MIPS Processor Readied For Residential Gateway Market

The VR4133 64-bit, MIPS-based microprocessor takes aim at residential gateway duties with a 266-MHz, dual-issue superscalar CPU core and a myriad of integrated peripherals and networking features. The device's core limits power consumption to just 370 mW at full speed, with the device also boasting of a number of integrated peripherals and networking features, including 33- and 66-MHz PCI interfaces that support 1000 Base or WLAN network connections, dual Ethernet MAC interfaces, and support for a number of security protocol algorithms in hardware. The algorithms include Encapsulating Security Payload (ESP), Data Encryption Standard (DES), triple DES, Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), Authentication Header (AH), and Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA). Other processor features include a 133-MHz SDRAM interface and on-chip software debugging via N-wire debug hardware and N-wire and JTAG interfaces. The VR4133 processor comes in a 240-pin FPBGA package priced at $27.50 each/10,000. A reference board (CMB-VR4133) is also available for $1,950. NEC ELECTRONICS AMERICA INC., Santa Clara, CA. (408) 588-6000.