MIPS Technologies Inc., one of the leading providers of industry-standard processor architectures and cores for digital consumer, networking, personal entertainment, communications and business applications, has announced its entry into the burgeoning, performance-driven 32-bit microcontroller (MCU) market. With a broad array of processor cores and a comprehensive, diverse library of proven analog IP blocks gained through its recent acquisition of analog IP leader Chipidea, MIPS Technologies has the largest offering of both processor and peripheral IP from a single supplier-providing customers with a total system solution for 32-bit MCU applications.
Tony Massimini, chief of technology, Semico Research, commented: "Unit volumes of 32-bit MCUs are growing rapidly, especially for sophisticated automotive, consumer and industrial applications that require more processing power and larger memory capacities. With increasing demand for more complex encryption and decryption for security applications, more performance for improved automotive safety and engine management, and additional integration and connectivity across all MCU applications, we expect the market will continue to grow. With its industry standard 32-bit architecture, robust development environment and tools, and rich ecosystem, MIPS Technologies is well positioned for this market."
As the industry transitions from 8- and 16-bit to 32-bit microcontrollers, designers require not only increased functionality, but also a wide array of peripherals, including high-performance IP such as USB and audio codecs. Growing demand for analog functions in MCUs represents a significant opportunity for an IP provider with a combined analog/digital offering. With the combination of processor IP and Chipidea analog IP and peripherals, MIPS Technologies can now offer a complete system solution and one-stop-shop for microcontroller designs.
"As an IP supplier to the embedded market, MIPS Technologies participates across the entire market, now addressing the needs of the highest-volume segment," said Jack Browne, Vice President of Marketing, MIPS Technologies. "We are also enabling the fabless model for MCUs by offering a complete solution of digital I/O and cores, analog I/O, debug and development tools and superior ecosystem support for RTOS. New market drivers and MIPS' broad system offering make it a perfect time for us to enter the 32-bit market to help designers meet the requirements of next-generation MCUs."
