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MemoryLogix to disclose '586 core' for SoC applications
By Mark LaPedus, Semiconductor Business News
October 16, 2002 (9:53 a.m. EST)
URL: http://www.eetimes.com/story/OEG20021015S0045
SAN JOSE--Startup MemoryLogix Inc. will take the Microprocessor Forum here on Wednesday to unveil the company and disclose the development of what it calls a “586-based microprocessor core†for embedded applications. MemoryLogix is not developing a full-fledged processor, but rather a CISC-based, “586 core†that would compete against embedded RISC chip offerings from ARM Holdings and Mips Technologies, said S. Peter Song, president of the Mountain View, Calif.-based startup. The startup is aiming its so-called “PC-on-a-chip†product for embedded applications, such as handhelds and related products, Song said. “We are targeting system-on-a-chip applications,†he said. “Think of our product as the ARM11, with an x86-based instruction set,†he said in an interview with SBN. Song was referring to the new ARM11 product, which is a RISC-based processor from UK-based ARM Holdings. The advantage of MemoryLogix' “PC-on-a-chip†product over R ISC architectures is that it “takes advantage of the x86-based infrastructure,†he said. He insisted the company has not licensed its x86-based technology from microprocessor giant Intel Corp. Instead, it is building its “586 processor core†from the ground up, but he did not elaborate on the instruction set or other details. The startup is currently developing its “586-based core,†with plans to ship the product in late-2003. The company will present more details about the product at the Microprocessor Forum on Wednesday. In the interview, Song acknowledged that the IC design house has kept a low profile. The two-year-old company was originally known as Elan Research, but recently changed its name to MemoryLogix. The startup has received some venture capital financing, but it currently looking for fresh funds, said Song, who held various management positions at Advanced Micro Devices, IBM, and other companies.