*****For immediate use February 6th, 2001
NEC Launches Powerful New 64-bit RISC Processor with Power Ratio of 1545 MIPS per Watt, Aimed at Network Appliances and Portable Applications
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TOKYO February 6th, 2001 - Showcasing an innovative new 64-bit RISC architecture, NEC Corporation (NEC) today will introduce the newest member of its VR Series( product line, the VR4131TM microprocessor at Microsoft's Windows® Embedded Developers' Conference. Aimed at network appliances, storage systems, and portable applications and delivering 1545 MIPS per watt, one of the highest performance/lowest power ratios, the new 200 MHz 64-bit MIPS® RISC processor will enable NEC to target emerging application areas such as wireless LANs, network interface cards (NICs), server farms and Internet appliances, as well as traditional portable applications such as PocketPCs and cell phones.
Power consumption has become the most important issue for designers choosing microprocessors for network appliances and portable applications in recent years. The new VR4131 microprocessor is aimed at meeting this need by delivering one of the lowest-power solutions currently available, with 50 percent less power consumption than competing solutions. Additionally, the VR4131's super-scalar pipeline delivers high performance, opening up new application areas for NEC's products, such as multi-module NICs and server farms where high performance and low power are critical.
Developed using NEC's 0.13-micron process, the new VR4131 leverages NEC's dual-issue superscalar architecture and delivers 340 Dhrystone MIPS at 200 MHz. This level of performance, combined with the processor's ultra-low 220 mW power consumption at 200 MHz with a 1.5-volt power supply, makes the VR4131 ideal for emerging multi-CPU applications, as well as portable applications. The new device also features a new power-saving mode, "eXsuspend," providing customers with an unprecedented four levels of standby operation.
Super-scalar Architecture Enables Unprecedented Performance
Key to the high performance of NEC's new VR4131 product is
the dual-issue super-scalar architecture, which includes two symmetrical
pipeline control and execution units capable of executing two integer
instructions. The architecture maximizes the instruction issue rate and
is capable of executing an average of 1.4 times faster than single pipeline
architectures. The processor includes two-way set associative 16 KB on-chip
instruction and 16 KB data cache memory. The VR4131 also incorporates
a 100 MHz SDRAM controller and PCI interface to increase performance.
New eXsuspend Mode Provides Instant-On Capability
The new processor features the three traditional power-saving modes offered
in RISC processors today, including standby, suspend and hibernate, allowing
the processor to minimize not only full-speed power, but also idle mode
current, thereby reducing battery consumption. In addition, the VR4131
offers the eXsuspend mode, a new mode that stops the PLL to dramatically
reduce power consumption while meeting the "instant on" requirement
of portable devices by waking up in less than 40 microseconds. This new
mode is key for portable applications such as PocketPCs and Web phones
where frequent on/off capabilities are required to minimize drain on the
battery.
"As the number of Windows CE 3.0-based devices continues to grow, it is important that processors keep up with the demand for performance while maintaining their low-power operation," said Keith White, director of marketing for the Embedded and Appliance Platforms Group at Microsoft Corp. "With the introduction of the VR4131, NEC has demonstrated its understanding of the processor requirements for handheld devices and is delivering a product that will power a wide range of Windows CE-based devices that enable new networking and multimedia applications."
The VR4131 offers enhanced peripheral functions, including an SDRAM access speed of 100 MHz and a PCI bus interface. The processor enables wireless applications with a high-speed serial interface and also includes SDRAM, ROM, and flash memory interfaces as well as a general-purpose I/O (GPIO).
The VR4131 is pin-compatible with NEC's VR4122TM microprocessor, enabling existing customers who move to the new device to cut system development time and decrease time to market. Like the VR4122, the VR4131 can be combined with the VRC4173TM companion chip to extend the capabilities of the processor.
The VRC4173 integrates a USB host controller (two channels), PC CardTM controller (two channels), PS/2 interface (two channels), AC97 audio interface, keyboard and touch panel controls, A/D and D/A controllers, and 21 general-purpose I/O pins on a single chip. Combining the VR4131 processor and the VRC4173 controller, along with memory and other standard devices, enables easy configuration of a high-performance system.
Volume production of the VR4131 is scheduled for Q3 2001
About NEC's VR Series Microprocessors
NEC's VR SeriesTM 64-bit MIPS
RISC microprocessors provide comprehensive solutions for embedded system
designers. Developed around the MIPS RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer)
architecture, all of the VR Series microprocessors are backward
code-compatible and highly scaleable. Furthermore, NEC is committed to
providing complete design environment support for its VR Series
microprocessors by offering a wide range of companion chipsets, development
platforms and a comprehensive set of development tools. More information
on NEC's semiconductor products can be found at: http://www.ic.nec.co.jp/index_e.html
About NEC Corporation
NEC Corporation (NASDAQ: NIPNY) (FTSE: 6701q.l) (TSE: 6701) is a leading
provider of Internet solutions, dedicated to meeting the specialized needs
of its customers in the key computer, network and electron device fields
through its three market-focused in-house companies: NEC Solutions, NEC
Networks and NEC Electron Devices. NEC Corporation, with its in-house
companies, employs more than 150,000 people worldwide and saw net sales
of 4,991 billion Yen (approx. US$48 billion) in fiscal year 1999-2000.
For further information, please visit the NEC home page at: http://www.nec-global.com
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NEC is either a registered trademark or trademark of NEC Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. VR Series is a trademark of NEC Corporation. All other registered trademarks or trademarks are property of their respective owners.
Media Contact:
Aston Bridgman
NEC Corporation
TEL :+81-3-3798-6511
FAX :+81-3-3457-7249
E-mail:a-bridgman@ak.jp.nec.com
