IDT has taken the wraps off a new 64-bit architecture that will be the basis for the company's next line of high performance embedded chips. The RISCore64600 features a new pipeline design that processes two instructions per clock cycle, and 64 kbytes of primary cache. Toshiba's TMPR3927 chip incorporates both SDRAM and PCI controllers on-chip. Both companies expect to see the products used heavily in the rapidly growing networking space.

IDT's core is optimized for applications that generate streams of data that must be processed in real-time, according to Phil Bourekas, vice president of strategic marketing for IDT (Santa Clara, Calif.). The key is a pipeline architecture that allows multiple instructions to be processed every clock cycle. Up to six instructions can be worked on at a time, with an average rate of two instructions/cycle. "This is a very sophisticated pipeline design," Bourekas said. "This core can deliver about 40 percent more performance than a design that processes just one instruction per cycle."

Some 70 percent of IDT microprocessor revenues come from communications, and Bourekas said the high performance of the 64600 core will make it ideal for high-end routers. The MIPS-based design is a co-development project with SandCraft Inc., and the first chips are scheduled to sample in the first half of next year.

Processor pressure

"This is a very powerful design," said Tom Halfhill, embedded processor analyst for MicroDesign Resources (Sunnyvale, Calif.). "However, if they are aiming at the communications space, they are going to face increasing pressure from the network processors."

Toshiba will likely face the same problem. Farshad Zarghami, director of business development, said the chip is the first 32-bit, MIPS-based design that integrates both PCI and SDRAM controllers. Several OEMs are incorporating the chip into networking systems like frame relay devices and low-end switches, Zarghami said. Customers especially like the on-chip PCI block, he said.

"PCI has pretty much taken over the industry as far as we can see, so it's a natural combination," he said. Toshiba is sampling the part now, and will ramp production next quarter, with 10,000-unit pricing of $20 each.

While more and more embedded chips are finding homes in networking systems like routers and switches, analyst Halfhill said network processors will become a strong option in the near future. Several companies, including IBM Corp. and Intel Corp., have announced devices specifically for the networking market.

"The network processor has the advantage of being designed from the ground up just for that space, while even the most powerful embedded chips are still general-purpose designs," said Halfhill.