Nintendo 64 Video Game System
Assembled
Disassembled
Uses workstation 64 bit MIPS RISC microprocessors - Runs at 500 MHz on board - Costs only $149
After a delayed product launch of 18 months, Nintendo trumped its competitors with the introduction of the world’s best consumer video game, ÓNintendo64.
As the name implies, this video game uses the first true 64-bit console. It combines a workstation-grade, 64 bit MIPS RISC processor with a sound and graphics coprocessor (both from Silicon Graphics) coupled to leading edge RAMBUS DRAM technology to deliver realistic 3D graphics and high-fidelity audio. Nintendo was able to deploy such high-end components in a consumer package that sells for $149 retail.
Nintendo’s leading competitor, Sega, produces the Saturn video game. The Saturn has a more complex design, with higher manufacturing costs and lower performance.
VIDEO GAME COMPARISONS
ÓNintendo64
Sega Saturn
64 bit MIPS RISC processor 7 processors (cpu, cd-rom, audio video and bus management) 1 ASIC (208 pin) Multiple ASICS 2, 16 MB RAMBUS DRAMS Multiple DRAM types: 28 MHz 4 MB SDRAMS
VRAM
Fast page mode
30 sq. in. 4 layer PWB approximately 120 sq. in.
High performance Medium performance Low manufacturing cost High manufacturing cost Retail price $149 Retail price $250 The Nintendo design had to overcome several challenges:
- EMI Shielding
The entire board assembly is surrounded by a tinned-steel Faraday cage to contain the electromagnetic radiation. The formed steel is grounded to the board by exposed ground traces located along the PWB edges.
- Thermal Management
Thermal pads provide a low resistance interface between the processors and DRAM and three aluminum heat slugs. These in turn connect to the shielding cage and a heatsink above. The plastic housing is vented to allow for natural convection.
- High Speed Design
The Rambus DRAM permits data transfer of over 500 Mbps. The printed circuit board is based on low loss polyester and was designed with deliberately curved traces to accommodate such high speeds.
If you have questions about EMI shielding, thermal management or high-speed packaging, please contact a partner at Prismark Partners.
Warranty Disclaimer -- All information used in the preparation of this report was obtained from sources believed to be reliable at the time the information was collected. Prismark Partners LLC, its employees, its agents, and assignees have exercised their best efforts in preparing this report. Prismark Partners LLC extends no warranties with respect to this information and shall bear no liability whatsoever to the report recipient or to any other party as a result of the use of this report or the information contained herein
Copyright
© 2000 [IEEC]. All rights reserved. Revised: February 28, 2002 .