AA+ Chip Set

On the 25 June 1998, Access Innovation, Ltd. announced the developed of successor to the AGA chip set, titled AA+. Unlike the AGA chipset that is dominant in the A1200, A4000 and CD32 systems, the AA+ will be a total redesign of the chipset producing faster 32-bit coding. The new 32-bit core that is currently in development will allow memory of at least 20x the speed of current AGA chip memory caused by fast 16 to 32-bit register conversion. There has also been a move away from the reliance on chip memory with the redesigned DMA that allows a Unified Memory Architecture (UMA) to be used. A 16-bit AGA hardware register emulation is also included to maintain compatibility with older software. The AA+ chipset will also feature a PCI bus, DRAM controller for SIMM's/DIMM's, 16-bit sound, High-density floppy drive support, and SuperIO interface. This will allow the addition of standard PC serial, parallel, UDMA, IDE, and USB interfaces to added at a later date. The range of resolutions available on the standard system will rival current graphics cards available, with support for resolutions up to 1024x768x16-bit and chunky mode thorough the use of CyberGraphics or Piccasso96 display drivers.

The AA+ systems will be based around Classic Amiga architecture using a range of current processors, 68020, 68030, 68040, or PowerPC options. There will also be support for the ColdFire 5102 processor allowing 68k-based Amiga systems to be used in a wide range of devices such as Internet boxes. The use of a PCI interface as standard will be used to extend the range of AA+ system to cover specialist needs, such as network and Internet connection.

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