The R4400/200 is optimized for performance of real software applications rather than synthetic benchmarks. With an initial measured SPECint92 of 117 and a SPECfp92 of 131, the R4400/200 is designed for the increasingly demanding computing needs of both servers and desktops in the UNIX(r) and Windows NT operating system markets. The R4400/200 processor is based on the original 64-bit R4000 processor, first introduced in 1991. The 200 MHz R4400 processor represents the fourth upgrade to the product since its introduction. To date, the fastest MIPS chip has been the current 150 MHz R4400 microprocessor, which has been available since May 1993.
"MIPS is firmly committed to accelerating the pace of microprocessor technology and, with our world-class semiconductor partners, delivering the highest applications performance on the planet," said Tom Whiteside, president of MIPS Technologies. "MIPS not only concentrates on very fast architectural implementations but also in the technology to best deliver solutions for current industry needs, as well as those of the next generation of computing. Some of these core MIPS technologies include high bandwidth for real-time information analysis, symmetric multiprocessing for the highest scalable performance in transaction or query processing, and true digital data capabilities to enable effective use of voice, sound, speech, video and graphics."In addition to the 200 MHz R4400 microprocessor, MIPS expects to announce its next generation processor, code named T5, later in 1994. MIPS also expects to announce availability of its processor specialized for supercomputing and high-performance image processing, code-named TFP, later this summer. T5 represents the next step for MIPS in peak general computing performance, while TFP represents the MIPS peak for supercomputing. In keeping with other MIPS processors, T5 will maintain complete binary compatibility with software for R4xxx processors, while providing a substantial leap in performance. MIPS customers already have received complete specifications on T5, and were involved early in its design. Other MIPS processors such as Orion(tm), or the R4600(tm) microprocessor, should continue to aggressively increase in performance. Orion is designed for dramatic uniprocessor midrange power with outstanding price/performance.
Like the current 150 MHz processor, R4400/200 is a true 64-bit superpipelined RISC microprocessor with 32 Kb primary cache (16 Kb for instructions and 16Kb for data) and support for secondary cache of up to 4 megabytes. It is designed for demanding symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) performance with support for the three major types of SMP: snoopy bus, duplicate tag and directory-based. The R4400/200 has a die size of 184 square millimeters with 2.3 million transistors.
The sampling price of the R4400/200 will be set individually by IDT, NEC and Toshiba. First samples have already been shipped, and general sampling begins in June 1994.
"By reaching the 200 megahertz speed level, we are able to demonstrate our performance leadership," said Larry Jordan, IDT's vice president of marketing. "We believe the superiority of the MIPS architecture allows this level of performance for the R4400 and will also allow achievement of this milestone for the Orion R4600 within 12 months."
Integrated Device Technology, Inc. designs, manufactures and markets high-speed CMOS VLSI integrated circuits with sub-half micron feature sizes. The company's product lines are synergistic and are targeted at providing products that support the accelerating rate of change in the power of microprocessors. The company focuses its efforts on four product areas (logic, microprocessor, specialized memory and SRAM cache) that serve the desktop computer, supercomputer, data communications and office automation markets. Head-quartered in Santa Clara, Calif., IDT employs approximately 2,615 people worldwide.
"NEC's commitment to supply leading-edge products continues with our introduction of the 200 MHz VR4400. Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities worldwide enable us to easily produce volume quantities of MIPS processors at highly competitive prices," said Basheer Ahmed, product marketing manager for VR-Series products at NEC Electronics Inc. "This manufacturing strength also allows us to supply total system solutions with supporting chip sets, reference designs and multi-chip modules that take full advantage of the MIPS RISC technology. Future products will further demonstrate our continuing support for this high-performance architecture."NEC Corporation (NIPNY) is a $31 billion international manufacturer of computer, communications and semiconductor products. NEC Electronics Inc., headquartered in Mountain View, Calif., is an affiliate of NEC Corporation. The company manufactures and markets an extensive line of electronic products including ASICs, microprocessors and microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), memories and components. The company operates a 676,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Roseville, Calif.
"This newest device demonstrates Toshiba's continuing commitment to MIPS RISC architecture," said Amar Dhillon, director, system products. "We are very pleased that Toshiba's advanced 0.3 micron CMOS process technology gives us an edge in delivering CPU solutions that continue to push the performance envelope."
Toshiba America Electronics Components, Inc. (TAEC) is the American manufacturing, sales and marketing arm of one of the world's largest suppliers of semiconductors, integrated circuits and electronic components for industrial and consumer applications. The company is the recognized leader in CMOS technology and has one of the broadest IC product lines in the industry. In addition, Toshiba is a leading manufacturer of technologically advanced electron tubes and solid state devices, including color picture tubes, liquid crystal displays, medical tubes, lithium ion batteries, microwave components, laser diodes and optical transmission devices. The company is located at 9775 Toledo Way, Irvine, Calif., 92718.
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MIPS and R4000 are registered trademarks, and R4400 and R4600 are trademarks of MIPS Technologies, Inc.
Orion is a trademark of Integrated Device Technology, Inc. Microsoft is a registered trademark and Windows NT is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Pentium is a trademark of Intel Corporation.
UNIX is a registered trademark of UNIX System Laboratories.
