MIPS could possibly join the processor architecture party with Intel and ARM. They have reportedly started manufacturing a new high-performance, three-way microprocessor chip using 28nm-SLP (Super Low Power) process node at GlobalFoundries in Dresden. The MISP devices are apparently very low power for their performance level, operate at 1.5 GHz, and run Android 4.0 ICS. They are targeting tablet computers, so maybe they want to stick to high volume consumer stuff.
And consumer they do have. At CES MIPS talked about all the products around based on MIPS cores. But these were OEMs showing consumer products like Sling Media and TiVo. MIPS-based digital cameras and camcorders come from some leading manufacturers including Kodak, Samsung, Nikon, Kodak, Pentax, Olympus, Sony and Aiptek.
Looking at the MIPS web site, I couldn’t find a chip manufacturer partner listed – totally unlike ARM which has, I don’t know, just about every chip manufacturer in the world using its cores.
It is odd that MIPS doesn’t list any CPU partners because Renesas recently partnered with them, though I’m thinking there are no products yet, and Cavium just announced a new MIPS-based processor. Microchip is using a MIPS core for its 32-bit processor. I guess these things are a secret. Perhaps MIPS wants to stay with high volume customers and not open up to the qty. 25 per year industrial space.
Any comments?
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