Highly Integrated PowerPC Solicits Networking Applications

Targeting WLAN access points, DSL routers, cable modems, and other networking applications, the PowerPC 405EP, employs the company's ASIC technology to combine a PowerPC 405 processor core and other functions into a single system-on-chip. The device supports CPU speeds of 133, 200 and 266 MHz and consumes 1W at 200 MHz. The device also integrates dual 10/100 Ethernet connectivity as part of the base chip design. According to the company, this feature allows designers of 802.11a/b wireless access points to avoid the costs associated with external Ethernet connections. Based on the company's 0.18 µm, SA-27e copper process technology, the chip also integrates a PCI interface, SDRAM controller, and a 64-bit CoreConnect bus. The PowerPC 405EP 133MHz processor is priced at $17 each/10,000. IBM MICROELECTRONICS, East Fishkill, NY. (800) 426-4968.