Intel has denied recent media speculation that it may be dragging its feet on developing technology essential to the release of the next-generation Universal Serial Bus 3.0 interconnect specification.
Intel spokesperson Nick Knupffer said the chipmaker has invested heavily in the resources required to create the host controller technology for USB 3.0.
“Think of the host-controller spec as a ‘Dummies Guide’ to building a USB 3.0-compatible piece of silicon; it is not the USB 3.0 specification itself,” Knupffer wrote in a recent blog. “The industry is keen to get this guide as it will allow them to build USB 3.0-compatible circuits without repeating the massive investment undertaken by Intel.”
No-royalty Licensing
Though other companies have been clamoring for an inside look at Intel’s hub controller, the chip giant said it is unwilling to release an unfinished product. “One danger of distributing an unfinished spec is the risk of incompatible hardware down the line, leading to a right mess,” Knupffer wrote.
According to recent media reports, Advanced Micro Devices and Nvidia have been suggesting that Intel may be holding up to gain a competitive advantage. However, Knupffer notes that Intel plans to make its host controller technology available under no-royalty licensing.
“This isn’t only because we are just nice guys, but it is also because Intel has set the bar for technology leadership and industry stewardship,” Knupffer said. “We at Intel love it when available processor performance is used to the max.”
Knupffer also thinks the recent industry storm clouds and rumblings about delays in the release of Intel’s hub controller spec have a silver lining. “The impatience of our fellow chipset-makers — as described in the press — to leverage Intel’s investment and begin to design great USB 3.0 supporting devices of their own is, however, very encouraging and should aid a fast USB 3.0…