Buzz #12 30 декабря 1997

Amiga

A BOX part 1 - Step into a Dream: The product data, facts, concepts A BOX; Silicone dream; Features Laipitinha; Features A BOX; Operating System A BOX; development in the future.

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                    Phase 5 Digital Products

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                     Phone: +49 6171 583787

                       Fax: +49 6171 583789


                     WWW: www.phase5.de

                     FTP: ftp.phase5.de

                     E-Mail: mail@phase5.de
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                       Codename: A \ BOX


                          Step to the dream
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1. Products - Data - Facts
2. Concept A \ BOX
3. "Silicon Dream
4. Main characteristics CAIPIRINHA
5. Device A \ BOX
6. Operating System A \ BOX
7. Future developments
8. Global availability guaranteed
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1. Products - Data - Facts
--------------------------

    October 22, 1996-the year: Phase 5 Digital Products is 
pleased to announce a long-awaited new computer system specs

titled A \ BOX, based on the powerful Custom
Chip-technology that can break down the barriers of today's
standards for the computer industry. Expected time of appearance
Prototypes A \ BOX - 1998-th year.

    We believe that as an extremely powerful and flexible 
working station, A \ BOX will be the best system for all active 
and creative-minded users who want to work with

the most modern technologies, as well as for those who are not
tempt to be a victim requires a continuous investment of money 
and there also depreciating hardware, huge restrictions

imposed worthless operating systems that
designed purely for passive consumers and users.

    With such a huge capacity and functionality
A \ BOX as new, outstanding and revolutionary project as AMIGA
1000 was 14 years ago, will qualify to become a computer
system, which all enthusiasts can take AMIGA
a new birth of lyubimgo computer, based on the latest
advances in computer technology.
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2. Concept A \ BOX
-----------------

    After the announcement of our project got a lot of 
speculation, rumors and misinformation different (eg different

information structures Internet), so first we present
basic facts about the concept of A \ BOX.

    A \ BOX will be from a system based on
new, innovative technologies that are not based on such
standards, such as graphics cards based on PCI or AGP. We
believe that the new computer system should be built and
on the new hardware, standing out from the system,
constructed on the basis of PC-standard, in order to overcome 
the imposed their limitations. On the other hand, it does not 
mean that we abandon widely used and popular

standards, such as the PCI-bus for simple devices
(Modems, Ethernet cards, etc.), standard memory modules,
standard interfaces, etc.

    The basic idea of ​​A \ BOX is to increase the level of 
integration the main components of the system (video controller 
audiokontrolera etc.). Thanks to modern methods of design and 
production it became possible to implement them in the form of 
ASIC-chip for quite affordable price. The central component of 
A \ BOX is The original Custom Chip, is responsible for many 
important functions systems, such as complete control of the 
memory and processor, all the functions of DMA, including video 
and audio, blitter functions, I / O functions and management. 
This chip now under development in laboratories Phase 5:

experienced team of hardware developers in
currently working on this revolutionary concept
using the most modern and high-level methods, such as
VHDL-programming.

    During the first half of 1998, most efforts
will be focused on testing the chip, and then be released
His first silicon prototype. Further follow-scale
production, which will, of course, one of the world
Leaders in the manufacture of ASIC-chips.

    In conclusion we may say that creating the A \ BOX, we do 
not trying to "reinvent the wheel" and create a new computer

system, widely using the most modern techniques and tools
development that are available today in our company, finished
develop an outstanding, powerful, and
competitive product.
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3. "Silicon Dream
---------------------

    The heart of A \ BOX is a system controller, called
CAIPIRINHA, on which the concept of A \ BOX. CAIPIRINHA
open new horizons in the power and technology. It will
constitute a self VLSI Custom Chip, built on 0.35 micron
CMOS ASIC technology, using a modern, perhaps
575-BGA pediculo housing. With a 128-bit bus with memory,
wide two-port buffers, FIFO-belts on the data lines,
external clock frequency of 100 MHz and 200 MHz internal,
CAIPIRINHA be able to perform intensive data transfer and
other powerful additional features (such as support for 3D and
multimedia applications) without the involvement of the central 
processor. -------------------------------------------------- 
------------- 4. Main harakteriki CAIPIRINHA

---------------------------------
* 128-bit high-performance UMA-controller (Unified

  Memory Architecture - Architecture with the general plan of 
storage) 

  using modules of SDRAM with a clock frequency of 100 MHz and

  able to work with a maximum rate of 1.6 GB / sec.
* 64-bit processor bus with a maximum clock frequency

  100 MHz.
* Two 24-bit video DMA-channel free-to addressing any

  areas of memory and integrated 24-bit video DAC.
* Four 16-bit audio at 44.1 kHz, with any number of

  virtual channels Support Click FM and AM-synthesis.
* Two independent video inputs with quality Y / UV 4:2:2.
* 16-bit stereo audio from CD-quality.
* LCD (TFT) controller, compliant with VESA.
* PCI-bus for the various I / O cards, etc.
* Host 16-bit DMA-bus with a maximum clock frequency

  66.7 MHz and a maximum speed of 132 MB / sec.
* Integrated IEEE 1394 Fiber Optic Controller for

  digital input / output.
* Desktop-Interface bus.


    CAIPIRINHA is vysokokompleksnym system
controller that contains a variety of devices, which will be
the conversation below, and a memory controller that operates 
on the principle of SOMA (Sole Memory Access - a single memory 
access). Memory A \ BOX is built on the principle of Unified 
Memory Architecture (UMA). All access to its peripherals, 
including the processor, is under the control CAIPIRINHA.


    Unified Memory Architecture - Architecture with the general 
plan memory, ie There is no division in the video, audio and 
other memory. Thus, in memory of A \ BOX can be stored together 
programs and their data, data display, 3D-texture, these 
Z-buffer, audio data streams incoming video, etc. etc. They

can be addressed directly to all functional
units of the system (CPU, Custom-chips, etc.). For
Users UMA, this means that at any given time all
system memory and all the data in it available for all devices.
When the user expands the memory, the new memory is also
to become accessible to all applications and functionalities
units of the system. According to the principle of the UMA is 
very similar to ChipRAM AMIGA, which can be addressed by both 
the CPU and Custom-chip, video and audio DMA. But, unlike 
ChipRAM, and of course, failed attempts to use UMA in the PC, 
the subsystem memory in the A \ BOX will have 128-bit data bus, 
and as memory modules to be used SDRAM, running at

100 MHz. This will allow the transfer of memory in 1.6
GB per second. Special method for accessing SDRAM will also 
allow significantly reduce the waiting time when accessing 
memory. 

    Through the integration of DMA in CAIPIRINHA, UMA-memory
both can be used as a screen memory.
CAIPIRINHA has two built-in video-DMA: one running on
frequency of 220 MHz, designed for resolutions up to 1600x1280 c
depth of 24 bits and a frame frequency of 75 Hz, second,
genlock compatible, clocked at 135 MHz,
intended for a second monitor or the video output format
PAL / NTSC or S-VHS. Video output from the second video-DMA can 
be impose as a window on the first 220 MHz display, because both

Video-DMA can work in parallel.

    In contrast to conventional raster scan screen
of memory, video-DMA CAIPIRINHA use a method Random
Access Display (display random access memory) that
allows you to display any data in any place
memory, a graphic anywhere on the screen. Using
this method can, for example, apply and move windows
along with their contents across the screen without any delay 
and jerks, even if in these windows is the animation or video 
sequence. Special conveyors and FIFO-buffers in video-DMA

provide a steady stream of video data.

    Complex functions to the screen, which are discussed below,
implemented using the built-in CAIPIRINHA Display-list
RISC-CPU (DLRP). Since video-DMA always output data
in 24-bit form, it naturally allows you to display
on the screen simultaneously areas with different color depth.
For example, to save memory, the background can have a depth of 
8 bits, and the open windows on it - 16 or 24 bits. Also 
CAIPIRINHA allows you to open virtual screens of any size,

limited only by memory. Thus, the application
(Eg, GPU) can establish a virtual
screen size of 4000x4000 pixels and a depth of 24 bits in a 
system with 72 MB of memory and scrolled it in 1280x1024 screen 
mode without any delays and jerks.


    Another interesting feature of video-DMA CAIPIRINHA
is that the windows can be not only just
rectangular, and take virtually any shape. Well,
Finally, display data in memory can be stored in any
format, whether it is RGB, YUV, or CMYK, and displayed 
simultaneously. 

    In addition to DLRP, CAIPIRINHA has another device
called FAME (Flexible Area Movement Engine), which
intended to write to, copy, or overlay plots
memory or graphic images virtually proyzvolnoy form
(Similar to hardware windows, which can display
CAIPIRINHA), and not only rectangular, as is done
classic blittery.

    FAME also has an integrated DSP-RISC-processor, which has
small set of commands and runs in parallel. With
it can be arranged, for example, the implementation of the 
matrix operations, processing, graphics, sound, etc. That means 
that FAME, for example, can be used in various multimedia and

3D-applications, working in parallel with the CPU and, thus,
freeing it from the solution of such problems.

    Since DSP-RISC-processor can be programmed to
arbitrary problem, FAME is not limited by today's standards.
Because of this, it is open for the future of new algorithms,
For example, video compression, or work with 3D.

    External audio output in CAIPIRINHA physically organized as 
2 channel with 16-bit CD-quality. Internally, the number of 
virtual channels is only limited by installed on your computer

memory. FAME allows you to generate and mix in real
time, any number of virtual channels of any format
(Eg 24-bit audio) without any involvement of CPU. He
also allows you to generate various sound effects
using external functions, similar to DSP. Digital samples,
FM-synthesized sounds and the VCO-generated envelopes of tones 
can be be processed, modified, mixed and vyvediny after 4

programmable audio-DMA.

    In addition to these excellent features, CAIPIRINHA has
complete set of devices to support the external buses:
Integrated PCI-bus, designed for such
I / O devices as a modem controller Ultra-Wide-SCSI and
et al lokalnayya 16-bit DMA-bus for other devices
I / O and special, easy to use interface for
hardware manufacturers who do not want
work with standard PCI-components. Another interesting
innovation, which will play a huge role in the future
Multimedia - Integrated controller IEEE 1394 Fiber Optic
bus. A large number of different electronic devices
computer and the user will be connected through this
high-speed serial bus.
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              [Continued in the next section ...]

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          [Continued. Beginning in the previous section ...]

5. The main characteristics of the A \ BOX


    A \ BOX will be of a progressive and
innovative concept of professional workstations for the
a very low price. As we have said, the heart of A \ BOX will be
CAIPIRINHA. As a central processor, we decided to
use PowerPC processors by Motorola Series 603, 604 and
750. Theoretically, the clock speed of these processors can
up to 500 MHz. In the first model, A \ BOX maximum of two
processor can be connected to the processor for CAIPIRINHA
bus.

    As the memory modules in the A \ BOX will be used
64-bit memory SDRAM (168-pediculo JEDEC DIMM'y). In
future, SDRAM modules can be replaced by the usual, more
slower and cheaper DRAM. A \ BOX will have 8 slots
Installation of memory, so memory can be expanded
to a maximum of 1 GB. Since the memory interface A \ BOX has 
128-bit width, memory modules will need to install two.


    As the standard A \ BOX will have 2 video outputs: one
runs at 220 MHz and a second operating frequency
135 MHz. Latest video can be synchronized from
external source, so A \ BOX will be applied
to work with various video equipment.

    Also in the A \ BOX will have a built-in Fast 
SCSI-II-Controller with an external port and the 
ISDN-Controller. Two analog Two different video input video 
signal can be simultaneously digitized with quality Y / C and 
displayed in real time. Video input and output, of course, can 
happen in sync with sound using the audio inputs and outputs 
CAIPIRINHA. 

    Keyboard, mouse and other devices will connect
through a consistent desktop-bus. Will also be
Fiber IEEE 1394 port, serial and parallel
interfaces.
    The open architecture of A \ BOX, outstanding hardware
Opportunity System Controller and a magnificent CAIPIRINHA
Operating System, A \ BOX can provide an ideal platform for
specialized hardware and software applications for
producers working in the field of software
and in the field of hardware. Any input / output devices,
that may be needed, such as modems,
Ultra-SCSI or RAID-controllers can be easily connected
through the PCI-bus. In addition, a variety of original
devices can be connected to the A \ BOX via 16-bit
DMA-bus.

    At the present time, of course, the design of A \ BOX 
remains still open and in the future can be updated and 
improved. 

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6. Operating System A \ BOX
----------------------------

    Basically, the operating system (OS) A \ BOX will be 
similar to AmigaOS, but also have a number of advanced 
features, such as multiprocessors. The basis for it has already 
been established in a kernel that is compatible with the kernel 
AmigaOS 3.1, which is currently being tested in the 
laboratories of our company. In the near future Together with 
our partners to develop software to ensure we represent the 
other parts of the OS, for example, modern Improved GUI 
(graphical user interface) and other high-level system 
components. 

    Naturally, the OS will rely heavily on the hardware
providing A \ BOX, so that the entire use of all the amazing
opportunities provided CAIPIRINHA.

    Compatible with our partners, we also plan to release
versions of NetBSD and Linux for the A \ BOX. The idea of 
​​adapting the operating system is in obespechinii "hidden" 
version of OS integration into the mainstream operating system, 
so it will be possible simultaneous and parallel operation of 
these applications running. 

    A \ BOX will also open for other operating systems, 
especially for those that already exist for platforms based on 
PowerPC. In the future will probably be used on A \ BOX other 
popular Running through licensing agreements and emulation.


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7. Future developments
--------------------

    Concept A \ BOX, which we presented here, will be open
for further sovershensvovaniya. Technology used in
CAIPIRINHA, you can improve on the "silicone" level. This
means that in future it will be possible to extend the functions
CAIPIRINHA, for example, increase the width of the memory bus 
and processor make it possible to connect up to two processors, 
increasing internal clock CAIPIRINHA etc.


    There will also be released on 64-bit version CAIPIRINHA. 
Thanks this system the middle class (eg, c max

screen resolution of 1280x1024 and a depth of 24 bits), which 
has all the above features, will cost less than $ 1000. Because 
with that in the near future we will look for partners who were

would be interested in mass production and distribution
such systems. Also, our firm will be open to
OEM-partners who want to engage in mass production
Motherboard A \ BOX or chips CAIPIRINHA.

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8. Global availability guaranteed
-----------------------------------------

    Our own system of A \ BOX, which will cost about
$ 2000 (same as 1000 and AMIGA 14 years ago), should
appear during the 1998 and will be available worldwide
through our network of distributors. The expansion of our 
advertising activity on the Internet, offer training, 
assistance and Marketing support will play an important role in 
disseminating A \ BOX in all corners of the globe. Because of 
this, A \ BOX will be available to all interested users and

customers worldwide.


                                        [To be continued ...]

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                          revision 1.2


  Translation prepared MagiC / Magicsoft / Extreme (Victor 
Moskalev) 

                  e-mail: magic_x7m@usa.net

                  fido: 2:5020 / 661.30

                  amiganet: 39:241 / 3.6

I express my gratitude for the help: API

                                  Mac Buster / Magicsoft / 
Extreme 

                                  Kan0/RamPage

            / /

          \ / / Rulez! date: 8-dec-97

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