New Version of Sonics Memory Scheduler Eliminates Critical SoC Design Challenge for Convergence Applications

• MemMax Version 2.0 Removes Memory Performance Bottleneck
• Improves Bandwidth, Power Consumption and Area

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--Nov. 21, 2005--Sonics Inc.®, the premier supplier of system-on-chip (SoC) SMART Interconnects(TM), today announced availability of its MemMax(TM) Memory Scheduler Version 2.0. MemMax facilitates a higher quality of service (QoS) for processors in the SoC by scheduling and managing multi-threaded pipelined accesses to external DRAM. MemMax improves memory utilization and increases SoC bandwidth by up to 40 percent.

The massive increase in data traffic, brought about by the convergence of communications and multimedia processing on a single SoC, is driving the need to improve the efficiency of external memory accesses to and from the SoC. MemMax adds intelligence to the memory subsystem so SoC designers can achieve higher bandwidth while accelerating development times and lowering risk. The availability of a C model version of MemMax also enables SoC architects to model the expected bandwidth before chip development begins.

"With the introduction of multiple processors on an SoC, and only one port to access memory, ensuring all processors have equitable access to memory presents a very complex data flow task," says Drew Wingard, Sonics' CTO. "MemMax is a royalty free, drop-in solution providing an alternative to developing costly and time consuming in-house solutions to address this problem."

Among the new features in MemMax 2.0 is support for version 2.0 of the Open Core Protocol International Partnership (OCP-IP) specification. Other features include asynchronous boundary crossing in the memory buffers of MemMax, and an increase in operating frequencies to 333 MHz based on eight threads at the memory interface. These features were added to meet the next generation requirements of embedded SoC design that will utilize leading edge DRAM technology such as DDR and DDR2.

A compelling advantage of adding MemMax to the memory subsystem design is the ability for SoC developers to utilize compiled RAMs and consolidate the flip-flop based buffers normally distributed among the various initiator cores of an SoC into a single buffer in MemMax. This reduces total SoC die area while improving performance and lowering overall power consumption.

MemMax has been adopted by digital TV appliance, gaming console, and multifunction printer SoC developers in conjunction with Sonics' SMART Interconnects. According to Wingard, "Today we are providing a clear migration path that supports customer SoC design requirements. MemMax 2.0 is ideal for existing and future high-bandwidth applications such as data aggregation and in-home networking and entertainment."

Availability

MemMax Version 2.0 and MemMax Version 2.0 with the C model are currently available. For further information contact 1.650.938.2500 or visit www.sonicsinc.com.

About Sonics

Sonics, Inc. is the premier supplier of SMART Interconnects that deliver high SoC design predictability and increased design efficiency. Major semiconductor and systems companies including Broadcom, Samsung, Texas Instruments and Toshiba have applied Sonics' SMART Interconnects in leading products in the wireless, digital multimedia and communications markets. Sonics is a privately-held company funded by Investar Capital, Smart Technology Ventures, TL Ventures, Easton Hunt Capital, JAFCO Ventures, and H&Q Asia-Pacific. For more information, see www.sonicsinc.com