Integrated host processors go faster and smaller

Motorola has added two members to its integrated host processor family - the newly packaged MPC8241 and the speed-enhanced MPC8245.

Motorola has added two members to its integrated host processor family - the newly packaged MPC8241 and the speed-enhanced MPC8245.

Both processors deliver a cost-effective solution based on the PowerPC architecture, targeting applications requiring SoC integration and PCI connectivity in the networking infrastructure, storage and telecommunications markets.

The MPC8245 and MPC8241 integrate a full-featured embedded PowerPC 603e core, integrating a high performance 32bit processor with floating point, memory management, branch predication unit, and 16K data and 16K instruction cache.

Additional on-chip features include high performance memory controller, interrupt controller, DMA controller, I2C interface and 16550 compatible DUART.

Ideal applications include wireless LAN, routers/switches, embedded computing, network storage, disc controller for RAID systems, copier/printer board control and image display systems.

Clock generation logic for PCI and memory has been built into the chip, reducing the requirement for an external clock generator.

The MPC8241 is offered in a new 357-pin plastic BGA package - designed for additional cost and board space savings while retaining the functionally of the MPC8245.

The MPC8241 is expected to be offered at 166 and 200MHz.

In addition, the recently announced MPC8245 now offers higher performance with new 333 and 350MHz versions.

As part of Motorola's Integrated Host Processor family, both the MPC8241 and MPC8245 offer performance with a high level of integration, significant reduction of system component cost, simplified board design and reduced power consumption.

Further simplifying customer design time, the PowerPC architecture is supported by an extensive suite of development tools from Motorola's Smart Networks Alliance.

One of the first vendors expected to offer speed enhanced MPC8245 based products will be SBE, a leading supplier of specialised communications and networking controller cards.

The MPC8241 is sampling today, with production slated to begin fourth quarter 2001.

It is expected to be available at a suggested list price in 10,000 quantities of approximately $19.89 for the 166MHz device and approximately $22.95 for the 200MHz device.

The speed enhanced MPC8245 is currently sampling, with production expected to begin fourth quarter 2001, and is expected to be available at a suggested list price in 10,000 quantities of approximately $45.60 for the 333MHz device and approximately $48.93 for the 350MHz device.

Back to top