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The PowerPC 401GF's low price of $13 for quantities of 10,000 makes it ideal for network-centric computing applications such as Internet terminals and set-top boxes. Other applications include: mobile communicators, portable global positioning satellite (GPS) systems, modems and digital cameras.
The PowerPC 401GF is the lowest-priced PowerPC, and is fully compatible with IBM's PowerPC microprocessors, providing product makers with one "technology architecture" that spans from low-cost embedded controllers to powerful RISC microprocessors. (Embedded controllers, or microcontrollers, are specialized microprocessors that control specific functions in electronic devices ranging from video game players to laser printers.)
"The scalable architecture, excellent price performance and low power of the PowerPC embedded technology make it the ideal architecture for our network hardware solutions," said Nicholas Donofrio, IBM senior vice president and group executive. "You'll see it used throughout IBM in consumer network appliances, communications products, adapters, and input/output controllers."
Customer support
In addition to IBM, several companies have selected IBM PowerPC embedded controller products because of their scalable performance and advanced features. These include U.S. Robotics, of Skokie, Ill.; and Apple Computer, of Cupertino, Calif.
"U.S. Robotics chose IBM's PowerPC family because it has allowed us to make one investment in tools, training, and code development that can be applied across a wide array of products with varying requirements," said Todd Landry, product line manager in U.S. Robotics' Network Systems Division for Enterprise Access Systems Products.
"The Apple Image Capture Platform is about providing an environment to build new and innovative image capture solutions that make sharing images easy and simple for any user," said Dan Torres, product line manager for the Apple Image Capture Group. "Our architecture is built upon the idea that new solutions must be scalable, cost competitive, and provide good user value. So, we are pleased with the choices IBM has made in the 400 Series and are excited that they are well matched with our software architecture to build these next generation solutions."
The 401GF is supported by the IBM PowerPC Embedded Tools Program that includes more than 40 third-party vendors, which provide a wide variety of products including emulators, logic analyzers, evaluation boards, real-time operating systems, compilers and debuggers. Several companies have announced their support for the PowerPC 400 Series tools program, including: Integrated Systems Inc., of Santa Clara, Calif.; Microware Systems Corp., of Des Moines, Iowa; and Wind River Systems Inc. of Alameda, Calif.
Availability
IBM plans to offer the PowerPC 401GF in 25 MHz, 50 MHz, 75 MHz and 100 MHz versions. Samples of the 25 MHz, 50 MHz and 75 MHz versions are scheduled for availability in the third quarter. Samples of the 100 MHz version are scheduled for availability in early 1997.
Additional technical details
The PowerPC 401GF is also the first embedded controller based on IBM's new PowerPC 401 core architecture. The 401 core is modular in design, which simplifies changes in configuration to meet specific customer requirements. This, coupled with IBM's library of system peripherals, enables customers to develop custom PowerPC solutions to achieve the lowest possible cost. The PowerPC 401GF offers customers a cost-effective, stand-alone solution for initial product development and early production with the ability to migrate later to custom solution using the 401 core.
The 401GF is currently planned to be available in 25MHz (2.5 volts) and in 50Mhz, 75MHz, and 100MHz versions (3.3 volts). The 401GF delivers 1.05 MIPS/MHz performance and the 2.5V/25MHz version, consuming a scant 40mW (typ.), sets a new standard for 32-bit embedded controllers. All versions are supported by 2K instruction and 1K data caches, a real mode MMU, integrated timers, JTAG port, and are packaged in a 80-pin Thin Quad Flat Pack (TQFP).
In addition, IBM offers a complete development tools environment, which includes the High C/C++ Compiler, the RISCWatch debugger, OS Open real-time operating system, and complete hardware evaluation kits.