MIPS Technologies Licenses 32-Bit Architecture to Fulcrum Microsystems for Development of Industry's First High-Performance Clockless Processor
Caltech Spin-Out Leveraging Its Unique Design Methodology To Deliver Communications ICs Using Asynchronous Implementation of MIPS32(TM) Architecture
SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 30, 2002--
MIPS Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:MIPS - news; Nasdaq:MIPSB - news), a leading
provider of industry-standard processor architectures and cores for
digital consumer and business applications, announced today that it
has licensed its 32-bit MIPS® instruction-set architecture (ISA) to
Fulcrum Microsystems, Inc. to develop chips for high-speed wire line
communications applications.
Fulcrum Microsystems, a pioneer in asynchronous circuit design
(clockless chips), is a fabless semiconductor company that is
leveraging its patented Delay-Insensitive design methodology to
develop clockless system-on-chip (SOC) solutions that offer
significant advantages in power, performance and time to market over
those designed using traditional synchronous VLSI design methods. The
company expects to deliver its first products in the first half of
2003.
"Our decision to implement a clockless MIPS-based processor is a
testament to the strength and versatility of the MIPS architecture,"
said Bob Nunn, CEO of Fulcrum Microsystems. "The extensive ecosystem
that has flourished in support of the industry-standard MIPS
architecture will benefit Fulcrum and our customers by simplifying
their adoption and integration of our products."
"We welcome Fulcrum Microsystems as one of the newest members of
our community," said John Bourgoin, chairman and CEO of MIPS
Technologies. "Fulcrum's clockless design methodology has the
potential to greatly advance large-scale chip design, particularly in
the areas of performance, power consumption, and time to market.
Leveraging its technology, Fulcrum can bring the flexibility and
programmability of high-performance microprocessors to applications
where, previously, only rigid custom solutions would suffice. We're
pleased that the performance and low-power attributes of the MIPS
architecture have helped Fulcrum bring this innovative technology to
market."
About Fulcrum Microsystems
Fulcrum Microsystems is a fabless semiconductor company that is
pioneering a new VLSI design style to deliver devices of unparalleled
performance for wire-line communications equipment. The company's
patented Delay-Insensitive design methodology renders clockless
System-On-Chip solutions that offer significant advantages in power,
performance, and time to market over systems designed in traditional
synchronous VLSI design methodologies. Founded in January 2000, the
privately held company is funded by three leading venture capital
firms, Infinity Capital, New Enterprise Associates, and Worldview
Technology Partners. For more information about Fulcrum Microsystems
and its product plans, please call 818/871-8100 or visit
http://www.fulcrummicro.com.
About MIPS Technologies
MIPS Technologies, Inc. is a leading provider of industry-standard
processor architectures and cores for digital consumer and business
applications. The company drives the broadest architectural alliance
that is delivering 32- and 64-bit embedded RISC solutions. The company
licenses its intellectual property to semiconductor companies, ASIC
developers and system OEMs. MIPS Technologies and its licensees offer
the widest range of robust, scalable processors in standard, custom,
semi-custom and application-specific products. The company is based in
Mountain View, Calif., and can be reached at 650/567-5000 or
www.mips.com.
Note to Editors: MIPS® is a registered trademark in the United
States and other countries, and MIPS32(TM)and MIPS-based(TM) are
trademarks of MIPS Technologies, Inc. Fulcrum and Fulcrum Microsystems
are trademarks of Fulcrum Microsystems, Inc. All other trademarks
referred to herein are the property of their respective owners.
Contact:
MIPS Technologies, Inc.
Lee Garvin Flanagin, 650/567-5180
flanagin@mips.com
or
Fulcrum Microsystems, Inc.
Mike Zeile, 818/871-8164
mzeile@fulcrummicro.com
