Conference 7.286::fddi

1169.0. "PCI_Local_Bus to FDDI Adapters" by DELNI::G_NIELSEN () Thu Dec 02 1993 11:55

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NOTE:	***** For Internal Use ONLY *****
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* THE PURPOSE OF THIS NOTE IS:

	a. Convey Digital's intention to deliver a family
	   of PCI_Local_Bus to FDDI Adapters/Modules

	b. Solicit additional product requirement inputs

	c. Identify internal and external (Distributors, VARs, 
	   OEMs, etc.) volume opportunities
	   
	d. Begin working with those identified in "C" above
	   during Q3-FY94.

    
    	Address all replies to: DELNI::G_NIELSEN
    			 	DTN: 226-5510
    				MAIL: LKG1-2/W06
    
It is expected that an explosion of industry wide use of PCI_Local_Bus
will begin Q3/Q4-FY94, and that Digital must be positioned to ride the
front of the wave.  

	Your help is needed to make a market for Digital's
	PCI_Local_Bus to FDDI Adapters and Modules.

* PCI_Local_Bus IS BEING IMPLEMENTED IN THREE WAYS:

	1. As an on-board inter-chip connection bus

	2. As an I/O Expansion Bus Option (like PC options today)

	3. As a Mezzanine Card for use on Single-Board-Computers (SBCs)
	   and other controllers,  etc, / higher level functionality
	   modules

	#1 and #2 above are described in the IEEE PCI_Local_Bus 
	Specification Revision 2.0, 30-APR-1993.

	#3 above is described in the IEEE DRAFT PCI Mezzanine Card 
	Specification P1386.1/Draft 0.1 9-NOV-1993

* DIGITAL'S PCI_Local_Bus TO FDDI Adapter/Module INTENTIONS:

	a. Deliver a series of PCI/FDDI options that are aggressively
	   price competitive with alternative LAN technologies.

	b. Deliver both I/O Expansion Slot and Mezzanine Card Options

	c. Deliver a full suite of Drivers and NOS support at FRS
  
* FORM FACTOR

	Both the I/O Expansion Bus and Mezzanine card IEEE specifications
	define specific alternative board sizes.  At this time (2-DEC-93), 
	we can NOT confirm which board form factor will be used for each 
	of the options.  (It is the intent to use the smallest form factor
	possible in each case.)

* FDDI OPTION VARIATIONS  will include:

	SAS using MMF w/MIC connector

	SAS using ANSI UTP w/RJ45 connector

	DAS using MMF w/MIC connectors & control for an external OBR

	SAS and DAS using SMF is a TBD

	NOTE: 	We are evaluating use of the "SC" MIC in place
		of the MIC currently used with MMF.  This is the
		same MIC that will be used with ATM.

* FIRMWARE AND DRIVER PORT ARCHITECTURE

	The current PDQ Port Architecture will be implemented in order
	preserve and take advantage of Digital's existing portfolio of 
	Operating System drivers.

* AVAILABILITY

	FRS is planned to occur during Q1-FY95 (July/September - 1994)
    

    George,
    is there some update to .0 ?? mainly about the availability and the kind
    of the board (Mezzanine or Chipset), and if with the board will be
    shipped also a driver (OSF/1 or Real Time O.S., i.e. VxWorks).
    
    Thanks in advance.
    /Siro.

All drivers that run on the DEFEA (EISA FDDI) are being updated to support the
PCI FDDI card.  I don't think there are any new drivers being developed.  If
you have any specific needs, send mail to the product manager George Nielsen.

doug

    Ahh but there is!
    
    The will hopefully ship with the DEFPA an OS/2 Netware ODI driver. The
    DEFEA kit will be upgraded with this driver also by the end of
    September....
    
    -Don

    re: .1
    
    >>is there some update to .0 ?? mainly about the availability and the
    >>kind of the board (Mezzanine or Chipset), and if with the board will be
    >>shipped also a driver (OSF/1 or Real Time O.S., i.e. VxWorks).
    
    The current plans include both Mezzanine and single-slot FDDI PCI
    controllers.  OSF/1 AXP will most definitely be supported and a VxWorks
    driver is listed in the internal spec on the Mezzanine cards.  For more
    details, you really should contact the Product Manager (George Nielsen)
    at DELNI::G_NIELSEN.
    
       - Larry