1394 Product Bulletin Page 2


Universal l/O interconnect - An important consideration for both end-users and manufacturers. Consolidates high-speed interfaces into a single easy-to-use connector that saves board space and reduces overall system cost.

Small, durable and flexible cable and cable connectors-Provide cost and real-estate savings and currently supports lengths up to 4.5 meters.

Peer-to-peer communications-1394 peripherals can communicate directly with each other without intervention from an additional intelligent host device. This not only eliminates burden on the CPU in a PC or TV/PC, but makes adding peripherals as simple as plugging into any other device with a 1394 interface. Peer-to-peer communications creates new markets for peripherals that can be used with a host PC or TV/PC. Examples include an off-the-shelf video disk drive or a snap-shot camera connected to a printer.

1394 High-speed serial bus
1394 Port Memory-mapped architecture-Increases efficiency of data transactions while simplifying system software driver designs.

Backwards compatibility-1394 speed upgrades remain compatible with previous versions, ensuring a scaleable topology that supports multiple speeds.

"Live" insertions and removals-Give users true plug and play functionality.

Dynamically reconfigurable bus with automatic line termination-Saves configuration time and confusion while reducing system cost by eliminating external terminators.

All of these 1394 benefits are essential if manufacturers are to deliver on the promise of a simple-to-operate, seamlessly integrated network of intelligent digital multimedia peripherals.

Tomorrow's home computers will reside in one of many places - in the TV, in the stereo cabinet, on the kitchen counter among numerous other locations and in numerous other configurations. Whatever shape they take, however, they must be as easy to use as any of today's common household appliances.

Host System Implementation Example
The 1394 standard will provide the highway that allows data-intensive digital peripherals to interact in new and innovative ways. For buyers, it will convert the once-intimidating world of computers and entertainment systems into an intuitive home multimedia environment.

The 1394 Market

1394 was approved as an IEEE standard in 1995. Today, PC, peripheral, consumer electronics and telecom manufacturers are rapidly developing applications that incorporate 1394 functionality as they seek to meet next-generation product requirements. By 1998, analysts predict that most new PCs shipped will incorporate 1394 as the multimedia connection. In addition, the 1394 trade association's more than 100 member companies are rapidly developing additional application specifications for 1394 PCs, peripherals and consumer electronics.

The outstanding growth potential of 1394 is a product of the standard's high performance and universal compatibility. As a common interface, it greatly simplifies testing of new peripherals and allows manufacturers to quickly create new peripheral combinations that meet user demands in unique ways.

1394 from TI

With silicon in the market since 1994, Texas Instruments was the first IC company to recognize the tremendous potential of 1394. And as the 1394 solutions leader, TI continues to provide all the software and hardware components manufacturers need to capitalize on this exploding technology. TI's field-proven, third generation 1394 ICs allow customers to get to market quickly without adding risk to their production schedules.

TI's physical layer and link layer 1394 devices include cost- and performance-optimized versions.

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