TMCnet News
MIPS Technologies releases MIPS architectureDec 19, 2012 (Datamonitor via COMTEX) -- MIPS Technologies, Inc., a provider of processor architectures and cores for home entertainment, networking, mobile and embedded applications, has released the MIPS architecture, encompassing the MIPS32, MIPS64 and microMIPS instruction set architectures. Release 5, or R5, of the MIPS base architecture incorporates important functionality including virtualization and SIMD (Single Instruction Multiple Data) modules. According to the company, MIPS SIMD architecture (MSA) module provides more computational capability for a wide range of applications. Scalable Virtualization (VZ) module provides secure hardware virtualization across applications from tiny microcontrollers to high-end enterprise. Enhanced Virtual Addressing (EVA) technology extends available memory space for large modern workloads. Popular multi-threading and DSP extensions are now integrated as modules within the base MIPS architecture MIPS SIMD Architecture (MSA) Module. The MIPS SIMD architecture (MSA) module allows parallel processing of vector operations. For consumer electronics such as mobile and home entertainment devices, SIMD provides support for media-rich applications including communications, audio, video, image and graphics processing. For enterprise applications, SIMD provides higher throughput data movement, especially important for scientific/high-performance computing and data mining. The MSA module provides a future-proof and extensible option for these applications, the company added. The MSA module will add new instructions to the MIPS architecture, implemented with strict adherence to RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) design principles. From the beginning, MIPS architects designed the MSA with simple instructions that lead to less complex implementations. These simple instructions are also easy to support within high-level languages such as C or OpenCL. This enables fast and simple development of new code, as well as leverage of existing code. The MIPS Virtualization (VZ) module is a scalable option that provides capabilities, including enhanced security features and support for multiple operating systems. Across the home entertainment and mobile markets, hardware virtualization enables security and content protection, especially important as consumers increasingly use these devices for HD media streaming, cloud storage, secure ID protection, mobile payments and other highly secure applications. The MIPS VZ module is a hardware-based solution that satisfies these varied requirements with limited or no performance impact, the company added. In addition to the MSA and VZ modules, Enhanced Virtual Addressing (EVA) was recently added to the MIPS architecture. EVA allows for flexible definition of virtual address space, extending available memory for large workloads. This feature is already supported in MIPS' new proAptiv and interAptiv core families. R5 of the MIPS architecture also incorporates select functions such as multi-threading and DSP, that were previously Application Specific Extensions (ASEs). The ecosystem around the MIPS architecture includes range of development tools, operating systems, applications, middleware, device drivers and more. MIPS and its licensees are working with ecosystem providers to support the capabilities in R5. Gideon Intrater, vice president of Marketing, MIPS Technologies, Inc., said: "MIPS R5 is a major release of the MIPS architecture. We're incorporating important capabilities that will be key to many of our customers' future generations of home entertainment, mobile, networking and embedded products. With this enhanced functionality, our licensees can also take advantage of the performance and efficiency benefits of MIPS in new applications and markets." http://www.datamonitor.com Republication or redistribution, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without prior written consent. Datamonitor shall not be liable for errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon |