PC/AT-compatible devices: fewer is better

The use of several chip sets for the IBM PC/AT-type system, which offered cost and performance advantages over other standard discrete implementation, is discussed. It is shown that using ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) techniques allows not only huge device count reductions, but also permits further, proprietary ASIC advances for enhanced or unique functions. A system based on the devices described uses more than 70 fewer devices than are found originally on the IBM motherboard, yet provides almost three times the performance, as well as added functionality.<
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