PMC-Sierra's New Multi-Service Residential Gateway Solution Powered by Multi-Threaded MIPS32® 34K(TM) Core
Share:
MIPS-Based(TM) MSP7100 Platform Enables IPTV, VoIP, and Multimedia Services Over a Single Home Network
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., June 13 / -- MIPS Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:MIPS), a leading provider of industry-standard processor architectures and cores, announced that its new multi-threaded core, the MIPS32® 34Kc(TM) processor, is powering PMC-Sierra's (NASDAQ:PMCS) new MSP7100 carrier-class residential gateway platform. The MSP7100 platform, now shipping as working silicon, represents the next wave in multimedia broadband services and was launched last week by PMC-Sierra, Inc. (See separate 5/30/06 announcement, "PMC-Sierra Announces Enhanced Carrier-Class Multi-Service Residential Gateway Solution" at pmc-sierra.com/digital-home.)
Long-time MIPS Technologies licensee PMC-Sierra used the 34Kc core in its MSP7100 platform to enable a new class of powerful, multi-service residential gateways. With multi-threading technology, the MSP7100 residential gateway solution makes it possible for service providers to deliver advanced, profit-generating IP services, such as IP video, VoIP and multimedia, over a converged home network that seamlessly integrates WAN and LAN technologies, wireless connectivity, and consumer appliances, applications and services. Packet throughput improved by 300% compared to single-threaded processors of similar frequency.
"PMC-Sierra has long relied on the MIPS architecture to create compelling solutions that offer superior price/performance, and the addition of its multi-threading technology further expands this leadership," said Dino Bekis, vice president of marketing and applications for PMC-Sierra's Communication Products Division. "Our 34Kc-based residential gateway SoC offers a 300% packet throughput improvement compared to single-threaded processor solutions of similar frequency, and additionally provides security and carrier-class QoS to enable high-definition IP video service delivery."
The MIPS32 34K(TM) core family offers licensees such as PMC-Sierra a revolutionary multi-threading solution that boosts system performance while significantly reducing overall SoC die area, cost, and power consumption. Single-threaded microprocessors waste many cycles while accessing memory, considerably limiting system performance. The 34K cores are designed to mask the effect of memory latency by increasing processor utilization. As one thread stalls for memory, additional threads are fed into the pipeline, resulting in a significant gain in application throughput.
Additionally, the 34K core family delivers superior real-time responsiveness for embedded applications. Users can allocate dedicated processing bandwidth to real-time tasks resulting in a precise Quality of Service (QoS). This mechanism constantly monitors the progress of threads and dynamically takes corrective actions to meet or exceed the real-time requirements.
The 34K cores can be configured with a maximum of two VPEs (Virtual Processing Element-a representation of the OS-only visible state of the MIPS32 architecture) and five TCs (Thread Context-a representation of the user-state of the MIPS32 architecture) for ultimate design flexibility. PMC-Sierra's configuration is a full implementation of the 34Kc core with two VPEs and five TCs.
"Anyone looking for greater system performance at lower system cost will find a very compelling solution in the 34K family," said Brad Holtzinger, vice president of worldwide sales at MIPS Technologies. "We congratulate PMC-Sierra on its powerful, new multi-service gateway solution and look forward to the many other applications taking advantage of our multi-threading technology."
PMC-Sierra was among the earliest licensees of the 34K core family, which was launched in February. Other announced licensees include iVivity, which chose MIPS Technologies' multi-threading solution after extensive benchmarking against a competitive, multi-core solution, and is now using the MIPS core to develop a storage network processor. Mobileye N.V., a leader in driver assistance and safety systems for the automotive industry, chose a 34Kf(TM) core after a rigorous evaluation of competitive, multi-core offerings.
About MIPS Technologies
MIPS Technologies, Inc. is a leading provider of industry-standard processor architectures and cores for digital consumer and business applications. The company drives the broadest architectural alliance that is delivering 32- and 64-bit embedded RISC solutions. The company licenses its intellectual property to semiconductor companies, ASIC developers and system OEMs. MIPS Technologies and its licensees offer the widest range of robust, scalable processors in standard, custom, semi-custom and application-specific products. The company is based in Mountain View, Calif., and can be reached at +1-650-567-5000 or www.mips.com.
About PMC-Sierra
PMC-Sierra(TM) is a leading provider of broadband communications and storage semiconductors for metro, access, fiber to the home, wireless infrastructure, storage, laser printers and customer premises equipment. PMC-Sierra offers worldwide technical and sales support, including a network of offices throughout North America, Europe, Israel and Asia. The company is publicly traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the PMCS symbol and is included in the S&P 500 Index. For more information, visit pmc-sierra.com/digital-home.
NOTE: MIPS, MIPS32, MIPS-Based, 34K, 34Kc, and 34Kf are trademarks or registered trademarks of MIPS Technologies, Inc. in the United States and other countries. PMC is a registered trademark of PMC-Sierra, Inc. in the United States and other countries. PMC-SIERRA and PMCS are trademarks of PMC-Sierra, All other trademarks referred to herein are the property of their respective owners.
Source: MIPS Technologies, Inc.
CONTACT: media, Cathy Browne of MIPS Technologies, Inc.,
+1-650-567-5178, or cbrowne@mips.com
Web site: http://pmc-sierra.com/digital-home
Web site: www.mips.com/
