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        MIPS32 processors get Windows Embedded Compact 7 support

        Jonathan Angel | Date: Mar 18, 2011 | Comments: 1


        NetLogic Microsystems announced that its Alchemy family of MIPS-based embedded processors now supports Windows Embedded Compact 7. This will allow bringing "high-performing, reliable and differentiated automotive infotainment and navigation solutions to market more quickly," the company says.

        Microsoft announced the final release of its Windows Embedded Compact 7 operating system at the beginning of this month (for full details of its features and benefits, see our earlier coverage). Like its Windows CE progenitors, it runs not only on x86 processors, but also on others such as ARM, MIPS, and Hitachi SuperH.

        According to NetLogic, Windows Embedded Compact 7 is now supported on its full MIPS-based Alchemy family of "ultra low-power" embedded processors. This will enable the rapid creation of new devices in the embedded, automotive infotainment, and navigation markets.

        Mike Wodopian, vice president of marketing for the Alchemy processor family at NetLogic, stated, "NetLogic Microsystems is very excited to deliver our Windows Embedded Compact 7 solution practically simultaneously with Microsoft's announcement. Our ability to produce this timely release demonstrates the robustness and compatibility of the Alchemy family on a popular operating system."

        Background

        The MIPS32-based Alchemy SoCs (systems on chip), all apparently pin- and software-compatible, were first developed by Alchemy Semiconductor. Alchemy was later purchased by AMD, which sold the Alchemy line of processors to AMD in 2006. Finally, RMI merged with NetLogic in 2009.

        The original Au1200 was announced in 2005, and the Au1210 and Au1250, with higher clock speeds and upgraded graphics, appeared in 2007. The Au1300 chips, meanwhile, appeared in early 2009 -- bumping clock speed to as high as 800MHz and adding 3D graphics on two models.


        		Maximum CPU Frequency
        (MHz)        		 Video Resolution 3D GPE Peripherals
        Au1380 800 720p (1280x720) OpenGLES1.1/2.0
        OpenVG 1.1        		 PSC(4)
        MMC(3)
        SDHC/SDIO(3)
        USB(2)
        UART(4)
        CIM
        GPIO(75)
        Au1370 800 720p(1280x720) None PSC(4)
        MMC(3)
        SDHC/SDIO(3)
        USB(2)
        UART(4)
        CIM
        GPIO(75)
        Au1350 667 D1 (720x480) OpenGLES1.1/2.0
        OpenVG 1.1        		 PSC(4)
        MMC(3)
        SDHC/SDIO(3)
        USB(2)
        UART(4)
        CIM
        GPIO(75)
        Au1340 667 D1
        (720x480)        		 None PSC(4)
        MMC(3)
        SDHC/SDIO(3)
        USB(2)
        UART(4)
        CIM
        GPIO(75)
        Au1250 700 D1
        (720x480)        		 None PSC2)
        MMC(2)
        SDHC/SDIO(2)
        USB(2)
        UART(2)
        CIM
        GPIO(63)
        Au1210 500 WCIF
        (480x288)        		 None PSC(2), MMC(2),
        SDHC/SDIO(2),
        USB(2), UART(2),
        CIM, GPIO(63)
        NetLogic's Alchemy processors

        Not shown on the table above are the Au1500 and Au1550. Offering features such as dual 10/100 Ethernet MACs, these networking-oriented variants target applications such as gateways, wireless access points, and storage.

        NetLogic continues to offer development boards (right) for the Alchemy SoCs that include such features as onboard RAM and flash storage, touchscreens, and a variety of real-world I/O. Like the processors themselves, these devices previously supported Windows CE and Linux, and will now operate with Windows Embedded Compact 7 too.

        Further information

        More information on NetLogic's Alchemy processors may be found on the Alchemy product page.

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