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Enhanced Video Interface Port Spec with VHDL Support

April 30, 1997 - Following the enthusiastic reception of the initial VIP (Video Interface Port) specification, SGS-THOMSON Microelectronics has announced the release of VIP 1.1 and the availability of the VHDL models that support the full VIP 1.1 specification. VIP is an open interface standard between video devices and the graphics chip in a PC. Initiated by SGS-THOMSON and developed jointly with ATI, C-Cube, Cirrus Logic, LSI Logic, Philips, Trident, and S3, VIP was specifically developed to support high quality video-oriented applications such as DVD, DSS, video capture, VBI/Internet, and video phones.

This new version of the specification contains minor modifications to the bus protocol and greatly expanded clarification on many of the technical details. Additional support for VIP users has also been provided by the release of the VHDL models for VIP 1.1, which are available from SGS-THOMSON's partner, Innovative Semiconductors, Inc.

Some of the enhancements in VIP 1.1 include the addition of a decode phase, the change to universal byte-addressing scheme, and the addition of subsystem IDs for Plug-and-Play. In addition, sections on protocol rules and timing diagrams have been revised to incorporate feedback from chip designers working with the initial release.

The VIP models offered by Innovative Semiconductors, Inc., are synthesizable VHDL and Verilog models which are fully compliant with VIP 1.1. Both the master and slave models are available, providing a complete suite of design tools for any VIP implementation.

"These flexible VIP cores allow designers to add VIP capability with greatly reduced development time and cost" said Nabil Takla, President & CEO of Innovative Semiconductors, Inc. "Working together with industry leaders such as SGS-THOMSON, we will make the VIP the de-facto standard for transport of digital video in a PC," he said.

“The availability of a technically robust standard, together with the complete VHDL models from Innovative Semiconductors, Inc., offers an easy path for any vendor to implement a compliant VIP device," said Chris Lam, Market Development Specialist at SGS-THOMSON, who noted that the VIP devices that are impending from various vendors will be VIP 1.1 compliant.

The VIP 1.1 specification in Acrobat format is available for download here, while information on the VIP 1.1 VHDL Model is available at the Innovative Semiconductors, Inc website (http://www.isi96.com).

SGS-THOMSON Microelectronics is a global independent semiconductor company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:STM) and on the Bourse de Paris. It designs, develops, manufactures, and markets a broad range of semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) and discrete devices used in a wide variety of microelectronic applications, including telecommunications systems, computer systems, consumer products, automotive products, and industrial automation and control systems.

Established in 1992, Innovative Semiconductors, Inc. develops and manufactures synthesizable cores as building blocks for developing high-performance ICs and chip sets for the video and communications markets. In addition to VIP, other products support USB, IDCT, and IEEE-1394, etc.

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