Intel Corp (INTC)

[Elmer Phud]

John - Maybe the old date was a typo?

http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=7068

Sony seeks out Rambus for Playstation3 technology

Yellowstone lark likely for "Cell" processor

By Paul Hales: Tuesday 07 January 2003, 09:32


SONY AND TOSHIBA have both licensed memory technologies from Rambus, causing speculation that its technology could feature in future Playstation consoles.
(But see also, Playstation 3 architecture revealed)

Under the terms of the deal announced last night, Sony and Toshiba have licensed Rambus' codenamed "Yellowstone" and "Redwood" interfaces. These, says the controversial memory company, will feature in future broadband system applications, and the mooted new "Cell" processor being developed by Sony, Tosh and IBM.

The Cell processor is widely expected to form the heart of the future Playstation3.

Rambus says Yellowstone currently operates at 3.2GHz data rates - faster than DDR memories. The company reckons Yellowstone offers high performance in memory signaling while optimizing system cost through pin-count reduction and support for high volume PCBs and packages. Redwood, is the label for a ultra high-speed parallel interface between multiple chips, which Rambus says delivers a data rate about ten times faster than the latest processor busses.

While Sony wouldn't be drawn on the implications of the deal, Ken Kutaragi, president and chief executive officer of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc said "The use of Direct Rambus technology in PlayStation2 was essential for its performance." He added that the deal would allow Sony "to create a wide range of applications and platforms from high-end systems to digital consumer electronics products within Sony Group." µ