Embedded Processor Watch

Editor: Jim Turley
Sr. Editor: Tom Halfhill

In This Issue:

• Intel to Develop Network Processors
• Industry Resources: Embedded Processor Forum Next Week!
• Industry Resources: Double Data Rate Research
• Industry Resources: Semiconductor Fabrication by the Book
• New Embedded IC Announcements

Intel to Develop Network Processors

Intel has announced it will develop a new line of chips it dubs network processors. Described as "software-programmable forwarding and control engines," the chips are intended as replacements for hardwired ASICs in network switches, routers, and other infrastructure equipment.

Intel provided no details on the internal architecture or design of these new chips, and many have speculated that these might be nothing more than a new name for the deathless i960 family with different integrated peripherals. We believe, however, that the network processors will be significantly new chips, possibly with a completely new instruction-set architecture. Intel recently agreed to acquire Level One, a maker of networking equipment, and has completely absorbed Digital Semiconductor; between the two, Intel should have access to a number of interesting technologies.

More details will have to wait until later this year, when Intel expects to announce specifics of the processors. In the meantime, makers of switching equipment and suppliers of network silicon are wondering what cards Intel is holding.

Industry Resources: Embedded Processor Forum Next Week!

This coming Monday, May 3rd, the second annual Embedded Processor Forum kicks off in San Jose (Calif.) The four-day conference includes 19 new chip announcements, three evening affinity sessions, two full-day seminars, two lavish banquets, four white-tablecloth luncheons, and the company of hundreds of your fellows: high-tech engineers, directors, vice presidents, and founders. The Forum is the technology conference for investors, developers, and managers interested in the future of processors and DSPs for networking, consumer electronics, handheld devices, and communications.

Chief among the many first-time announcements will be a joint Motorola/ IBM description of "Book E," the next stage of PowerPC evolution. Intel will pull the wraps off the long-awaited StrongARM-2 family. Hitachi will attempt to break the MIPS/Watt barrier. Texas Instruments, DSP Group, and STMicroelectronics will describe their new ultra-low-power DSPs. MIPS Technologies will unveil Jade, its first new core since going independent. A panel of experts will discuss Java performance. QED will detail a 64-bit chip with copper processing. Sun will extol the virtues of UltraSPARC-IIe. ARC Cores, Lexra, and ARM will debate DSP extensions for licensed IP. TeraGen, IDT, and Motorola will battle over system-on- chip issues. Sony will demonstrate its astounding PlayStation processor. The first EEMBC benchmarks will be released. A survey of embedded designers will be dissected. Tensilica and SandCraft will detail their licensed designs. Two keynote presentations will set the tone. And MDR's staff of independent analysts will hold it all together, providing perspective, guidance, and commentary. How much of this could you afford to miss?

With just days to go, time is short. To register for the Forum, contact MDR by calling 800.527.0288 or visit http://www.MDRonline.com/epf. You'll hear about the events at the Forum for months afterward. Why not be there yourself? It may be your only opportunity to engage the designers, creators, and managers of this technology first hand. Be there as it happens, May 3-6, at the Fairmont Hotel, San Jose.

Industry Resources: Double Data Rate Research

Semico Research, the Phoenix-based consulting and market-analysis firm, has released three complementary reports on the DRAM business. The first, "PC Architecture, Where Do You Want to Go Today," examines DRAM alternatives from a PC maker's point of view. The report explains the alternatives and discusses the probable outcome. "Bullish on the DRAM Market" looks at next-generation DRAM at the component level, including the technology paths that DRAM makers will follow. "Mapping Out the Future: Desktop and Notebook PCs in 2003" takes a comfortingly microprocessor-centered perspective.

Each report sells for $3,500 but the set of three can be had for $6,000. For more information, or to order, contact Semico at 602.997.0337 or visit http://www.semico.com.

Industry Resources: Semiconductor Fabrication by the Book

Integrated Circuit Engineering (ICE) has released "Advanced Semiconductor Fabrication Handbook: Putting the Deep Submicron Puzzle Together," an imposing tome covering the self-evident topic. New chapters cover copper metalization as well as the usual topics of low-k dielectrics, Damascene processing, crystallography and preparation, deposited films, and planarization processes. Not for the faint of heart.

A copy of the book, plus CD-ROM, sells for $995 (additional copies $695). To order, contact ICE (Scottsdale, Ariz.) at 602.515.4260 or stop by http://www.ice-corp.com.

New Embedded IC Announcements

EasyFlash (WSI) Device contains 128K flash memory, a programmable MCU interface, and operates at 4.5 V to 5.5 V, consuming 1 mA/MHz. Price: $5.35/10,000; Production: Now; Call WSI at 510.498.1723.

CS-5124, CS-5126 (Cherry) Pulse-width-modulation (PWM) controllers fit in 8-pin package, modulate duty cycle of N-channel power MOSFETs for DC/DC converters. Price: $1.65/10,000; Production: Now; Call Cherry at 401.885.3600.

CS51221, CS51227 (Cherry) Voltage-mode pulse-width modulation (PWM) control chips designed for feed-forward operation in sub 150-W DC/DC converters. Price: $1.54/10,000; Production: Now; Call Cherry at 401.885.3600.

AD1853 (Analog Devices) Stereo audio DAC has 24-bit precision, meets 192-kHz audio sampling rates for DVD players; 117-dB (A-weighted) S/N ratio. Price: $4.95/10,000; Production: Now; Call ADI at 781.937.1428.

AFT1508ASV (Atmel) New 3.3-V CPLD offers 128 macrocells and 6,000 equivalent user-configurable logic gates in a 84-pin PLCC and 100-pin TQFP package. Price: $6.80/100; Production: Now; Call Atmel at 408.441.0311.