This recently announced strategic partnership comes at a time of strategic growth for both the Western Design Center and TRG Components, and represents a major opportunity for both firms to broaden their market presence.
The Western Design Center, Inc. (WDC) is the original source of the CMOS 65xx brand microprocessor. WDC has continued to supply and improve its full family of Integrated Circuits (Chips), Intellectual Property (Cores), Development Tools (Tools), Developer Boards (Boards), Design Kits (Kits) and Systems (Systems) Products, all based on this now famous technology.
TRG Components is rapidly building a leading-edge portfolio of computing and connectivity solutions. The addition of WDC's family of 65xx microprocessors and microcontrollers gives TRG a strong entry into embedded computing solutions that compliments the current line-up of hi-performance connectivity products already featured.
"Legendary 65xx microprocessors keep on cranking!"
According to WDC founder, William D. Mensch, Jr, "the legendary 65xx brand microprocessors with both 8-bit and 8/16-bit ISA’s keep cranking out the unit volumes in ASIC and standard microcontroller forms supplied by WDC and WDC’s licensees. Annual volumes in the hundreds (100’s) of millions of units keep adding in a significant way to the estimated shipped volumes of five (5) to ten (10) billion units. With 200MHz+ 8-bit W65C02S and 100MHz+ 8/16-bit W65C816S processors coming on line in ASIC and FPGA forms, we see these annual volumes continuing for a long, long time."
"The 65xx brand is probably the only processor family that has remained loyal to its ISA over the last 33 years. In addition it has served the widest spectrum of electronic markets through those years. For example, it has served and in some cases created markets for the PC, video game, toy, communication, industrial control, automotive, life support embedded in the human body medical devices, outside the body medical systems, engineering education systems, hobby systems, and you name it electronic market segments. I might add the 65xx has served in a highly reliable and successful way!"
"As added food for thought, the 65xx microprocessors protect millions of lives annually within embedded heart defibrillation and pacing systems. We are quite proud of what our customers and partners have created and continue to create with the 65xx brand for the benefit of mankind!"
About WDC
The Western Design Center, Inc. (WDC) was founded in 1978 by William D. Mensch, Jr. and since 1981, WDC has licensed its 65xx brand microprocessor Intellectual Property (IP/Cores) to the electronics industry. WDC is considered a pioneer in the design and licensing of microprocessor technology Intellectual Property (IP) cores and inspired Acorn engineers to create the wildly popular ARMxx series of microprocessors. GTE, Rockwell, MOS Technology, Synertek and NCR were some of WDC’s first licensees. In addition, WDC began selling 65xx brand microprocessor chips to Apple Computer in 1984 making it the first supplier of microprocessors as a fabless semiconductor company.
COMDEX 96 honored the 6502 as the first of only seven microprocessors having the most impact on the Information Technology industry over the previous 25 years. Mr. Mensch, WDC’s Founder, was a recipient of this prestigious award on behalf of the 6502.
About TRG
The Republic Group's Electronic Components Division (TRG Components) (www.trgcomponents.com) has been a leader in sales and distribution of electronic products for over 40 years. TRG strives to build lasting relationships with its suppliers and customers alike by offering a unique blend of products and services from offices in the US and Europe. TRG will work to further introduce WDC's product throughout its network of offices in the US and the UK. and will aggressively work to grow WDC's market share in both Europe and North America.
For more information about WDC's products or to request samples or design support, contact TRG Components today.
