Freescale’s Multicore Communications Platform named finalist for prestigious EE Times ACE Awards

Innovative approach to embedded multicore recognized as one of the top microprocessor technologies of 2007

AUSTIN, TEXAS . – The Multicore Communications Platform from Freescale Semiconductor has been selected as a finalist for the EE Times 2008 Annual Creativity in Electronics (ACE) Awards. The technology is one of only eight finalists eligible to win the ACE Ultimate Products of the Year Award in the Processor/Memory category.

The Ultimate Products of the Year Award – recognizing the most significant product introduced in the last 12 months in seven categories – is determined by large-scale peer review. Finalists in each category are chosen by qualified readers of EE Times and eeProductCenter on a quarterly basis via electronic balloting from a list of nominees submitted to readers by expert editors with accompanying editorial reviews. Electronic ballots will be sent to frequent responders to select the winner in each category from the field of finalists.

“Freescale’s Multicore Communications Platform underscores our commitment to transform the world’s networks, keeping every person connected with anyone at anytime, anywhere, on any device,” said Chekib Akrout, vice president and general manager of Freescale’s Networking Systems Division. “This platform presents an innovative and compelling way forward for embedded multicore processing, and we are gratified to know that the industry is taking notice of this significant advancement.”

Freescale’s Multicore Communications Platform is based on an innovative multi-core architecture engineered from the ground up to address the unique challenges and requirements of the embedded space. Built on 45-nm process technology, the platform features CoreNet™ interconnect technology, flexible hardware acceleration and a multi-megabyte shared cache. The platform’s processing power is delivered by a high performance e500 core based on Power Architecture™ technology. The core – called the e500-mc – targets a top frequency of 1.5 GHz and includes abundant L2 back-side cache, as well as support for on-chip CoreNet connectivity.

Leveraging Freescale’s strong heritage of SoC development with Power Architecture technology, the platform is designed to simplify code migration and preserve customer investments in legacy code, thereby lowering the cost of moving to embedded multicore technology. Built-in debug hooks and hypervisor capabilities are provided to help developers overcome common multicore development challenges. In addition, Freescale has collaborated with leading virtualized software development firm Virtutech to create a hybrid simulation environment that combines functional simulation with a cycle-accurate model. This environment enables developers to quickly switch between models for accurate performance prediction and accelerated development.

“The 2008 finalists represent the execution of forward-thinking technologies and creativity that captures the imagination of consumers, illustrating the influence that electronics and embedded design professionals have on today’s culture,” said Junko Yoshida, editor in chief of EE Times.

The EE Times Annual Creativity in Electronics (ACE) Awards celebrates the creators of technology who demonstrate leadership and innovation in the global industry and shape the world we live in. These creators, and their innovations, will be recognized at the EE Times ACE Awards Gala on April 15, 2008, as part of CMP Technology’s Embedded Systems Conference Silicon Valley, the largest electronic systems design event in North America.