilinx Virtex-II(TM) FPGA; the Memec Design RLDRAM Controller; a physical interface that operates at 200 MHz DDR (400 Mbits/sec/pin); and a standard P160 interface. The Platform also includes an example reference design that is pre-programmed into the module, a feature that allows instant set-up and testing.

The RLDRAM Controller takes advantage of the RLDRAM's unique internal architecture, which expedites random access at rates significantly faster than traditional SDRAM. In the past, designers devoted time and resources on creating their own IP solutions; the hardware- and software-proven Memec Design RLDRAM Controller, however, enables designers to focus on evaluating applications for the end-market.

RLDRAM is an ultra-high speed double data rate (DDR) SDRAM that combines fast, random access with extremely high bandwidth and high density. Designed to support the data transmission demands of high-end routers and switches in next generation networks, as well as very high speed servers, RLDRAM is available from two of the world's leading DRAM suppliers.

"This collaborative effort illustrates the synergistic nature of the Memec line card and the role Memec Design plays in realizing the full potential of new products," said Dr. Richard Joy, vice president, Memec Design. "Not only does this board combine innovative technologies from Xilinx and Infineon, but intellectual property from Memec Design ties these devices together, resulting in a comprehensive product that provides the highest speed and performance available."

According to Dianne Hilly, director of Sales for Specialty Memories at Infineon Technologies North America Corp., "Memec Design and Insight achieved all of the benchmarks we established with them and have designed an excellent platform for system manufacturers to evaluate RLDRAM. The effort truly showcases the technical prowess of the companies and demonstrates the memory speed and fast data access benefits of the RLDRAM architecture."

"This Insight-Memec Design solution combines the speed and performance of RLDRAM with the flexibility of Xilinx FPGA technology," stated Rina Raman, director of Applications Engineering of the Advanced Products Division at Xilinx. "More importantly, this kit demonstrates these benefits using a hardware-verified design platform."

Price and Availability

The RLDRAM Development Platform is available from these regional divisions of The Memec Group: Insight in the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe; Impact in Europe and the United Kingdom; and Memec in Japan. Elements of the Memec Design RLDRAM Development Platform can be purchased as a complete kit for $795, with a fixed controller netlist for $3,200, a customized netlist for $4,675, or with a project license for the full-source code for $9,995 (all prices USD). For more information on this and other Memec Design products, call 888/488-4133, ext. 285 (from the Americas only, toll free) or 858/638-4289, or go to www.memecdesign.com/rldram (not active yet).

About The Memec Group

The Memec Group encompasses three specialist semiconductor distribution companies, Impact, Insight and Unique. Each company focuses on a finite number of supplier partners, thus enabling superior product knowledge and unparalleled demand creation capabilities. Although Memec companies operate independently, they all rely on Memec United, the global logistics and EMS services division, and Memec Design, the design and engineering division, to offer original equipment manufacturers complete semiconductor solutions. Located throughout 42 countries, The Memec Group companies collectively represent over 200 developers and manufacturers of advanced semiconductors and intellectual property. With recent start-ups and acquisitions in Japan and Eastern Europe, Memec continues to expand its presence to emerging key areas of the global semiconductor market. Go to www.memec.com for more information.

ts/sd

    CONTACT: The Memec Group, San Diego
             Nora Kenney, 858/450-8896
             pr@mei.memec.com