LOS ALTOS, CA and SANTA CLARA, CA February 7, 2006 Rambus Inc.
(Nasdaq:RMBS), one of the world's premier technology licensing companies specializing in
high-speed chip interfaces and Enigma Semiconductor, an emerging leader in networked
communications technology, today announced that Enigma has licensed Rambus' ABP (Advanced
Backplane) high-speed serial link interconnect technology for integration into Enigma's
HybriCore™ switch architecture. The first chipset implementation of the HybriCore architecture
with Rambus' ABP serial link technology is expected to sample in mid-2006.
The license agreement provides Enigma access to Rambus' 1-10Gbps serial link ABP
interconnect technology suitable for both legacy and greenfield modular switching system
applications. Designed for the development of next-generation 10 and 40Gbps enterprise,
storage and data center networks, HybriCore is the first scalable switching architecture
to deliver both cell and native packet switching across the system backplane.
The HybriCore implementation features Rambus' latest innovation in high-speed signal
conditioning, the SmartDFE™ (Decision Feedback Equalization) technology. SmartDFE is
an intelligent equalization method that addresses the issue of varying frequency responses
within different channels in the same system. Overcoming the limitations of traditional
inverse frequency equalization, SmartDFE significantly improves signal integrity by observing
the characteristics and recent history of the data transmission, and applying this knowledge
to make intelligent data recovery decisions.
"Robust serial link technology is a highly specialized and crucial component of a complete,
integrated switching solution," said Rob Sturgill, president and CEO of Enigma Semiconductor.
"Integrating Rambus' ABP technology into the HybriCore chipset provides a competitive edge
for OEMs seeking to dramatically increase the speed and density of their next generation
systems while providing a robust, flexible platform for low-risk development with advanced
signaling technology."
Rambus' high-speed ABP technology implements dynamic adaptation algorithms to maintain
the highest signal integrity over temperature and humidity variances - effects that become
significant as data rates increase. The Rambus ABP solution offers reliable real-time link
health monitoring through on-chip diagnostics, as well as advanced signal conditioning
technologies such as reflection cancellation and dynamic adaptation algorithms.
"Next-generation ultrahigh-density networking systems employing HybriCore architecture
demand the highest performance serial link technology," said Kevin Donnelly, vice president
of engineering for Rambus Inc. "HybriCore is a natural first implementation for the
high-speed, flexible, and robust signaling capabilities that our APB solution provides."
The Rambus family of ABP SerDes consists of a wide range of cells supporting data rates
ranging from 1-10Gbps and supports standards and popular data rates such as Gigabit Ethernet,
XAUI, turbo-XAUI and "double XAUI." Proven in advanced fabrication processes, Rambus' serial
link ABP technology and signal integrity analysis services help engineers shorten development
cycles, increase system performance over challenging signal environments, and reduce
time-to-market. More information on Rambus ABP solutions is available at
http://www.rambus.com/products/backplaneserdes.
SmartDFE is a trademark and Rambus is a registered trademark of Rambus Inc.
Other trademarks that may be mentioned in this release are the intellectual
property of their respective owners.
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