SYSTEMS

LONDON, ENGLAND -- Fujitsu Microelectronics has introduced the latest family members of its Fast Cycle RAM (FCRAM(TM)) series, a group of 256Mbit, high-speed memories that incorporate the Double Data Rate (DDR) SDRAM interface. The new FCRAMs, which were jointly developed with Toshiba, are designed for high-performance network systems that require very high capacities and speeds of up to 200MHz. The FCRAMs are ideal for use in applications such as enterprise servers, look-up tables and high-speed buffers for network systems. The new 2.5V FCRAMs are divided into the A Series (which feature 154MHz clock speeds) and the B Series (with 200MHz clock speeds). Both series use the SSTL-II I/O interface. Random cycle times for different versions of the A series range from 30ns to 40ns with random access time of only 22.5ns. For the B Series, cycle times range from 25ns to 40ns, while an access of 22ns is supported. The A Series includes the MB81N261647A, with 133MHz to 154MHz clock speed versions. The B Series is represented by the MB81N261647B, featuring 167MHz to 200MHz clock speeds. Working closely with leaders in the networking and communications markets, Fujitsu has designed the FCRAM to meet these companies' specific requirements for high speed and bandwidth combined with low latency and extremely short random cycle time to serve the exploding data-management markets. Network system developers need this kind of memory technology for their new generations of equipment. For example, improvements in the command input system enable increased bandwidth, faster random access times and reduced power consumption. All these enhancements have been provided with no increase in pin count. The new 256Mbit FCRAMs are also ideal for the kinds of systems that are built around Fujitsu's high end networking ASIC capability. The introduction of the FCRAMs for high-performance networking continues the Application Specific Memory (ASM) development program initiated by Fujitsu in the mid-1990s. In 1999, Fujitsu introduced FCRAM products for multimedia graphics, and added a version for mobile communications equipment applications the following year. The company will continue to use its FCRAM core technology and high-speed interface technology to develop more high value-added FCRAM products tailored to the needs of its customers. Samples of the A Series will be available in Q2CY01. The B Series will become available later this year. All the new FCRAMs are packaged in 66-pin Thin Small Outline Packages (TSOPs). For more information visit www.fme.fujitsu.com