A real-time 12-bit fuzzy logic co-processor for embedded applications is on offer from VLSI Technology Inc, San Jose. The VY86C570 uses VLSI’s VY86C500 FSB core and is claimed to perform full fuzzy logic rule evaluations at an estimated 20 to 30 times faster than software-only alternatives. A typical application in anything from a washing machine or vacuum cleaner to a Cruise missile, will have a set of non-fuzzy inputs downloaded by a host into the chip, which then uses a set of fuzzy logic rules loaded in its rule-base memory to produce an output of set of crisp conclusion values. It’s $40 for 1,000-up, with samples now, volume February.
