A new dual-channel, high-resolution PMC (PCI-mezzanine-card) graphics controller from Peritek Corp supports independent 2-D, 3-D, OpenGL, and DirectX-compatible displays in Solaris, Linux, Windows, VxWorks, and LynxOS environments (Picture). The Gemini/PMC supports 1920×1200-pixel screen resolutions with as many as 16.7 million colors. The board's unique asynchronous PCI-bridge design supports all PMC interfaces from 32 bits, 33 MHz to 64 bits, 66 MHz and enables its dual graphics accelerators to always operate at 32 bits, 66 MHz. With a 128-bit-wide memory bus, each graphics processor can draw as many as 16 256-color pixels each memory cycle for a raw drawing speed of 2 Gbytes/sec.

A separate datapath from the graphics processor supports an optional digital output using a DVI (Digital Visual Interface) converter that provides clock and encoded 24-bit graphics data on four matched-length differential pairs. The Gemini/PMC has two standard front-panel VGA connectors. With optional DVI support, a 68-pin high-density ribbon connector and breakout cable replace the VGA connectors.

Peritek software includes a compact graphics subroutine package for Linux, VxWorks, and LynxOS. Windows drivers are also available for 98, NT 4.0, 2000, and XP. For SPARC-based systems, Peritek offers Solaris SunX DDX drivers and GLDX, a 3-D OpenGL-acceleration package. The Gemini/PMC operating-temperature range is 0 to 70°C. Prices start at $1866 (100), and the module is available from stock.

Peritek Corp, 1-858-689-7150, www.peritek.com.