Alchemy rolls out processor with 66-MHz PCI controller and Internet peripherals

Alchemy rolls out processor with 66-MHz PCI controller and Internet peripherals
By Semiconductor Business News
November 28, 2001 (3:55 p.m. EST)
URL: http://www.eetimes.com/story/OEG20011128S0035

LAS VEGAS--At the Microsoft Windows Embedded Developers Conference today, Alchemy Semiconductor Inc. today launched its second integrated processor for communications and networking applications. The new Au1500 is based on a 32-bit RISC core from MIPS Technologies Inc. It includes PCI interface, on-chip memory controllers, and Internet access peripherals.

Alchemy said the Au1500 offers a scalable range of performance and typical power consumption--from 333 MHz at less than 400 milliwatts of power to 500 MHz at 1.2 watts. In between, the integrated processor can deliver 400 MHz of performance at 700 mW, said the Austin, Tex.-based fabless chip supplier.

The Au1500 employs a 66-MHz PCI 2.2 controller and is optimized for thin-client devices and gateways as well as network-oriented embedded and streaming media applications, said two-year-old Alchemy. Based on the MPIS32 processor core, the Au1500 is capable of running a variety of operating sy stems, including Windows CE, Linux and VxWorks.

"The next generation devices are being designed now, so it's important that we make available the optimum power and performance microprocessor for those design engineers," said Jim Moore, president and CEO of Alchemy.

Samples of the 400-MHz version of the Au1500 processor will be shipped in December. In 10,000-piece quantities, the 333-MHz version costs $39 each, while the 400-MHz processor sells for $43. A development board, called the Pb1500 is priced at $4,000.