ZF Linux Devices Announces Ultra-low Power MachZ, The First Real X86 PC-on-a-Chip
Jun 29th, 01:21 UTC
Auto-booting SOC runs X86 applications natively, integrates full set of PC peripherals.
New York, NY-June 26, 2000 -- ZF Linux Devices, Inc, is announcing its ultra-low power (< ½W @ 133MHz) MachZ PC-on-a-Chip with a software suite that includes a fully implemented PhoenixBIOSTM from Phoenix Technology and a choice of a customized Linux implementation or the WindRiver VxWorks real-time operating system (RTOS). Every MachZ Integrated Development System includes Red Hat Linux 6.2 and LynuxWorks BlueCatTM Linux and the LynuxWorksTM development tools for creating compact custom Linux embedded applications. OEMs no longer have to pay costly license fees or go through the expensive and time-consuming requirement of porting third party software and searching for unique peripheral drivers.
MachZ, with the FailSafeTM System is the only X86 PC-on-a-Chip that boots autonomously on application of power and can operate even if system DRAM and Flash are unavailable.
The groundbreaking crash-immune PC-on-a-Chip is the only device available that ensures successful on-line software upgrades. Using its patented FailSafe? System it allows upgrades over the Internet while eliminating the possibility of irrecoverable crashes. "The MachZ PC-on-a-Chip is the only device that boots on power-up even if all external system software has been corrupted or is inaccessible," stated David Feldman, CEO of ZF Linux Devices. "Using its proprietary Z-tagTM interface, the MachZ can re-program system Flash at a quick 2M-bits per second, rather than the usual 19.6Kbaud, reducing potential downtime dramatically," he continued.
MachZ integrates a PhoenixBIOS and customized Linux implementation or VxWorks RTOS tailored to the MachZ's unequaled set of traditional PC hardware features including PCI, ISA and Access (I2C) buses, serial and parallel I/O, floppy and hard disk controllers. It also contains a host of patented features specifically created to solve the problems faced by designers of OEM products when integrating PC functionality. ZF Linux Devices' introduction of the MachZ PC-on-a-Chip brings to market the lowest power and most feature rich X86 PC-on-a-Chip ever introduced.
The MachZ was designed from the ground up to resolve the issues necessary to create crash-immune PC compatible embedded applications and offers the lowest total PC system cost in the embedded market.
The auto-bootable PC-on-a-Chip incorporates an internal redundant boot mechanism that allows full recovery even when system BIOS is corrupted (FailSafe Boot), a high-speed serial access to Flash that allows field or factory software downloads at more than 100 times normal speeds (Z-tag), a proprietary chip select control mechanism that eases x86 system integration (ZF-LogicTM) and Dual Watchdog TimerTM technologies. The chip is a .25 micron technology device in a 388BGA, 35mm x 35mm package. It is targeted to be the enabling technology for the rapidly growing market for Internet devices, information appliances, and other products in the "post-PC era".
The MachZ is priced from $60 in low volume to mid $30's in high volume quantities.
About ZF Linux Devices
ZF Linux Devices has pioneered FailSafe systems in embedded applications since its founding as ZF MicroSystems in 1995. Its products are the most highly integrated, PC-compatible control systems in the industry. Corporate headquarters are located at 1052 Elwell Court, Palo Alto, CA 94303 USA: toll-free: 800-683-5943; tel: 650-965-3800; fax: 650-965-4050; e-mail: info@zflinux.com; web: www.zflinux.com. In Europe, ZF Linux Devices can be reached at +33-(0)1-41-80-04-10. In South America, call +54-1-544-4033.
Company Contact:
ZF Linux Devices, Inc.
Renee Bula
(650) 965-3800
rbula@zfmicro.com
Editorial Contact:
Cathy Donoghue
(408) 530-8081 ext. 103
cathy@shotwellpr.com
(Submitted by Cathy Donoghue of Shotwell Public Relations)
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