http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_archives.asp?Type=EPW Processor Watch is a free publication from In-Stat available on our web site and by e-mail subscription. It combines the previous Microprocessor Watch and Embedded Processor Watch. We distribute the e-mail version of Processor Watch semimonthly, on or near the 15th and 30th days of each month. Processor Watch contains brief summaries of the full-length articles written by MDR technology analysts and published in Microprocessor Report, our paid-subscription newsletter. Processor Watch may also contain news alerts, analytical articles, and market highlights from our In-Stat industry analysts. en-us http://www.instat.com/images_1/instat_logo_155x50.gif http://www.instat.com/ 2/1/2010 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23020110&SID=2322&on=1 The concluding installment of this two-part series examines developments during 2009 for alternative-architecture server processors: Itanium, POWER, and SPARC. (Part 1 covered the x86 architecture.) 1/25/2010 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23012510&SID=2318&on=1 To sell more software from one year to another, some software vendors invent new terms for marketing purposes and expose the end user to unneeded complexity. 1/25/2010 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23012510&SID=2317&on=1 This first installment of a two-part series reviews the server-processor market in 2009 and compares the SPEC2006 CPU results of AMD and Intel x86 systems. Next installment: Itanium, POWER, and SPARC. 1/19/2010 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23011910&SID=2316&on=1 Virage Logic has introduced its first new processor core since acquiring ARC International last year. The new 32-bit ARC 601 seeks to replace 8- and 16-bit processors in microcontrollers. 1/4/2010 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20010410&SID=2310&on=1 Wider MCU datapaths, new peripherals, and software tools can help implement more systems without the investment and risk associated with ASICs. 2/28/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23122809&SID=2309&on=1 Augmented reality builds on the technology of virtual reality to create an enhanced view of the real world—but where will it take us? Also, we speculate on Intel’s stumble with Larrabee. 12/28/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23122809&SID=2308&on=1 Novelty videos of water-skiing hamsters and piano-playing kittens aren’t the only application for YouTube. Microprocessor companies are finding the online video service a valuable channel for technology tutorials. 12/21/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23122109&SID=2307&on=1 Texas Instruments is well on its way to becoming the supplier of the broadest line of ARM-based processors, from simple single-core MCUs to complex SoCs incorporating multiple cores. 12/14/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23121409&SID=2303&on=1 Intel pioneered the art of marketing PC processors. Will history repeat itself as Intel tries to penetrate smartphones? This analysis of the evolution of microprocessor marketing anticipates the next phase. 11/30/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23113009&SID=2298&on=1 Tensilica has upgraded both processor cores that are the foundation of its configurable-processor product line. The new Xtensa LX3 and Xtensa 8 cores are generally faster and smaller than their predecessors and use less power. 11/23/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23112309&SID=2297&on=1 Expect interesting changes as Xilinx's commitment to adopt the complete range of ARM’s technology helps the two companies offer new chip configurations. 11/16/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23111609&SID=2292&on=1 MIPS Technologies has introduced two new embedded-processor cores—and a new 16/32-bit instruction set that improves code density while sacrificing less performance. 11/9/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23110909&SID=2288&on=1 One of the most complex and complete systems on a chip, TI’s OMAP 4 platform is aimed at smart cellphones and beyond—at mobile applications, including mobile Internet devices (MID) and netbooks. 11/2/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23110209&SID=2285&on=1 The SecureCore Tiano, the new BIOS firmware from Phoenix, is the bridge to standards and major developments. 10/26/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23102609&SID=2282&on=1 ARM's new Cortex-A5 processor core is small enough to replace the ARM926EJ-S in 32-bit microcontrollers, yet it offers the option of four-way coherent multiprocessing for bigger applications. 10/12/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23101209&SID=2272&on=1 The limitations imposed by frequency and die size have turned almost all chips into ASSPs, but defining a successful ASSP is not a trivial task. 10/5/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23100509&SID=2269&on=1 Gamers will welcome Nvidia’s new GPU architecture, code-named Fermi. But the big news isn’t 3D graphics—Fermi is a game-changer for general-purpose computing on GPUs. 9/28/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23092809&SID=2267&on=1 Smartcards provide new ways to increase and protect the revenue of those providing goods and services, and, to the buyer, they provide convenience and speed. 9/28/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23092809&SID=2266&on=1 Nikon is selling the first digicam with a built-in picoprojector, introducing an important new technology to the mainstream consumer market. 9/14/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23091409&SID=2261&on=1 Intel has added new technology and engineering talent to its parallel-programming team by acquiring Cilk Arts and RapidMind. Meanwhile, Virage Logic’s bid for ARC International could realign the competition for licensable embedded-processor cores. 9/8/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23090809&SID=2258&on=1 The Bluetooth 3.0 specification is a significant advance in short-range wireless technology. It will allow Bluetooth to penetrate new markets and applications that require higher data rates and lower power consumption. 8/24/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23082409&SID=2251&on=1 Microcontrollers can communicate 8/24/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23082409&SID=2251&on=1 Intel is charting a risky course with its x86-everywhere strategy. Although Intel is expanding into markets that have great upside potential, x86 processors have never been cheaper. Nevertheless, the grand strategy makes sense. 8/17/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23081709&SID=2246&on=1 The health guide appliance presented at Intel’s Mid-Summer Technology Summit may shift the focus of health care delivery from the institution to the individual and from the hospital to the patient’s home. 8/10/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23081009&SID=2243&on=1 The ConnX Baseband Engine is the first licensable DSP core that Tensilica has optimized for baseband processing. Although it’s derived from the Xtensa LX2 configurable CPU core, it has numerous DSP extensions—and an early-access customer with a tapeout. 7/27/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23072709&SID=2236&on=1 Intrinsity's new dynamic-logic processor core, code-named Hummingbird, runs at 1.0GHz and is fully compatible with the ARM Cortex-A8. Samsung is using the core in a new mobile SoC. Is the ultimate customer Apple? 7/20/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23072009&SID=2235&on=1 Plugging security holes, making updates, and fixing bugs, plus the wars for software dominance in the PC, and how all these are affecting mobile devices. 7/20/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23071309&SID=2230&on=1 By purchasing MIPS32 and MIPS64 architectural licenses from MIPS Technologies, China has established a legitimate business relationship that covers its independently designed Godson and Loongson MIPS-compatible processors. 7/6/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23070609&SID=2226&on=1 Redpine Signals’ processor is employing a custom multithreading instruction set architecture (ISA) to obtain the critical real-time performance required for Wi-Fi radio communications. 7/6/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23070609&SID=2225&on=1 Sometimes confused with smartphones, media phones are fixed landline devices that provide telephony and always-on Internet access. At home, they complement PCs, TVs, and cellphones. At work, they can replace other types of office phones. 6/29/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23062909&SID=2223&on=1 Whether the Great Recession is entirely to blame or not, we’re witnessing many changes in the semiconductor industry. This editorial considers recent events at Intel, Wind River, RMI, Sun Microsystems, NEC Electronics, Renesas, Texas Instruments, Luminary Micro, MetaRAM, SiCortex, ARC International, and MIPS Technologies. 6/29/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23062909&SID=2222&on=1 Microsoft shows on TV the Natal sensor, a terrific idea that, once deployed, will change the way people play video games. The TV demos show that the sensor and its software are still far from ready for prime time. 6/23/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23062209&SID=2219&on=1 Cadence’s rule-aware automatic FPGA System Planner reassigns FPGA pinout to reduce PCB layers and development time. 6/15/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23061509&SID=2216&on=1 A first look at Microsoft’s Project Natal, announced at E3, allows Xbox 360 players to control the game without any devices to hold in their hands or special sensors attached to their bodies or placed under their feet. 6/8/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23060809&SID=2213&on=1 EEMBC’s new CoreMark is a quick-and-dirty benchmarking program intended primarily for embedded processors. It’s free, portable, easy to use, and yields a single score that’s easy to grasp. Can it finally retire the ancient Dhrystone benchmark? 5/26/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23052609&SID=2205&on=1 Are configurable, extensible cores general-purpose architectures, and, for that matter, what is a general-purpose architecture? The answer may point to architectures yet to come. 5/26/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23052609&SID=2204&on=1 Why would Apple design custom chips? A recent Wall Street Journal article alarmed critics, but Apple has good reasons for hiring more chip designers. Apple is a consumer-electronics company, not just a computer company, and custom SoCs are crucial to Apple’s strategy. 5/18/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23051809&SID=2201&on=1 Analog Circuits is one of the books that may help those of us that want to understand the trade-offs that system designers should make in implementing a successful embedded product employing analog and digital cores. 5/11/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23051109&SID=2192&on=1 The world’s smallest 32-bit processor cores are competing to displace 8- and 16-bit processors and microcontrollers. This report compares the ARM Cortex-M0, Cambridge Consultants XAP5a, Cortus APS3, and Tensilica Diamond Standard 106Micro. 4/27/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23042709&SID=2187&on=1 Complex SoC design is changing the technical and business relationships between system companies and semiconductor manufacturers. 4/27/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23042709&SID=2186&on=1 CriticalBlue’s Prism is a new code-analysis tool that helps programmers rewrite existing serial code into multithreaded code for multicore processors. Despite some limitations, it has remarkable capabilities. 4/20/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23042009&SID=2179&on=1 New six degrees of freedom (6DoF) wand employs electromagnetic fields to determine absolute position and rotation values for playing virtual reality games on the PC. 4/13/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23041309&SID=2178&on=1 ZeroG, the most recent innovator in Wi-Fi communications, targets its chips and modules to low-power systems employing inexpensive MCUs. 3/30/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23033009&SID=2173&on=1 Memory technology improves slowly from year to year. But the cumulative rise in capacity and decline in prices can suddenly change a product category, requiring a new look at old system designs. 3/30/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23033009&SID=2172&on=1 In a new collaboration with TSMC, Intel will design custom SoCs around the Atom processor core for OEM customers. TSMC will manufacture the chips. 3/16/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23031609&SID=2169&on=1 In-Stat’s forecast for the semiconductor industry isn’t cheerful, but the industry is largely at the mercy of global economic factors beyond its control. 3/9/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23030909&SID=2164&on=1 Buses, memory, processors and waiting in line for dinner—what do they have in common? 3/2/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23030209&SID=2161&on=1 ARM’s new Cortex-M0 is the smallest 32-bit synthesizable processor core we’ve seen. It also consumes remarkably little power, especially when slumbering in a special state-retention deep-sleep mode. 3/2/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23030209&SID=2160&on=1 In reviewing the four phases of SoC design, we present the associated complexity and a handful of methods and design tools that may help. 2/23/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23022309&SID=2159&on=1 Chances are pretty good that current SOC designers are experiencing more difficulties than they should. To reduce effort and risk, it’s important to become aware of the traps and pitfalls that may be encountered. 2/23/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23022309&SID=2159&on=1 Processor Watch 2/17/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23021709&SID=2154&on=1 In this independent commentary, former Intel engineer John Novitsky says that Intel’s rejuvenation of chip manufacturing in the 1980s can set an example for today’s U.S. automakers. 2/17/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23021709&SID=2153&on=1 A historical case study by a professor at Harvard Business School explains the decisions that turned Intel from a relatively small semiconductor company into a giant—a story that has even more relevance today. 2/9/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23020909&SID=2149&on=1 Hailed as a general-purpose approach to speeding up execution, multithreading can be a mistake that leads to slower throughput and higher power consumption. 2/2/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23020209&SID=2145&on=1 This Market Watch article is excerpted from a recent In-Stat report, Applications Drive Strong Revenues Worldwide. It examines the markets for NOR- and NAND-based flash memory and forecasts their growth. 1/26/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23012609&SID=2140&on=1 We’re so paranoid about security threats sneaking over the Internet that it’s easy to overlook potential threats closer to home. Can you trust your local repair shop? 1/20/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23012009&SID=2142&on=1 This is a sequel to last year’s two-part series, which surveyed high-performance microprocessors and compared their performance using the SPEC2006 CPU benchmark suite. Part 1 examines developments with x86 processors in 2008. 1/20/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23012009&SID=2142&on=1 In this continuation of our two-part series, we examine developments during the past 12 months for vendors of the three alternative-architecture server processors: Itanium, POWER, and SPARC. 1/12/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23011209&SID=2136&on=1 Tensilica’s experts are focusing on a common mistake: myopic definitions of small address spaces that seem adequate at design time can hinder new implementations as workloads evolve. 1/5/2009 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23010509&SID=2135&on=1 Cadence employs thread-level parallelism to speed up heavy workload presented by its Spectre simulator. 12/29/2008 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23122908&SID=2134&on=1 This is no ordinary recession. It’s the aftershock of three burst bubbles and fundamental flaws in the financial system. Surviving it requires a different outlook—and, perhaps, lowered expectations. 12/22/2008 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23122208&SID=2133&on=1 ATI Stream is AMD’s parallel-processing platform for general-purpose computing on ATI graphics processors. It’s now becoming more widely available, and it compares favorably with Nvidia’s rival platform, CUDA. 12/8/2008 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23120808&SID=2125&on=1 Tiny Cubic-Inch Projectors Make Large Color Displays Mobile 12/1/2008 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23120108&SID=2124&on=1 Tuning Data Word Width to Reduce Cost Makes CPU Pay for It 11/24/2008 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=issue%20%23112408&SID=2123&on=1 A Watch Newsletter 11/24/2008 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=issue%20%23112408&SID=2122&on=1 Analyzing the Ramifications of AMD’s Manufacturing Spinoff 11/10/2008 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23111008&SID=2117&on=1 About Technology Breakthroughs and the Value of Intellectual Property 11/6/2008 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23110308&SID=2112&on=1 New MIPS-Compatible Chinese Processor Has Extensions for x86 Translation 10/27/2008 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23110308&SID=2112&on=1 http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23102708&SID=2111r 10/27/2008 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23102708&SID=2111&on=1 A Watch Newsletter 10/20/2008 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23102008&SID=2107&on=1 Panel at Hot Chips Symposium Reviews 20 Years of Successes and Failures 10/20/2008 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23101308&SID=2100&on=1 Easy Programming Without Complex Manuals and Years of Experience 10/6/2008 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23100608&SID=2099&on=1 A Watch Newsletter 09/29/2008 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23092908&SID=2094&on=1 Fully Programmable Manycore Processor Reaches Beyond Graphics s 09/22/2008 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23092208&SID=2089&on=1 Avoiding hardware pipeline interlocks by using the compiler’s instruction scheduler was a good idea that didn’t yield the expected results. 09/22/2008 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23092208&SID=2088&on=1 The introduction of 32-bit cores into MCUs requires system designers to decide which new parameters are important and what other features can be considered as a lower priority. 09/15/2008 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23091508&SID=2081&on=1 The Mobile, the Light, the Portable, the Connected—the “Ultra Device" 08/25/2008 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23082508&SID=2075&on=1 A Watch Newsletter 08/25/2008 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23082508&SID=2074&on=1 In-Stat Asks Users About Smartphones, UMPCs, MIDs, Mobile Companions 08/18/2008 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23081808&SID=2070&on=1 Pre-Atom Integrated Chips Face Tough Competition 08/11/2008 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23081108&SID=2067&on=1 Few Homogeneous Configurations Targeting Consumer Entertainment 7/28/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23072808&SID=2058&on=1 A Watch Newsletter 7/28/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23072808&SID=2057&on=1 CPU Benchmarks: Not Just For ‘Benchmarketing’ Any More 7/14/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23071408&SID=2054&on=1 Overly Deep Pipelining—Too Much of a Good Thing 7/7/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23070708&SID=2050&on=1 New QorIQ Processors Will Eventually Supersede PowerQUICC Chips 6/9/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23060908&SID=2039&on=1 Despite Problems, The VLIW Lives In Several Microprocessors. 6/2/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23060208&SID=2038&on=1 USB 3.0 Will Accelerate PC Peripherals and Consumer Electronics. 5/27/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23052708&SID=2034&on=1 The sudden collapse of Montalvo Systems has unfortunate implications for Intel’s competitors, and Apple’s surprising acquisition of P.A. Semi continues to spawn rumors. 5/27/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23052708&SID=2033&on=1 Written from the viewpoint of a working engineer, the book describes sources of soft errors and solutions involving device, logic, and architecture design to reduce the effects of soft errors. 5/12/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23051208&SID=2029&on=1 ARM Modifies MCU Core for Critical Embedded Systems. 4/28/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23042808&SID=2021&on=1 MPR Welcomes Technical and Business Contributions. 4/28/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23042808&SID=2020&on=1 MIPS Technologies is introducing the MIPS32 1004K Coherent Processing System, the first licensable IP to support hardware multithreading and up to four-way symmetric multiprocessing on a chip. 4/21/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23042108&SID=2013&on=1 CISC and RISC Design Extremism Is a Vice 4/7/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23040708&SID=2009&on=1 New Low-Power Microarchitecture Rejuvenates the Embedded x86 3/31/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23033108&SID=199&on=1 Writing software for multicore processors requires a new way of thinking and explicit multithreading probably isn’t the long-term answer. 3/24/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23032408&SID=1998&on=1 Moven’s motion capture suit, game and VR programs are reviewed to show an example of a generic process of system design going beyond processor architecture. 3/17/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23031708&SID=1997&on=1 This series of in-depth articles surveys failed processor species. Part 3 discusses stack machines. 3/10/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23031008&SID=1993&on=1 New x86 Design Strikes a Different Balance of Power and Performance. 3/3/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=issue%20%23030308&SID=1989&on=1 An All-x86 Strategy Adds New Markets and Applications. 2/19/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23021908&SID=1981&on=1 At CES 2008, GM showed two hybrid car concepts whose safety, control, and process optimization during driving can only be provided by a high-performance embedded computer. 2/11/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23021108&SID=1980&on=1 IPextreme’s new Core Store is a groundbreaking website that sells synthesizable semiconductor IP at fixed, published prices. One of its first products is Freescale Semiconductor’s new ColdFire V1 processor core, priced at only $10,000. 2/4/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23020408&SID=1979&on=1 Microchip selects the MIPS32 M4K architecture for its 32-bit MCUs and announces the new 32-bit PIC32MX seven-chip family. 1/28/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23012808&SID=1978&on=1 In-Stat’s and EDN’s International Microprocessor Forum is calling for papers relevant to its theme in 2008: digital entertainment at home and on the move. 1/28/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23012808&SID=1977&on=1 Nvidia’s Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA) is a software-development platform for massively parallel processing on Nvidia graphics processors—one of several new solutions for high-performance computing. 1/14/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23011408&SID=1971&on=1 Use of intermediate ISAs to allow a simple machine to emulate its betters (Rubeus Goldbergicus) 1/14/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23011408&SID=1970&on=1 A brief survey of the key elements of embedded system security. 12/31/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23123107&SID=1969&on=1 MIPS Technologies Enters the Microcontroller Markets With a Range of Processor Cores and the Newly Acquired Chipidea Company’s IP in Analog and Mixed Signal Circuits. 12/31/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23123107&SID=1968&on=1 This series of in-depth articles will survey thirteen failed processor species (a baker’s dozen). These articles explore the major design errors that caused the demise of each processor species. 12/26/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23122607&SID=1967&on=1 Transmeta will receive $250 million over five years as part of Intel’s settlement of a patent lawsuit, and the sudden infusion of cash opens up many new opportunities for the company. 12/17/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23121707&SID=1964&on=1 MIPS Technologies Enters the Microcontroller Markets With a Range of Processor Cores and the Newly Acquired Chipidea Company’s IP in Analog and Mixed Signal Circuits. 12/17/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23121707&SID=1963&on=1 Altera and Synopsys have joined forces to license Altera’s Nios II embedded-processor core for use in standard-cell ASICs. 12/10/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23121007&SID=1962&on=1 In this conclusion of our two-part series on high-performance microprocessors, we compare the SPEC CPU2006 performance of server processors from AMD, Fujitsu, IBM, Intel, and Sun Microsystems. 12/3/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23120307&SID=1958&on=1 In this first installment of a two-part series, we survey the current field of high-performance microprocessors and compare the performance of x86 11/26/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23112607&SID=1955&on=1 As semiconductor technology, fabrication and competition combine to erode prices, business and engineering people are devising ingenious ways to preserve their revenue and perhaps even increase it. 11/26/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23112607&SID=1954&on=1 RapidMind has ported its Multicore Development Platform to the x86 architecture, creating new opportunities for parallel processing on commodity hardware. 11/13/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23111307&SID=1951&on=1 Xilinx has upgraded its licensable processor core for FPGAs by adding a memory-management unit, faster floating-point operations, and a better CoreConnect on-chip bus. 11/5/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23110507&SID=1947&on=1 Tilera introduces a general-purpose RISC/DSP VLIW 64-core engine capable of running SMP Linux employing a tile architecture and a mesh interconnect serving it. 10/29/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23102907&SID=1946&on=1 Embedded-system designers who can’t find a suitable microcontroller off the shelf should consider Atmel’s alternative, which combines microcontroller features with gate-level programmability. 10/29/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23102907&SID=1945&on=1 Performance in data-intensive applications is scaling rapidly, but what of general-purpose computing? 10/15/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23101507&SID=1940&on=1 ARC International has introduced its first synthesizable intellectual property (IP) for digital-video encoding, intended primarily for battery-powered mobile applications. 10/8/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23100807&SID=1939&on=1 Car-Navigation Micro Employs a 38.4GOPS Image-Recognition Engine. 9/24/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23092407&SID=1935&on=1 Intrinsity is using its proprietary Fast14 technology to make a prehardened macrocell version of the ARM Cortex-R4 embedded-processor core. 9/24/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23092407&SID=1934&on=1 ARM’s Cortex-R4X processor core—boosted to higher performance with Intrinsity’s Fast14 logic—is another indication that Intrinsity is making a successful turnaround. 9/17/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23091707&SID=1930&on=1 The first article in our new Market Watch series analyzes trends in the market for digital-video ICs. In-Stat forecasts rapid growth in this market, especially as the H.264 standard takes hold. 9/17/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23091707&SID=1928&on=1 Japanese automotive-component manufacturer Denso Corp. has unveiled a new microcontroller architecture designed for automotive systems. 8/27/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23082707&SID=1920&on=1 Like the introduction of very high performance processors that led to realistic games on the PC, the appearance of oversized hard drives may usher in new applications. 8/27/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23082707&SID=1919&on=1 Freescale Semiconductor has a new multicore communications platform that lays the groundwork for future PowerQUICC designs and other Power Architecture chips. 8/20/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23082007&SID=1918&on=1 This excerpt from an In-Stat report analyzes Intel’s manufacturing capacity and roadmaps, with forecasts of future trends. 8/13/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23081307&SID=1914&on=1 Fujitsu applies the Asynchronous Remote Procedure Call (ARPC) concept to programming embedded multicore configurations. 8/6/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23080607&SID=1913&on=1 U.K.-based startup XMOS Semiconductor is developing microprocessors that use hardware multithreading to perform embedded-processing. 7/30/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=issue%20%23073007&SID=1910&on=1 These days, setting up a new home computer is a job for an expert—if the average person can find one. Guess who? 7/23/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23072307&SID=1906&on=1 AMCC and Intrinsity have joined forces to design a new Power Architecture core that reaches 2.0GHz while consuming only 2.5W. 7/16/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20071607&SID=1903&on=1 Cavium Networks is entering the mainstream storage-processor market for the first time with two families of highly integrated multicore processors. 7/9/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23070907&SID=1902&on=1 Although structured ASICs offer system designers many advantages, they have failed to find a comfortable place in the system-designer’s toolkit. Despite the dismal picture painted in part 1, however, structured ASICs have found at least one viable market niche: FPGA replacement in volume applications. Compared with the FPGAs they replace, these structured ASICs run faster, consume less power, and cost less. 7/2/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23070207&SID=1901&on=1 Structured ASICs offer system designers many advantages. Measured against standard-cell ASICs, structured ASICs promise lower mask costs and faster turnaround times. They should have found a comfortable place in the system designer's toolkit. They didn't. 6/26/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23062607&SID=1897&on=1 Innovative design can prevent products from becoming low-margin commodities, but product designers seem to be striving for boring sameness. 6/26/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23062607&SID=1896&on=1 Freescale Semiconductor has announced the first family of pin-compatible 8- and 32-bit microcontrollers—the key ingredient in its “Microcontroller Continuum” strategy. 6/11/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23061107&SID=1890&on=1 This article is an edited transcript of a discussion panel at Microprocessor Forum 2007, which included participants from AMD, Intel, and Mears Technologies. 6/4/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23060407&SID=1886&on=1 Preliminary benchmark tests and power-consumption estimates indicate that the new MIPS 74K processor core is highly competitive with ARM’s Cortex-A8. 5/21/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23052907&SID=1883&on=1 Amazon.com plans to sell downloadable music without copy protection. Although some observers hail Amazon’s announcement as a breakthrough for the music industry, it seems more like a restoration of lost rights. 5/21/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23052907&SID=1882&on=1 MIPS Technologies has introduced a high-performance 32-bit embedded-processor core with dual-issue superscalar pipelining and out-of-order execution. 5/7/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%23052107&SID=1881&on=1 IBM has developed a new semiconductor-fabrication technology that replaces low-k solid dielectrics with tiny vacuum cavities approaching the ideal dielectric constant. 5/7/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%23052107&SID=1881&on=1 http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%23051407&SID=1876 5/7/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%23050707&SID=1871&on=1 Embedded and desktop processors differ from one another when it comes to advanced processes. TI can partner for silicon beyond 45nm and keep extensive design expertise in-house. 4/30/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23043007&SID=1868&on=1 Two technical papers from the University of California at Berkeley and some recent experiences with software bugs make us wonder if the computer industry is truly ready for multicore processors. 4/30/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23043007&SID=1867&on=1 At ESC and IDF, Intel began discussing some details of the next two generations of processor cores for PCs and servers, referred to as Penryn and Nehalem. 4/23/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23042307&SID=1863&on=1 Here’s a roundup of interesting microprocessor-related news from the spring Embedded Systems Conference in San Jose, California. 4/9/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23040907&SID=1859&on=1 Intel reveals 1TeraFLOP tile-based research processor that can be scaled beyond the boundaries of classic clock synchronization. 4/2/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23040207&SID=1856&on=1 Freescale Semiconductor is entering the processor-IP licensing market with four versions of the Power e200 embedded-processor core. 3/26/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23032607&SID=1855&on=1 As new types of processors seek new applications and better ways to serve existing applications, semiconductor vendors are offering platform-level development tools and products. Parallel processors may have found their first major opportunity in automotive applications. 3/26/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23032607&SID=1854&on=1 The final installment of our three-part series considers the effects of virtualization on performance and speculates about the future of this technology on microprocessors. 3/19/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23031907&SID=1848&on=1 ARM is relaxing its policy on deploying ARM processor cores in FPGAs and is introducing the Cortex-M1, its first processor specifically optimized for programmable-logic fabrics. 3/12/2007 Processor Watch The gHost in the Machine: Part 2&on=1 Part 2 in our three-part series on virtualization analyzes the changes and extensions to the POWER, SPARC. 3/5/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23030507&SID=1844&on=1 New processor-level virtualization extensions reflect and encourage the booming trend toward server consolidation using virtual machines. Part 1 of a three-part series. 2/26/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23022607&SID=1841&on=1 We honor the winners of our 2006 Microprocessor Report Analysts’ Choice Awards and note some recent revolts against paperless electronic voting machines. 2/26/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23022607&SID=1840&on=1 MPR presents an MPR Analysts’ Choice Award in the Innovation category to the circuit designers of Razor at the Advanced Computer Architecture Lab at the University of Michigan and ARM Ltd. 2/26/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23022607&SID=1839&on=1 Eutecus wins an MPR Analysts’ Choice Award in the Innovation category for designing a massively parallel sensor-processor architecture for high-speed digital imaging. 2/20/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23022007&SID=1834&on=1 In-Stat announces the first four Microprocessor Report Analysts' Choice Awards for 2006, which go to Ambric, ARM, Freescale Semiconductor, Handshake Solutions, and Intel. 2/20/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23022007&SID=1833&on=1 Ambric wins an MPR Analysts’ Choice Award in the Innovation category for its software-oriented approach to designing a new parallel-processing microprocessor architecture. 2/20/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23022007&SID=1832&on=1 ARM and Handshake Solutions share an MPR Analysts’ Choice Award in the Innovation category for the ARM996HS, the first commercially available 32-bit microprocessor core implemented in clockless logic. 2/20/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23022007&SID=1831&on=1 Freescale Semiconductor wins an MPR Analysts’ Choice Award in the Innovation category for introducing the world’s first spintronics-based magnetic RAM chip. 2/12/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23021207&SID=1826&on=1 A startup founded by scientists from Europe and the U.S. has developed a unique image sensor and massively parallel processor capable of capturing 100,000 frames per second. 2/5/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23020507&SID=1821&on=1 NTT DoCoMo, using GSM, is planning to evolve from its present capabilities in 2.5G and 3G to Super 3G and 4G. 1/29/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23012907&SID=1820&on=1 Intel announces the introduction of high-k dielectrics and metal gate technology into all products at the 45nm process node to reduce the gate leakage while increasing performance scalability. 1/29/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23012907&SID=1819&on=1 Findaway World’s digital audio book integrates content and player in one package. 1/29/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23012907&SID=1818&on=1 Less expensive, more secure IP Media platform doesn’t use the usual hardware and software components. 1/29/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23012907&SID=1817&on=1 As it celebrates its 20th anniversary, Microprocessor Report focuses on key changes in semiconductors and technology throughout 2007. 1/22/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23012207&SID=1816&on=1 Microprocessor Report has adapted this article from a new In-Stat report on VoIP technology and the outlook for semiconductor devices in VoIP equipment. 1/16/2007 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23011607&SID=1813&on=1 Innovasic’s Fido 1100 is compatible with the 68K architecture and adds real-time and deterministic features that Freescale’s 68K customers haven’t seen before. 12/26/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23122606&SID=1809&on=1 Paperless electronic voting machines are a flawed and unnecessary solution to problems in U.S. elections. This is one case in which more technology isn’t better technology. 12/18/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23121806&SID=1808&on=1 Intel introduced the first standard-part microprocessor on November 15, 1971. MPR covered the anniversary celebration and presents new analysis of this groundbreaking CPU. 12/11/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23121106&SID=1807&on=1 Intel’s core microarchitecture shows large improvements in performance per watt in 65nm, promises to do even better in 45nm. 12/4/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23120406&SID=1803&on=1 AMD announced the integration of graphics into its new mainstream processor line called Fusion, which will debut in the late-2008/early-2009 time frame. 12/4/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23120406&SID=1802&on=1 Tensilica’s new Xtensa 7 and Xtensa LX2 processors now have optional error correction for local memory and other improvements. 11/27/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23112706&SID=1799&on=1 The Power.org consortium has released an interesting Power Architecture roadmap consolidating the future plans of its members. 11/27/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23112706&SID=1798&on=1 The Emulex AV150 supplies the processing power needed to virtualize large, physically complex storage-area networks (SAN). 11/27/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23112706&SID=1797&on=1 Companies cut cost, quality, and the need for expertise. 11/13/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23111306&SID=1792&on=1 Xilinx is optimizing its 32-bit licensable processor core to run faster and require less programmable logic in next-generation Virtex-5 FPGAs. 11/06/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23110606&SID=1789&on=1 Sun’s new Niagara 2 processor is closer to a complete 64-way server-on-a-chip than anything previously attempted. 10/30/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23103006&SID=1788&on=1 ARM announces it first 32-bit processor core specifically intended for microcontrollers in automotive systems. New features include an FPU and ECC. 10/30/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23103006&SID=1787&on=1 IBM aims to solidify its hold on the high-end server market with a new POWER6 processor that smashes the 4GHz frequency barrier. 10/30/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23103006&SID=1786&on=1 Can a Windows virus harm your digital camera or digital-audio player? No, but many people don’t know that, and they need your help. 10/23/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23102306&SID=1782&on=1 Fujitsu’s next-generation SPARC64 VI processors will be the foundation of new APL servers, replacing older server lines at both Sun and Fujitsu. 10/16/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23101606&SID=1777&on=1 Intel introduced its first quad-core x86 processors at the Intel Developers Forum in September, laying the foundation for a comeback in 2007. 10/10/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23101006&SID=1771&on=1 An Oregon-based fabless semiconductor company has a new architecture and programming model for massively parallel processing. 10/10/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23101006&SID=1770&on=1 SPEC CPU2006 is the first sweeping revision of this benchmark suite for measuring processor performance in six years. But does it fairly evaluate today’s processors? 10/2/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23101006&SID=1769&on=1 Silicon Valley startup PeakStream has a math library that eases the task of programming graphics processors for high-performance computing applications. 09/25/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23092506&SID=1768&on=1 AMD announced some of the partners and the timeline associated with the Torrenza platform, which is developing a common interface and socket for server processors. 09/25/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23092506&SID=1767&on=1 Sun and Fujitsu are jointly launching a new family of advanced product line servers based on Fujitsu’s next-generation SPARC64 VI processor design. What does this alliance tell us about the state of SPARC servers and the prospects for non-x64 servers? 09/25/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23092506&SID=1766&on=1 Some people are enjoying Intel’s recent troubles, saying the company deserved a smackdown. But watch out—Intel could emerge as an even tougher competitor in the future. 09/11/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23092506&SID=1758&on=1 Freescale has introduced the world’s first commercially available MRAM (magnetic, or magnetoresistive, random-access memory) chip. Is it a harbinger of future memory technology? 09/05/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_archives.asp?Type=EPW&on=1 For more information visit our web site. 08/28/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_archives.asp?Type=EPW&on=1 For more information visit our web site. 08/28/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_archives.asp?Type=EPW&on=1 For more information visit our web site. 08/28/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_archives.asp?Type=EPW&on=1 For more information visit our web site. 08/21/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_archives.asp?Type=EPW&on=1 For more information visit our web site. 08/21/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_archives.asp?Type=EPW&on=1 For more information visit our web site. 08/07/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_archives.asp?Type=EPW&on=1 For more information visit our web site. 07/31/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_archives.asp?Type=EPW&on=1 For more information visit our web site. 07/24/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23072406&SID=1734&on=1 Texas Instruments innovates on two counts: it designs the first processor core in low-power 65nm; it provides the first commercial use of a full implementation of ARM’s Cortex-A8. 07/24/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23072406&SID=1733&on=1 MathStar is offering its field-programmable object array (FPOA) as a higher-level alternative to conventional FPGAs. 07/17/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23071706&SID=1732&on=1 Freescale’s DSP competes for leadership in voice, video, and data processing in applications requiring very high performance. 07/17/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23071706&SID=1731&on=1 The Embedded Microprocessor Benchmark Consortium (EEMBC) has released its first standard for measuring power consumption while benchmarking throughput performance. 06/26/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23062606&SID=1729&on=1 AMD has announced a host of new development efforts aimed at enhancing its product lineup and initiatives aimed at increasing its competitiveness with Intel. 06/26/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23062606&SID=1728&on=1 China needs millions of affordable PCs for homes and schools, but Wintel systems are too expensive. Which CPU architecture is the best alternative? 06/26/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23062606&SID=1727&on=1 AMD sells Alchemy to Raza…MPR covers microprocessors in China…and a new blog for game developers has the attention of prominent IBM engineers. 06/19/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23061906&SID=1726&on=1 In this guest viewpoint article, an engineer turned venture capitalist argues that analog or mixed-signal chips are the best bets for ambitious semiconductor startups. 06/12/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23061206&SID=1725 LSI Logic has introduced a suite of intellectual property (IP) and design services for consumer-electronics SoCs. The goal: create turnkey SoCs for OEMs. 06/5/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23060506&SID=1721 In May, AMD completely revamped its entire PC-processor lineup to include integrated DDR2 memory controllers, new packages, new low-power desktop PC processors, and dual-core mobile PC processors. 06/5/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23060506&SID=1720 Not slowing down after introducing the first $1 ARM-based microcontroller, Luminary Micro adds four more MCUs to its rapidly growing portfolio. 05/30/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23053006&SID=1719 Tensilica has accumulated ten patents on configurable-processor technology, cementing the company’s solid foundation in this important field. 05/30/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23053006&SID=1718 Here’s a brief recap of Spring Processor Forum and news of staff changes at MPR. 05/22/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23052206&SID=1717 Tensilica is previewing an instruction-exploration tool that helps optimize configurable processors for performance and power. 05/16/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23051606&SID=1716 ARM’s new Cortex-R4 is the first member of the Cortex-R family announced in 2004. It’s a power-efficient processor core for deeply embedded control applications. 05/8/2006 Processor Watch IBM’s SecureBlue technology can integrate cryptography acceleration, data authentication, and intrusion detection in an SoC. IBM’s SecureBlue technology can integrate cryptography acceleration, data authentication, and intrusion detection in an SoC.. 05/1/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23050106&SID=1714&on=1&SourceID=00000377000000000000 Freescale Semiconductor’s new microcontroller strategy makes sense, but the competition from other ARM-licensed MCU vendors will be fierce. 04/24/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23042406&SID=1713&on=1&SourceID=00000377000000000000 TI announces the ARM Cortex-A8 plus C64x OMAP3 with more features, higher performance, and lower power consumption. 04/24/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23042406&SID=1712&on=1&SourceID=00000377000000000000 Here’s a preview of all the presentations, keynote addresses, seminars, and other events at Spring Processor Forum 2006. 04/24/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23042406&SID=1711&on=1&SourceID=00000377000000000000 In-Stat and Microprocessor Report recently hosted the first-ever Microprocessor Forum in mainland China. 04/17/2006 Processor Watch hhttp://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23041706&SID=1710&on=1&SourceID=00000377000000000000 Intel and AMD have pursued very different strategies for interfacing their PC processors to the rest of the system. Here’s an analysis of Intel’s strategy. 04/10/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23041006&SID=1708&on=1&SourceID=00000377000000000000 Planet82 introduces a 1,000x to 2,000x hypersensitive imager employing CMOS technology. 04/03/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23040306&SID=1703&on=1&SourceID=00000377000000000000 Intel’s new product roadmaps calls for an aggressive transition to the Core microarchitecture for all mobile PC, desktop PC, and volume server dual- and quad-core processors within the next 12 months. 04/03/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23040306&SID=1702&on=1&SourceID=00000377000000000000 4/03 Teja Technologies pursues a new strategy with development tools and intellectual property for implementing packet processors in FPGAs. 03/27/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23032706&SID=1701&on=1&SourceID=00000377000000000000 At Spring IDF, the Intel Core microarchitecture debuted; it is a very significant challenge to AMD’s Hammer microarchitecture on both power and performance. 03/27/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23032706&SID=1700&on=1&SourceID=00000377000000000000 3/27 Intel pulls a surprise at IDF by having an undisputedly superior processor (for a change). AMD must now do some serious homework. 03/20/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23032006&SID=1696&on=1&SourceID=00000377000000000000 Tensilica has introduced six preconfigured versions of its Xtensa 6 and Xtensa LX configurable-processor cores. 03/27/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23032706&SID=1701&on=1&SourceID=00000377000000000000 At Spring IDF, the Intel Core microarchitecture debuted; it is a very significant challenge to AMD’s Hammer microarchitecture on both power and performance. 03/27/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23032706&SID=1700&on=1&SourceID=00000377000000000000 Intel pulls a surprise at IDF by having an undisputedly superior processor (for a change). AMD must now do some serious homework. 03/13/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23031306&SID=1695&on=1&SourceID=00000377000000000000 One year after its public introduction, the Cell Broadband Engine is beginning to show massive performance employing its multiple Synergistic Processing Elements. 03/13/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23031306&SID=1694&on=1&SourceID=00000377000000000000 Computer system architecture calls to mind concepts of times long past. But what a difference in performance! 03/6/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23030606&SID=1689&on=1&SourceID=00000377000000000000 Freescale Semiconductor joins IBM and 40 other companies in Power.org, an industry alliance that guides the future of the Power Architecture. 02/27/2006 Processor Watch http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23022706&SID=1688&on=1&SourceID=00000377000000000000 MIPS Technologies is shipping the world’s first licensable embedded-processor core with simultaneous multithreading. 1