AMD to develop 64bit MIPS-based devices

MIPS Technologies has licensed its MIPS64 instruction set architecture (ISA) to AMD.

MIPS Technologies has licensed its MIPS64 instruction set architecture (ISA) to AMD.

AMD plans to develop 64bit processors that implement the MIPS64 architecture standard in addition to its current product line of processors based on the MIPS32 architecture standards.

"AMD strongly believes in the MIPS architecture, and that the 64bit MIPS architecture will complement our current 32bit MIPS32 technology-based products and ultimately, will serve new and different markets", said Dr Billy Edwards, vice president and general manager of AMD's Personal Connectivity Solutions group.

"Consumer demand for new information appliances that combine computing, Internet access, high quality multimedia and encryption for secure, high-speed transactions, is driving the need for both 32 and 64bit processing.

Both 32 and 64bit MIPS architectures deliver the performance, power efficiency, and broad application-based industry support.

In addition, they are designed to deliver a level of design flexibility and scalability unavailable from any other processor intellectual property (IP) provider".

Processor development work under the license is planned to be performed by AMD's Personal Connectivity Solutions (PCS) group, which was formed in February with the acquisition of Alchemy Semiconductor.

The entire Alchemy design team, which spearheaded the development of high-performance, low-power, MIPS-based microprocessors for personal connectivity devices, has joined AMD's PCS group.

AMD also holds an ISA license for the 32bit MIPS32 architecture.

"The demand for high-performing Windows-powered multimedia devices continues to grow, and OEMs need high-performance processors to power these devices", said Scott Horn, director, Embedded and Appliance Platforms Group at Microsoft Corp.

"AMD, with the MIPS64 architecture, will be able to offer a very compelling solution that enables OEMs to rapidly develop smart, affordable devices based on the current Windows CE.NET operating system".

"The momentum for 64bit embedded processors is increasing, and AMD's licensing of the MIPS64 architecture is evidence of that.

In the past nine months alone, nearly half of our licensing agreements have been for 64bit architecture and cores", said John Bourgoin, chairman and CEO of MIPS Technologies.

"We are particularly pleased that AMD, with its many years of experience in embedded markets and in microprocessor development, recognizes the value that 64bit technology is bringing to these markets".

MIPS Technologies is the only company in the embedded processor industry to openly license a 64bit architecture.

It is supported by widely used operating systems and embedded tool chains, as well as hundreds of applications.

Such widespread support makes it a compelling solution for designers who want to quickly get to market with their next-generation products.

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