Design considerations for Digital's PowerStorm graphics processor

The specific development goals for the Digital Equipment Corporation PowerStorm™ graphics processor were improved performance, low product cost, quick time to market, and backward compatibility with existing user software. Achieving these goals required the evaluation and implementation of many new features, enhancements to the existing architecture, and improved development techniques. This paper describes several of the more notable aspects that were considered and includes a discussion of how the underlying technology played a role in meeting the product goals.