Motorola new version of ColdFire processor more than triples performance
Semiconductor Business News
(04/25/00, 12:46:41 PM EDT)
AUSTIN, Tex.. -- Motorola Inc. today introduced its next generation of standard 32-bit ColdFire microprocessors, based on the new Version 4 (V4) core, which was disclosed in late 1998 (see Oct. 16, 1998, story).
The MCF5407 processor is more than three times more powerful than the existing third-generation ColdFire MPUs and more than twice the performance of the 68EC060 from Motorola, according to product managers here. The ColdFire-based processors are used in a wide range of embedded applications, from set-top boxes to test and measurement equipment and networking systems to industrial control.
The V4 processor is aimed at serving Motorola's large base of embedded microprocessor customers currently using the 68000 MPU series. Like Motorola's existing ColdFire processors, the new 5407 chip uses a subset of the 68000 instruction set optimized for embedded control. The new processor achieves 257 Dhrystone 2.1 million instructions per second (MIPS) at a 162-MHz clock frequency, according to Motorola.
Compared to the current V3-based MCF5307 chip, the new processor has an instruction cache of 16-Kbits of memory and 8-Kbits of data cache. It includes memory controllers, timers, serial and parallel communication interfaces and other peripherals similar to the existing ColdFire series, said Mireille Mazzaschi, a member of the 68K/ColdFire technical marketing staff.
The souped up processor is housed in the same 208-pin QFP package as existing 5307 MPUs. It will be fabricated in a 0.22-micron process technology, with samples slated to be available in May. Volume production will commence in the third quarter.
In quantities of 10,000, the 162-MHz 5407 will cost $19.95 each.
semibiznews.com
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Wonder what is the competitor to this chip.
Jack |
