cprice@mips.COM (Charlie Price) (02/02/91)
* * * Commercial Announcement Alert * * * If you don't want to read a press release, now would be a good time to skip the remainder of this article. MIPS Computer Systems made the following announcement about processor *technolgy* (NOT product). People have already asked for more details. Sorry, but we can't tell you more details now. This is what the company has to say about the R4000. For Immediate Release For information contact: Carleen LeVasseur MIPS Computer Systems, Inc. (408) 524-7169 Joanne Hasegawa 408) 524-7164 MIPS Unveils First 64-bit RISC Microprocessor Single-chip architecture delivers performance needed for broad range of applications in the '90s Sunnyvale, Calif. -- Feb. 1, 1991 -- MIPS Computer Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: MIPS) today released information about its next-generation microprocessor, the R4000(TM), which will be the industryUs first full 64-bit implementation. The single-chip R4000 is designed to simplify the transition from 32-bits to 64-bits for users, systems builders and software developers. MIPS expects the R4000 to be available later this year through its five CMOS semiconductor partners worldwide. The highly integrated R4000 offers system and software designers the performance necessary for a wide range of applications, while maintaining full software compatibility with previous generations of MIPS(R) microprocessors. In addition, the R4000 delivers its overall high performance using superpipelining, a technique that speeds processing by allowing the computer to issue two instructions during each clock cycle. The single-chip R4000 includes a 64-bit integer processing unit, a 64-bit floating-point processing unit, an 8-kilobyte instruction cache, an 8-kilobyte data cache, primary and secondary cache control, a memory management unit, and full multiprocessing capabilities. The integer unit performs the simple arithmetic and logical operations that are the backbone of all computing, both technical and commercial. The floating-point unit handles the rapid arithmetic calculations required for scientific, engineering and graphics applications, as well as such business applications as financial forecasting. ROur goal is to make MIPS' RISC technology pervasive worldwide and R4000-based systems the platforms-of-choice for a wide range of commercial and technical applications in this decade," said Robert C. Miller, chief executive officer of MIPS. "The versatility and performance of the R4000 will accelerate the move of RISC into mainstream computing. The seamless transition from 32- to 64-bit address space will attract more users as they recognize that this feature is a prerequisite for computing in the '90s." 64-Bit Architecture The R4000 can process data in 64-bit words, in contrast to other microprocessors, which process data in 32-bit or smaller words. In addition to 64 bit addresses, the R4000 processes 64-bit data in both the floating point and integer units, as well as in the data paths, or buses. The key benefit of 64-bit processing is to simplify a computer's ability to address large amounts of information--a feature that will greatly simplify software programming and development of increasingly complex applications. Among the applications that will need 64-bit computing are large database systems requiring large amounts of memory and technical systems that use graphics. R4000-based systems will also run existing 32-bit application software without modification. Superpipelining Enhances Performance The R4000 architecture uses a technique known as superpipelining. Most RISC chips issue one instruction for every tick of the system clock. The R4000 issues two instructions per cycle. Superpipelining overlaps the execution of multiple instructions, so that while the first step of an instruction is performed, the second step of the previous instruction is also executed. Both the integer and floating point units are superpipelined. Superpipelining requires less circuitry than other multiple-instruction issue techniques, so it leaves room on the chip for other functions. Further, it provides greater integer processing than most other techniques, whose benefits are confined mainly to floating-point operations. Superpipelining, therefore, is particularly important in commercial applications, where balanced integer and floating-point performance are desirable. Flexibility for Pervasiveness The R4000 was designed to address a broad range of applications and it will be available in several price and performance versions. For example, the highly integrated R4000 will power desktop systems at a cost equal to todayUs PCs, but with performance exceeding todayUs workstations. Very high-performance versions of the R4000 will allow computer manufacturers to build high-performance servers that will dramatically outperform todayUs systems. The R4000 also includes special circuitry that forms the foundation from which computer designers can easily build multiprocessing systems of numerous configurations. Since standards in multiprocessor systems are still evolving, this flexibility is very important for systems designers and unique among microprocessors. Pin-compatible R4000 microprocessors will be available from MIPS' five CMOS semiconductor partners--Integrated Device Technology, LSI Logic, NEC, Performance Semiconductor, and Siemens. MIPS Computer Systems, Inc. is a leading supplier of RISC technology for the computer system and embedded control markets. The company licenses its RISC architecture to its semiconductor and system partners worldwide. MIPS also manufactures and markets a family of high-performance computer systems that range from desktop workstations to deskside and data center servers to OEMs, VARs and system integrators worldwide. # MIPS is a registered trademark and R4000 is a trademark of MIPS Computer Systems, Inc. -- Charlie Price cprice@mips.mips.com (408) 720-1700 MIPS Computer Systems / 928 Arques Ave. / Sunnyvale, CA 94086-23650