PowerPC takes turbo security engine onboard

The 440GRx and 440EPx are the first low-cost low-power security-enabled 400 series PowerPC processors.

This week at the Spring Processor Forum, Applied Micro Circuits Corp released the first low-cost, low-power, security-enabled 400 series PowerPC processors - the 440GRx and 440EPx.

Both processors include an optional integrated security accelerator or turbo security engine, designed to provide Internet Protocol Security (IPSEC) and Secure Socket Layer (SSL) acceleration in support of over 500Mbit/s bandwidth.

AMCC's turbo security engine is ideal for securing communications protocols over wired or wireless networks, for virtual private network (VPN) support, or for secure Internet-based transaction processing.

Targeted at networking applications, the 440GRx processor offers clock speeds up to 667MHz, with a superscalar architecture that can execute two instructions per clock cycle.

With the addition of a high-performance double precision floating point unit and high-speed USB 2.0 host/device functionality with integrated PHY, the 440EPx is an optimal solution for a wide range of pervasive applications including printing/imaging, wireless access, industrial control and many digital data and media processing applications.

Both processors feature a 64bit DDR I or DDR II SDRAM controller with optional ECC protection, a 32bit PCI 2.2 compliant interface, dual Gigabit Ethernet MACs, four UARTs, one serial communications port, two IIC units, a NAND-Flash controller, general purpose I/Os, and programmable interrupt control.

"In today's world, increased connectivity brings increased vulnerability".

"Companies are now looking to integrate security functionality at all levels".

"AMCC's newly introduced security-enabled processors - the 440GRx and 440EPx - will provide a deeper level of security for networking and pervasive applications, while maintaining a high level of system performance", stated Kevin Krewell, Editor-in-Chief, Microprocessor Report.

"To ensure maximum protection of networks and sensitive data, both enterprise and SOHO customers are turning to integrated chip solutions that feature embedded hardware security, like AMCC's 440GRx and 440EPx processors".

"A single-chip solution not only offers maximum security but also reduces cost and improves integration into networking systems: " said Henk Pruim, Vice President and General Manager for SafeNet's Networking Business Unit.

"SafeNet will be supporting 440EPx and 440GRx customers in their development efforts by using SafeNet's comprehensive QuickSec software suite to build integrated networking devices".

"This toolset will significantly reduce customers' development cost and time to market".

AMCC's PowerPC processors are supported by AMCC and more than 50 third-party vendors who provide a full range of software, boards and development tools necessary for manufacturers to develop products quickly and efficiently.

The AMCC 440GRx and 440EPx are expected to be available in the fourth quarter of 2005.

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