Sun Goes National for Network Chip

If the computer is the network, than Sun Microsystems says
it is investing in better ways of connecting its hardware.

The Santa Clara, Calif.-based network computer maker Monday inked a deal
with National Semiconductor to help it build a
high-performance, mixed-signal networking chip. The processor would be used
in Sun’s GigaSwift Ethernet product line and end up in the next generation
of Sun’s adaptors, blade servers and other networking
gear. The chip is a combination of National’s Gigabit Ethernet physical
layer (PHY), the company’s GigPHYTER core, and Sun’s Gigabit Ethernet (GigE)
controller.

“This new networking chip provides complete compatibility with the
Solaris operating system,” Raju Penumatcha, Sun senior director said in a statement. “Because of Sun’s work
with National Semiconductor, we can integrate this chip into our products
without having to worry about software compatibility or driver reliability
issues.”

Sun’s GigaSwift Ethernet adapter line now features Jumbo Frames and Sun
Trunking 1.3 support, as well as other enhancements to reduce system
processing overhead.

The choice to go with National Semi is a shift in philosophy for Sun. The
company traditionally builds its own media access controls (MAC) as a value
add. The partnership is the latest in a series of collaborations by Sun with
semiconductor manufacturers to help bring down the cost of its hardware.
Last November, Sun announced it partnership with AMD to
bolster its volume server family. Sun uses Texas Instruments for its own SPARC and UltraSPARC server chips and purchases Intel
chips for its non-AMD x86 compatible servers.

The single-port GigE controller will be developed using the 0.18-micron
process at National’s fabrication plant in South Portland, Maine, according to National Semi.

“Our experience with analog building blocks and mixed-signal integration
allowed us to help Sun produce a high-performance solution that reduces
power consumption and system costs for Sun’s customers,” National
Semiconductor vice president of PC and Networking Group Mike Noonen said in
a statement.