Freescale Introduces 45-nm PowerQUICC III Processor with Low Power, High Performance and Optimal Flexibility

-- Freescale Semiconductor has introduced the MPC8569E PowerQUICC™ III communications processor – a high-performance, low-power device based on 45-nm silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology. The processor is ideal for advanced wireless and wireline communications equipment applications. It supports a wide range of wireless protocols while delivering up to 1.3 Gigahertz performance within a sub-10 watt power envelope.

The processor’s highly integrated design allows for a single-chip solution where multiple devices were used before. Advanced integration consolidates network processing and control processing functions, ultimately providing savings in cost, power and board space.

The device is designed to address increasing performance and protocol support requirements, as well as demand for low-cost operation for broadband access equipment such as 3G/WiMAX/LTE base stations, RNCs, gateways and ATM/TDM/IP equipment.

“By supporting a broad array of wireless standards, Freescale’s MPC8569E PowerQUICC III processor brings leading-edge capabilities into the wireless and wireline infrastructure space,” said Lisa Su, senior vice president and general manager of Freescale’s Networking and Multimedia Group. “Combining 45-nm process technology with our PowerQUICC architecture enables an extremely low-power and high-performance device for a wide range of cost-effective solutions.”

The MPC8569E processor incorporates enhanced QUICC Engine™ technology that delivers double the performance of previous generations. The MPC8569E offloads data path tasks to the QUICC Engine block, which handles termination, interworking, and switching between a wide range of communication protocols and interface standards such as Gigabit Ethernet, ATM, HDLC, POS, PPP and PWE3. The device also includes a high-performance CPU with 512 KB Level 2 (L2) cache, one 64-bit or two 32-bit DDR2/DDR3 memory controllers, SGMII, serial RapidIO® interconnects, USB 2.0 and PCI Express® technology.

The MPC8569E processor is primarily designed for wireless access infrastructure, including applications such as wireless backhaul equipment. Because it supports many standards, protocols and interconnects, it is also ideal for server switching cards, multiservice routers and industrial applications.

“Offering a compelling combination of high performance, low power, and attractive price points, the MPC8569E is a strong choice for next-generation base stations. Freescale is able to achieve these advantages by leaping to 45-nm manufacturing technology, one or two full generations ahead of competing products,” said Linley Gwennap, principal analyst of The Linley Group. “This new device demonstrates Freescale’s ongoing commitment to PowerQUICC products even as the era of QorIQ multicore platforms begins.”

QorIQ platforms are the next-generation evolution of the PowerQUICC processor line. Freescale introduced the QorIQ™ platform in 2008, and initial products based on QorIQ technology are sampling now to alpha customers. Freescale expects PowerQUICC and QorIQ product lines to coexist in the marketplace for years to come, offering a cohesive migration path to the future.

Enhanced high-performance e500 core

The MPC8569E uses an enhanced Power Architecture™ e500 core that scales up to 1.3 Gigahertz. This advanced core, together with the device’s 45-nm process technology, enables a low-power solution that delivers aggressive performance-per-Watt capabilities.

Providing cost-savings

When choosing Freescale’s MPC8569E PowerQUICC III processor, OEMs can realize cost savings in a variety of ways. Base station manufacturers benefit by using a single architecture that allows them to reprogram their software for different interfaces – meaning they can preserve software investments from previous designs. Power savings realized can help lower overall operational costs. And the QUICC Engine block’s enhanced interworking is designed to ease the transition from ATM to IP-based systems while reducing investment costs.

Robust software support

The MPC8569E processor utilizes standard microcodes, providing industry-proven firmware for existing protocols and further downloadable RAM microcode packages that offer support for new functionality or protocols. Freescale also offers a full-featured modular development system (MDS), and a version of its CodeWarrior® development environment for QUICC Engine technology that accelerates and simplifies initialization and configuration of drivers and communications protocols managed by QUICC Engine technology.

Additionally, a wide variety of third-party vendors work in concert with Freescale to offer RTOS support, compilers, debuggers, simulators, reference designs and custom microcode for the MPC8569E family.

Pricing and availability

The MPC8569E processor is sampling now. Suggested resale pricing starts at $80 (USD) in 10K quantities.

About Freescale Semiconductor

Freescale Semiconductor is a global leader in the design and manufacture of embedded semiconductors for the automotive, consumer, industrial, networking and wireless markets. The privately held company is based in Austin, Texas, and has design, research and development, manufacturing or sales operations around the world. www.freescale.com