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China releases second generation MIPS microprocessor
Submitted by Editor on Mon, 2005-07-25 14:01. Hardware
China has started production of the 64-bit Godson-2 ("Dragon") microprocessor. Based on the popular MIPS architecture, this release could be an important step forward for China's semi-conductor design and fabrication industry. The CPUs is 95% MIPS compatible using an unauthorized and unlicensed variation of the MIPS architecture, which is owned by the American company MIPS Technologies.
The CPU is made by BLX IC Design Corp and the company plans on using these chips for China's booming domestic consumer electronics market. If and when they are used in exported goods, the company may face legal challenges from MIPS Technologies for infringing on its intellectual property. The Godson-2 is pretty much a copy of the MIPS R10000 which makes it on par with 1995 technology.
The move still shows that China is capable of designing complex microprocessors. The main restraint on their performance is that Chinese chip-fabrication technology lags about two generations behind the rest of the industry. The Chinese have been trying to gain access to state-of-the-art fabrication technology by outsourcing manufacturing to other foundries and by trying get chip companies to invest in manufacturing facilities in Mainland China.
Submitted by Editor on Mon, 2005-07-25 14:01. Hardware
China has started production of the 64-bit Godson-2 ("Dragon") microprocessor. Based on the popular MIPS architecture, this release could be an important step forward for China's semi-conductor design and fabrication industry. The CPUs is 95% MIPS compatible using an unauthorized and unlicensed variation of the MIPS architecture, which is owned by the American company MIPS Technologies.
The CPU is made by BLX IC Design Corp and the company plans on using these chips for China's booming domestic consumer electronics market. If and when they are used in exported goods, the company may face legal challenges from MIPS Technologies for infringing on its intellectual property. The Godson-2 is pretty much a copy of the MIPS R10000 which makes it on par with 1995 technology.
The move still shows that China is capable of designing complex microprocessors. The main restraint on their performance is that Chinese chip-fabrication technology lags about two generations behind the rest of the industry. The Chinese have been trying to gain access to state-of-the-art fabrication technology by outsourcing manufacturing to other foundries and by trying get chip companies to invest in manufacturing facilities in Mainland China.
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