As Intel Corp ramps up for the launch of its first chipset to support Direct Rambus DRAM technology next quarter, National Semiconductor Corp has gone to Rambus Inc to license the high-bandwidth 800 MHz memory interface for use in future integrated processors developed by its Cyrix subsidiary. Rambus memory technology provides 1.6 gigabytes per second of peak bandwidth from a single device, and the technology will help Cyrix push its x86-compatible processors into 3D acceleration, DVD playback applications and increase overall system performance. Cyrix says that as its processors approach speeds of 1 GHz, high memory bandwidth and low latency become more critical for achieving a balance of performance and cost. Rambus technology features a low pin count, making it suitable for low-cost, high-volume manufacturing using standard CMOS process technology.
