SPARCTM
V8 Technology
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Microprocessor
designers can now license and download the SPARCTM microprocessor
architecture from Sun Microsystems. The architectural specification for
the 32-bit SPARC V8 implementation of SPARC is readily available
via the Internet . Designed by Sun, this architectural specification is
based on the widely accepted microSPARC-IIep microprocessor. The microSPARC-IIep
is a low-cost, highly integrated implementation of the SPARC V8 architecture
with a PCI bus interface.
SPARC stands for
Scalable Processor Architecture. The SPARC architecture is implemented
in processors used in a range of devices from digital cameras to supercomputers.
SPARC International member companies have have implemented over a dozen
different compatible microprocessors since SPARC was first introduced -
more than any other microprocessor family with this level of binary compatibility.
As a result, SPARC today boasts over 12,000 compatible software application
programs. Its rich set of features is based on RISC architecture
that will remain competitive well into the next century.
For SPARC certification,
verification, and trademarks information contact
SPARC
International
In the past, companies
developing microprocessors had to make a substantial financial investment
up front before exploring and innovating with an underlying architecture.
The Sun Community Source Licensing (SCSL) model changes all that, for it
enables tool vendors, chip developers, commercial OEMs, universities, and
research organizations to "test drive" the SPARC architecture without paying
any fees during the initial evaluation and development phases. By gaining
easy access to the SPARC processor technology with no initial investment,
it is possible to:
-
Explore and develop
pilot programs for new types of microprocessors.
-
Exploit lower risk
benefits to expand product development programs, which allows for more
innovation.
-
Improve time-to-market
because easy access to licensable intellectual property means shorter development
cycles.
-
Build more competitive,
connected products that take advantage of well known networking technologies
from Sun.
The microSPARC-IIep
technology is currently being used in a variety of embedded systems-on-chip
(SOC) applications such as set-top-box controllers (Oak Technology, Scientific-Atlanta),
video encode/decode engines (C-Cube), and network controllers (T.sqware).
The technology available
for download here refers to the microSPARC IIep implementation of the SPARC
V8 architechture. The microSPARC IIep implementation also includes Intellectual
Property from Synopsys
Inc. (PCI Interface model), Phoenix
Technologies Ltd. (PCI core & PCI Interface model), and Meiko Inc.
(FPU). Cadence Design
Systems, Inc. provided design services for the integration of the microSPARC
IIep technology.
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The
technology disclosed herein may be covered by patents or patents pending.
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