Network Processor plugs into OEM equipment.

Press Release Summary:



IQ2200(TM) interfaces with PowerPC, MIPS, and other host processors to provide packet input, classification and order management, payload buffering, processor load balancing, lookup operation, output queuing, and discard management in multi-Gigabit Ethernet and OC-48 applications. It handles up to 600 Instructions Per Packet (XIPPs), MPLS switching, VPN processing, and complex Layer 7 content-aware switching. Processor comes in 673-pin BGA packaging.



Original Press Release:



Vitesse Doubles Performance of Familiar Network Processor



Camarillo. CA - (December 17, 2001) - Vitesse Semiconductor Corporation today released technical details for its second generation Network Processor, the IQ2200(TM), positioning itself as the performance leader for NPUs.

IQ2200 extends the performance and connectivity of the successful IQ2000 network processor to serve access and edge equipment OEMs demanding higher levels of service application by delivering twice the processing performance of its predecessor. IQ2200 improves system integration and time-to- market for multi-Gigabit Ethernet and OC-48 applications by utilizing industry-standard interfaces for direct connectivity. Over 60 customers have chosen IQ2000 for their current system products and can leverage IQ2200's forward compatibility of software and physical compatibility for rapid deployment of next-generation systems. New customers benefit from the maturity of the IQ2200 architecture and development tools with new software libraries that accelerate time-to-market. IQ2200 interfaces with PowerPC®. MIPS and other host processors for system flexibility and optimum design.

The IQ2200 architecture balances the performance advantages of a fixed-function design with the flexibility inherent in a programmable design. An optimal system solution can be achieved meeting requirements for performance, flexibility, low power and ease-of-use. IQ2200's configurable functions include packet input, classification and order management, payload buffering, processor load balancing, lookup operation. output queuing and discard management. By covering the typical packet processing tasks with fixed-function hardware, the high-performance RISC engines are left to focus their cycles on the algorithms that add value to the system product.

IQ2200 doubles the internal clock rate of IQ2000 to 400 MHz, providing as many as 600 Instructions Per Packet (XIPPs) on a Gigabit Ethernet stream of minimum size packets. while cutting the power in half to a typical 5W. At this level of performance, lQ2200 leads the industry in both XIPPs/S and XIPPs/W and is well suited for a broad range of edge applications, such as MPLS switching. VPN processing, and complex Layer 7 content-aware switching.

"By designing IQ2200 with the industry-standard CSIX interface, Vitesse has created a highly- integrated solution for next-generation intelligent edge systems leveraging the strength of the company s intelligent switch fabrics" said Bob Wheeler, senior analyst for networking silicon at The Linley Group. "Supporting industry-standard interfaces is key to the rapid adoption of merchant silicon solutions and to easier system integration."

IQ2200 is supported by the Vitesse Developcr's Workbench, a comprehensive infrastructure of software development tools, hardware reference implementations, documentation, training, system consulting, and support. which accelerate development success. The Software Development Kit v3.4 includes the new IQ2200 simulator as well as a new release of the GNUPro® Tools for the IQ family of NPUs. Also included in the kit are device drivers for the Vitesse GigaStream queuing engine giving the developer an easier path to integration between the NPU and switch fabric. A beta version of the Vitesse C compiler supporting IQ2200 rounds out the software development tools and will be available at the end of December.

The Vitesse IQ Micro-Stack software offering for the IQ2200 provides developers with standard interfaces that eliminate complexities in network processor software development efforts while minimizing control/data plane software interdependencies. A comprehensive macro library is also available in conjunction with the IQ Micro-Stack offering, further simplifying software design.

Extensive training is available for IQ2200 and is offered frequently. The four-day program covers processor architecture, programming and development tools, system hardware design. and performance tips across both software and hardware tracks. The curriculum draws upon the experiences of supporting many different network processor applications and developer skill sets. A key component of the training and documentation for existing customers addresses migration from IQ2000 to IQ2200. Developers can and have designed hardware to be compatible with both processors, using IQ2000 for immediate, advanced development followed by IQ2200 for final development leading to production release.

All models of the IQ2200 family will be sampling beginning in March 2002, with production in 3Q2002. IQ2200 retains the same 673-pin BGA packaging as IQ2000. IQ2200 pricing starts at $235 in volume.

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