IDT Extends Scalability of RISController Family With New Socket and
Software Compatible Microprocessors
Industry's Fastest 64-Bit Embedded Processors, Based on Enhanced RC5000 Architecture,
Designed For High-Performance, Cost-Sensitive Applications
SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 2, 1999-- IDT, Inc. (Nasdaq: IDTI - news), a leading manufacturer of
RISC microprocessors, today announced new high-performance additions to its 64-bit RISController(TM) microprocessor
line based on IDT's enhanced version of the RC5000(TM) microprocessor architecture. The new cost-effective
RC64574(TM) and RC64575(TM) microprocessors, available in 200-MHz, 250-MHz, 300-MHz and 333-MHz versions,
deliver increased RC5000 performance for lower cost system designs. Running at speeds up to 333 MHz, IDT's new devices
are the industry's fastest 64-bit embedded microprocessors.
The RC64574/575 microprocessors are pin compatible with IDT CPUs based on the RISCore4000(TM) architecture, such
as the RC64474/475(TM) and recently upgraded RC4640/50(TM), and are bus compatible with existing and future RC5000
CPUs. In addition, the new RC64574/575 devices maintain software compatibility with IDT's entire 64-bit RISController
family, as well as code compatibility, including DSP functions, with its 32-bit, low-cost RC32364(TM) microprocessor,
allowing designers to migrate across the RISController family, depending on price/performance needs, without incurring
additional software development costs.
''By maintaining pin compatibility with our RC4640/50 and RC64474/475 processors, IDT has set the mark for upgrade-path
flexibility in the 64-bit market, providing our customers with a tremendous advantage in terms of reduced development costs,
resources and time-to-market,'' said Nick Kucharewski, vice president of IDT's microprocessor division. ''Additionally, the
RC64574/575 microprocessors deliver the high level of performance needed for leading-edge embedded applications at a
very attractive price point.''
The RC64574/575 microprocessors provide high performance and increased system bandwidth for a wide range of products,
from network switches and routers to consumer video, set-top box, color printer and graphics applications. The 333-MHz
RC64575 microprocessor, for example, delivers 440 dhrystone MIPS performance and offers 6.2 GB/second aggregate
bandwidth. The RC64574/575 microprocessors operate at 2.5 volts with 3.3-volt tolerance and feature on-chip primary
caches of 32 Kbytes for each data and instruction.
High Performance and Functionality
Both the RC64574 and RC64575 microprocessors are based on an enhanced version of the RISCore5000(TM) architecture
and implement a superset of the MIPS® IV instruction-set architecture. Designers can choose between the RC64574 device
with its 32-bit external system interface bus for lower-cost solutions or the RC64575 CPU with its 64-bit interface bus for
higher bandwidth. The processors' large 32 Kbyte primary on-chip caches are further enhanced with cache locking to provide
superior caching capability, improving the efficiency of network switching and routing applications. Additionally, an on-chip
TLB enables the processors to support a wide range of complex real-time operating systems that require a full-featured
MMU.
For consumer markets, the new CPUs are Windows® CE compatible and feature an on-chip, high-performance floating-point
accelerator that directly implements single- and double-precision operations, allowing graphics and audio functions to be
processed in the microprocessor. In addition, the processors' MAC unit eliminates the need for external DSP devices by
processing DSP algorithms on the CPU, reducing the cost and space required for external devices, and enabling functionality
such as user interfaces, modem emulation and sound synthesis. Additionally, the RC64574/575 processors include support for
the recently announced Microsoft® TV Platform software for the television industry.
The RC64574/575 microprocessors are the latest addition to IDT's widely used 32-/64-bit RISController series of embedded
microprocessors. The new microprocessors are positioned between the company's RC64474/475 64-bit processors, based
on the RISCore4000 architecture, and its high-end RC5000 microprocessors.
World-Class RISController Series of Embedded Products
Offering a wide range of software-compatible, price/performance choices, IDT has optimized its high-performance
microprocessors and complementary system controllers for use in an assortment of embedded communications applications,
including internetworking, multimedia, datacom and telecom products. IDT's commitment to delivering system level solutions,
comprehensive tools support and world-class microprocessors, based on the MIPS instruction-set, have made the
RISController series the standard for a number of industry-leading companies in the digital consumer and communications
markets.
Pricing and Availability
The RC64574 microprocessors are sampling now in 128-pin PowerQuad packages. In 10,000 unit quantities, the 200-MHz,
250-MHz and 300-MHz RC64574 devices are priced at $23, $36 and $58, each, respectively. The 250-MHz, 300-MHz
and 333-MHz RC64575 CPUs, sampling now in 208 pin PowerQuad packages, are priced at $55, $71 and $88, each,
respectively. Full production for both microprocessors is scheduled for Q4CY99. |
