NEWS BRIEFS
Austin, TX — In a move to demonstrate its strong long-term commitment to the PowerPC architecture as a strategic solution addressing multiple markets, Motorola revealed its PowerPC Microprocessor Strategy Roadmap. Details included information on the future direction for development of microprocessors, integrated devices, innovative design methodologies and manufacturing processes, as well as an aggressive strategy for rapid reuse of these technologies. The new products, all to be created at Motorola design centers worldwide, expand the PowerPC portfolio providing solutions for the networking, telecommunications, computing, transportation and other high-end embedded markets. The announcement was made during the keynote address at the company’s Horizons ’99 event, where several customers demonstrated new products based on the recently announced MPC7400 PowerPC microprocessor.
“The high-performance embedded space craves raw MIPS processing and sophisticated integration for its products,” said Daniel Artusi, Motorola vice president and general manager of the Networking and Computing Systems Group. “The large and influential base of customers using PowerPC-based designs must be able to create flagship products and move them into the market rapidly. We’ve dedicated enormous resources in research and design to ensure that our PowerPC-based microprocessors continuously deliver best-in-class customer solutions for all of our target markets.”
As illustrated by Motorola’s PowerPC Strategy Roadmap, the PowerPC core design facilitates ease of reuse for integrated devices or semi-custom applications. System level reuse of intellectual property results in faster time-to-market. In 1998, Motorola captured 36% of the 32-bit embedded processor market and the PowerPC architecture was rated the #1 choice for new 32-bit embedded applications. Coupled with state-of-the-art design methodology, the PowerPC technology reuse strategy will further strengthen Motorola’s already dominant market position.
“The PowerPC roadmap underscores a renewed vigor by Motorola to advance the PowerPC family,” said market watcher Will Strauss, president of Forward Concepts (Tempe, AZ). “Applying the most advanced 0.15-micron copper HiPerMOS process to the product family indicates Motorola’s substantial investment in advancing the PowerPC technology.”
Today TeraGLOBAL Communications Corporation, CSP Inc. and DY 4 Systems Inc. announced products based on Motorola’s MPC7400 PowerPC microprocessor with AltiVec technology. These products join other MPC7400-based solutions recently introduced by Mercury Computer Systems, Inc. and SKY Computers, Inc. The MPC7400 processor with AltiVec technology also powers all of Apple’s newest and most powerful desktop computers, the Power Mac G4 series.
As the world’s #1 producer of embedded processors, Motorola’s Semiconductor Products Sector offers multiple DigitalDNA solutions which enable customers to create new business opportunities in the consumer, networking and computing, transportation, and wireless communications markets. Motorola’s worldwide semiconductor sales were $7.3 billion (USD) in 1998.
For more information visit http://www.motorola.com/sps
============================================================