9/05/95 Press ReleaseAdaptec UltraSCSI Hard Disk Controller Sets New StandardChipset technology boosts SCSI system performance, shortens time to marketMilpitas, Calif, - September 5, 1995 - Adaptec (NASDAQ:ADPT), a marketleader in input/output (I/O) technology, today introduced its first high-bandwidth UltraSCSI hard disk controller, the AIC-8325. (UltraSCSI, acompatible extension to the Small Computer Systems Interface, doublesSCSI's maximum data rate from 20 Mbytes/sec to 40 Mbytes/sec). The AIC-8325was designed with the performance disk drive market in mind. Newperformance features include: a high-bandwidth, 40 MB/sec UltraSCSIinterface and enhanced hardware automation to accelerate systemperformance; improved error correction code (ECC) to provide ultra highdata integrity; and a low-risk, product development approach to set newstandards in time to volume."With the AIC-8325's UltraSCSI interface and hardware automation, Adapteccontinues to lead the performance disk controller market," says MikeFisher, general manager and vice president of Adaptec's Mass StorageElectronics business unit. "The AIC-8325's UltraSCSI bandwidth andautomation gives disk manufacturers the performance their customers requirein today's PCs, network servers and workstation subsystems."Performance for 1996 and beyond: UltraSCSI bandwidth & automationNew, demanding applications on high-performance systems will requireUltraSCSI I/O bus speeds. The AIC-8325's bandwidth and automation closesthe performance gap between these advanced systems and SCSI computerperipherals. The AIC-8325's UltraSCSI hard disk controller supports andcontrols data transfer at rates of 15MB/sec from the disk drive's recordingmedia and 40MB/sec from the UltraSCSI bus (see example).To accelerate array performance, ANSI standard AIC-8325's UltraSCSI harddisk controller hardware XOR automation has been added. The disk drive isnow capable of generating its own parity without intervention from the hostCPU. This feature optimizes SCSI bus usage and increases I/O performancewhen configured with multiple disk drives.The AIC-8325 includes an automated buffer manager and a low commandoverhead SCSI command processor. These features offload precious CPU cyclesfrom the microprocessor to the AIC-8325 resulting in impressively high datatransfer rates and high I/O per second; clearly setting the marketstandard.Ultra data integritySetting a new standard in data integrity for these high bandwidths, theAIC-8325 features an advanced, programmable 108 through 297 bit errorcorrection code which can correct up to two error bursts on the fly whiledetecting as many as five bursts on the fly. For maximum data security withthe lowest probability of miscorrection, an optional five burst softwarecorrection with burst limiting is available. This powerful technologyprovides the industry's best data recovery, integrity and correctioncapabilities. Additionally, the AIC-8325 provides a programmable interruptfor the ECC that assists the end user implementing S.M.A.R.T. Technology(Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) and improves overallsystem reliability.Ultra rapid time to volume: minimum riskTo meet customer's aggressive time to volume requirements, new standards inrisk management must be met. The AIC-8325 is based on Adaptec's proven,low-risk, core controller technology representing over 10 years of diskcontroller expertise. The AIC-8325 is a minimal-risk extension of thetechnology used in the industry-standardAIC-8321. Also, the AIC-8325 interfaces with industry-standard commodityDRAM and SRAM components, lowering overall system cost. Finally, theAIC-8325 uses the same cost-effective, high-density 0.6 micron CMOSfabrication found in the company's AIC-8371, AIC-8321 and AIC-8375controllers.To help manufacturers bring their product to market rapidly, Adaptecdesigned the AIC-8325 with full firmware compatibility to the AIC-8321.This enables manufacturers to easily migrate their present designs.To support Plug & Play operation, the AIC-8325 has full SCAM automationsupport, allowing easy product installation for the new Windows(c) 95operating system. Adding to the AIC-8325's competitive advantages, theAIC-8325's UltraSCSI interface is compatible with Adaptec UltraSCSI hostcontrollers and host chips; saving the drive OEMs valuable time through theevaluation process and setting new time to volume standards.Pricing and availabilityThe AIC-8325 is sampling today for $25.00/unit, and is available in a144-pin, thin quad flat pack (TQFP).



Adaptec, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADPT), designs, manufactures and markets IOware(r)solutions to eliminate performance bottlenecks between microcomputers,networks, and peripherals. Solutions range from simple connectivityproducts for single-user and small-office desktops, to intelligentsubsystem, high performance SCSI, RAID and ATM products for enterprise-widecomputing and networked environments. Adaptec I/O solutions areincorporated into the products of virtually all the major computer andperipheral manufacturers around the world.Founded in 1981 and headquartered in Milpitas, Calif., Adaptec is arecognized market leader in high-performance I/O technology. Adapteccurrently employs approximately 1,800 people, and with its globaldistribution network, serves customers worldwide. Adaptec's World Wide Webhome page address is http://www.adaptec.com.Adaptec, AIC and IOware are trademarks of Adaptec, Inc., which may beregistered in some jurisdictions. All other trademarks used are owned bytheir respective owners.