Intel Launches New Universal Serial Bus Controllers, Other "One-Stop Shopping" USB Solutions

Complete Hub Monitor Solution, Comprehensive System Testing, Hub Boards Also Available

CHANDLER, Ariz., Nov. 10, 1997 -- Intel Corporation announced today its new 8x931 product line of high-performance, single-chip hub (8x931Hx) and hubless (8x931Ax) Universal Serial Bus (USB) controllers, complementing Intel's existing family of fully integrated USB products.

The company is also offering additional USB capabilities and hub-related services – a complete hub monitor development solution, an intensive customer peripheral and PC system integration and validation testing program, and a Customer Hub Board (CHUB) to assist customers in quickly delivering high-quality USB products to the consumer market today.

The 8x931Hx hub controller, an MCS® 51 hardware-based device, is designed for monitors and other peripherals that require hub functionality in a compact, single-chip solution. The new hub controller provides five downstream ports, one embedded and four external connections.

The 8x931Hx allows manufacturers to develop "smart" hubs for attaching additional PC peripherals and creating new monitor control features through use of a Windows* application -- instead of existing mechanical button controls. And, with the monitor's natural proximity to the PC user, easy "fingertip port expansion" access and built in power source, Intel expects USB hub functionality to be a basic feature in next-generation monitors and the centerpiece of USB peripheral expandability.

Hub Monitor Solution
With expected high demand for these next-generation "smart" hub monitors, Intel is also offering a "one-stop shopping" USB complete monitor solution. Intel's extensive program includes Windows management drivers, an On-Screen Display (OSD) applet, Application Programming Interface and firmware, engineering support and peripheral integration laboratory activities, and compliance and interoperability testing.

The Intel monitor solution, which offers USB monitor makers a faster time to market option today for Windows 95*, is available free of charge to Intel customers, and is portable to Windows 98*.

The 8x931Ax, also based on the MCS 51 hardware, is designed for PC peripherals requiring high-speed capabilities like the emerging PC imaging and force-feedback peripheral markets. The low-power 8x931Ax is ideal for mobile applications and peripherals which can be powered through the USB cable, eliminating the need for a bulky external power supply. The new controller consumes approximately 60 percent less power than Intel's existing 8x930Ax controller.

The 8x931 family features 256 bytes of on-chip data RAM, supports isochronus and non-isochronus data transfer modes, and is available in ROMless and 8 Kbyte ROM versions. Samples of both controllers are available now and volume orders are being accepted.

The new controllers are the latest in a variety of Intel USB-enabling products designed for both ends of the wire. These include the industry's first USB PCI chipsets, motherboards, hub and hubless peripheral controllers, and commercially available USB videophones.

"From the very start, Intel has been helping to create the USB specification by shipping the very first hub and hubless controllers," said Wendy Vittori, general manager of Intel's Connected PC Division. "The 931 product line continues to strengthen our commitment to PC -- connectivity solutions by providing a high-performance, single-chip USB product right now with a high level of customer service."

Peripheral Testing
As a value-added service to its customers in designing robust peripherals, Intel has created a USB compatibility and interoperability laboratory where 8x930- or 8x931-based peripherals can be connected and tested on a variety of PC systems with multiple peripherals attached.

The 8x931 products complement Intel's existing 8x930 high-performance controllers, which have been shipping since May 1996. Intel has already shipped close to 1 million of the 16-bit MCS 251 hardware-based 8x930 controllers to current customers.

Hardware and software development tools for the 8x931 family are being developed by third party vendors throughout the industry to support system developers during all phases of their design cycle. Support for the new products includes: American Megatrends, Ceibo, Hitex, Keil Software, Metalink Corporation, Moore Computer Consultants Inc., Microtek International Inc., Nohau Corporation, Phoenix Technologies, PLC, SystemSoft Corporation and TASKING.

"CHUB" Board, Development Tools
Intel also provides a 931 CHUB board – a platform for compatibility testing and a reference for customer hardware and firmware design. The CHUB can be used by developers who require a proven reference design as a starting point for a USB hub device. Software and hardware vendors can also use the CHUB to complete compatibility testing and product evaluation. Packaged as part of the Intel USB Development Tool Suite, the kit provides all the schematics and firmware needed to integrate Intel's CHUB into the customer's design.

Universal Serial Bus is a new PC interface that provides a single, "one size fits all" plug and port connection for a variety of PC peripherals like digital cameras, joysticks, mice, scanners, speakers and videophones.

USB provides PC users with instant or "hot" plug and play benefits without the need to adjust system settings, insert add-in cards or restart the computer. PC users can also easily add or remove up to 127 devices simultaneously into one PC by using USB peripherals like monitors, printers and scanners as additional port outlets or "hubs."

* Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.