Product category:
Communications ICs (Wired)
News Release from: Silicon Image | Subject: SiI3132 and SiI3124
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 07 January 2008
SATA controllers satisfy Unified EFI
Forum
Silicon Image is the first in the industry to deploy the UEFI-certified storage controllers, which support enhanced port multiplier features and advanced Apple storage features for SATA.
Silicon Image has added a Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) 2.1 firmware upgrade to its SiI3132 and SiI3124 SATA SteelVine controllers Silicon Image is the first in the industry to deploy the UEFI-certified storage controllers, which support enhanced port multiplier (PM) features and advanced Apple storage features for SATA
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 28 Mar 2007 at 8.00am (UK)
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This upgrade to the SiI3132 and SiI3124 controllers supports Silicon Image's mission of delivering digital content everywhere.
UEFI is a new model for the interface between operating systems and platform firmware and provides a standard, modern environment for booting an operating system and running preboot applications.
The upgrade is currently used in Apple and Windows-based computers.
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The UEFI specification is based on the EFI specification published by Intel, with changes managed by the Unified EFI Forum.
Silicon Image has added two custom applications to the SiI3132 and the SiI3124 SATA SteelVine controllers.
The first new customisation is a complete PM driver embedded in the basic input/output system (BIOS) option read-only memory (ROM).
This feature enables users to boot from their choice of PM ports, even when using different operating systems.
It also allows users to troubleshoot difficult storage issues in a pre-boot environment, speeding up manufacturing and testing time.
The second new customisation is expanded support for Apple OS storage, with added target mode and removable media support.
When using target mode the SATA bus enables twice the speed of FireWire, making backup to a user's desktop hard drive much faster.
The SiI3132 and SiI3124 SATA SteelVine controllers are leading SATA II controllers that support eSATA and FIS-based switching for bandwidth aggregation.
Above native command queuing (NCQ) the controllers support out of order data delivery, asynchronous signal recovery, host initiated power management and hotplug, as well as all of the advanced features of SATA II.
"By becoming the first SATA controller to fully adopt the UEFI 2.1 specification, Silicon Image is showing its commitment to providing our controller customers with broad support and increased flexibility", says Conrad Maxwell, Silicon Image's Senior Product Line Manager for SteelVine products.
"This firmware upgrade gives users more flexibility when it comes to PM products".
"Developers now have the ability to use off-the-shelf PM products and boot from any PM port".
"As UEFI gains momentum in the industry toward becoming the boot interface for the next generation of platforms, we applaud Silicon Image's leadership in deploying the UEFI 2.1 technology in their SteelVine controllers", says Tony Pierce, President of the UEFI Forum.
UEFI Forum members include: AMD, American Megatrends, Apple, Dell, Hewlett-Packard Development, IBM, Insyde Software, Intel, Lenovo, Microsoft and Phoenix Technologies.
"The UEFI specification and industry collaboration from a variety of PC-related companies helps us all achieve interoperability that in the end most benefits the consumers and businesses who buy our products", says Jeff Griffen, Director of Platform Software Engineering of Intel Corp's Software and Solutions Group.
"Intel has worked with Silicon Image during UEFI testing and plugfests to help ensure their products comply with the UEFI specification".
Full production of the new controllers begins on 18th January 2008.
There is no price increase for the upgraded SATA SteelVine controllers.
When purchased in large quantities, prices for the SiI3132 will remain under US $7 and under $20 for the SiI3124.
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