NEC Licenses MIPS32 4K^TM family Microprocessor Cores from MIPS Technologies, for Accelerated Network Controller Product Lineup

NEC and MIPS Technologies already have an extensive technology licensing agreement for 64-bit processor technology that holds a leading market position. The new agreement extends this to 32-bit processor technology and will specifically provide NEC with three microprocessor cores: the MIPS32 4Kc^TM/4Kp^TM/4Km^TM*2. The synthesizable processor cores feature complete compatibility with the MIPS32^TM architecture and provide a flexible building block for system LSI design, together with a high level of system integration, low cost and low power dissipation.

The 4Kc features both an onboard multiply and accumulate (MAC) unit and memory management unit to provide a compact yet high performance design. The 4Km is ideal for applications demanding high MAC performance, while the 4Kp offers the onboard performance level to meet minimum system cost requirements. The processor cores will initially be for use in network controller applications, where NEC is planning to develop and market products based on this core technology licensing agreement.

High-speed access to the Internet is being increasingly provided by digital subscriber line (DSL) services, bringing increasing focus to how value can be added to terminal technology. In addition to high-speed Internet access, DSL is also being looked at for distribution of voice and video content in an extension of services. In the North American small office/home office (SOHO) market, simultaneous use of voice and Internet services through voice over DSL (VoDSL) has also been initiated and this is expected to be extended into the consumer market also.

With these potential opportunities, NEC currently employs the MIPS64^TM architecture in such products as its uPD98453 that incorporates a VR4120 processor core, 10/100Mbps Ethernet, PCI and USB support, while the uPD98501 offers on-board dual-port 10/100Mbps Ethernet, and USB support together with AAL2 functionality for VoDSL.

Thanks to the technology licensing agreement with MIPS Technologies, NEC will be able to integrate these processor cores with its network controller design technology to accelerate its product roll-out of a range of high performance, low cost controllers supporting various network protocols, as well as VoIP (voice over Internet protocol) and VoDSL. These MIPS-based^TM MIPS32 architecture devices will expand NEC's line-up and enable the partners to meet specific customer needs.

• About NEC Corporation
• About MIPS Technologies, Inc.
• Outline of the MIPS32 4Kc/4Kp/4Km

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Notes:

*1:	NEC is either a trademark or a registered trademark of NEC Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
*2:	MIPS32, 4K, 4Kp, 4Km, 4Kc, and MIPS-based are trademarks of MIPS Technology Incorporated.

Media Contacts:

NEC Corporation Aston Bridgman Corporate Communications Division TEL: +81-(0)3-3798-6511 E-mail:Aston_Bridgman@HO-PRD.ccgw.nec.co.jp

MIPS Technologies, Inc. Constance Sweeney TEL: +1-650-567-5059 Fax: +1-650-567-5158 E-mail:cks@mips.com