New 64-Bit RISC Microprocessor from Toshiba Utilizes 0.13-Micron Process Technology to Achieve 300MHz Operating Frequency

PCI-Based MPU Ideal for Mid- to High-End Embedded Applications

SAN JOSE , Calif., October 29, 2002 -- Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. (TAEC) today announced a new addition to its TX49 family of MIPS-based reduced instruction set computer (RISC) microprocessors (MPUs). The new 64-bit MPU, designated TMPR4937XBG-300, is based on the Toshiba Corporation (Toshiba) TX49/H3 core and is fabricated with 0.13-micron complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) process technology. Running at 300-megahertz (MHz) maximum operating frequency, it is almost 1.5 times faster than the previous generation 200MHz product. It integrates a comprehensive array of interface controllers, including a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) controller and a direct memory access (DMA) controller, to support the system design and processing speed requirements of various embedded applications, including digital information devices, digital televisions, network printers and network devices.

"Toshiba is deploying its advanced 0.13-micron CMOS technology to achieve higher frequencies for its high-performance embedded MIPS RISC processors. The PCI-based TMPR4937XBG-300 64-bit processor with its 300MHz operating frequency is very well positioned for mid- to high-end embedded applications. Incorporating high-performance memory controllers, a PCI controller and support for various system-level peripherals, this single chip device achieves the best overall system price and system performance for these applications," said Farhad Mafie, vice president of the ASSP Business Unit at TAEC.

Tetsuro Wada, platform development director of the ASSP Business Unit at TAEC, noted that the TMPR4937XBG-300's design integrates a central processing unit with a large-capacity cache memory for instruction memory and data cache memory of 32 kilobytes (Kbytes) each to support efficient processing and high-speed performance.

Key features of the microprocessor are as follows:

• Integrates Toshiba's latest 64-bit core CPU, TX49/H3, which is fabricated with 0.13-micron CMOS process technology and operates at 300MHz.

• Incorporates a large four-way set-associative cache memory (32K-byte instruction cache and 32K-byte data cache) that realizes an increased hit ratio and supports higher performance than the previous generation product.

• Incorporates a synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM) controller, a Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (UART), a timer, and an interrupt controller.

• Incorporates a PCI controller and a DMA controller.

• Incorporates a debug support unit (DSU). The DSU sets a breaking point in the system operation to check the flow of the user program and the value of each register, thus supporting real-time data analysis.

• Offers pin-compatibility with the previous product, the TMPR4927ATB-200, thus allowing current users to develop higher-performance applications on the same circuit platform.

Pricing and Availability

Samples of TMPR4937XBG-300 are now available at $35.00 per piece in 100-piece quantities. Mass production is slated to begin in February 2003 at 100,000 units per month. A reference board for testing is in development and is expected to be available after the sampling phase.

Technical Specification Summary

About TAEC
Combining quality and flexibility with design engineering expertise, TAEC brings a breadth of advanced, next-generation technologies to its customers. This broad offering includes semiconductors, flash memory-based storage solutions, optical communication devices, displays and rechargeable batteries for the computing, wireless, networking, automotive and digital consumer markets.

TAEC is an independent operating company owned by Toshiba America, Inc., a subsidiary of Toshiba, the second largest semiconductor company worldwide in terms of global sales for the year 2001 according to Gartner/Dataquest's Worldwide Semiconductor Market Share Ranking. Toshiba is a world leader in high-technology products with more than 300 major subsidiaries and affiliates worldwide. For additional company and product information, please visit TAEC's web site at chips.toshiba.com. For technical inquiries, please e-mail Tech.Questions@taec.toshiba.com.