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Ampro announces MIPS SBC strategy
Sep. 19, 2000

Mountain View, CA -- (press release) -- MIPS Technologies and Ampro Computers today announced a broad technology, design, and marketing agreement to accelerate both the development and deployment of MIPS-based systems for embedded applications. In addition, the agreement sets the stage for the adoption of Ampro's new EnCore platform as an industry standard featuring advanced MIPS-based embedded microprocessors.

Under terms of the multi-year agreement, Ampro will develop system modules based on MIPS32 processors that can function both as MIPS software development platforms and high-volume OEM products. These new modules will be based on Ampro's EnCore platform that provides for the efficient delivery of high performance CPU technology enabling accelerated development of Internet- and other network-connected embedded systems.

The MIPS-based Ampro EnCore platform will be broadly supported by real-time operating systems (RTOS) and application software, and will be available to OEMs and software vendors for porting and development purposes. Developers of MIPS-based software and systems will be able to use OEM-quality board-level computers produced in high volume, rather than the hand-built development and evaluation boards often supplied by semiconductor manufacturers.

"The new EnCore platform represents the first processor-independent architecture for SBCs proposed to the industry," observed Paul Rosenfeld, Ampro's VP of Marketing. "Despite major market penetration by the MIPS architecture, broad hardware/software platforms have not been available in volume manufacturing formats," continued Rosenfeld. "While Ampro's initial EnCore 500 module is based on a 266-MHz Mobile Pentium, the time is right for us to enable systems designers at all volume levels to reap the benefits provided by low-power, high-performance MIPS embedded processors," added Rosenfeld.

EnCore modules are similar in concept to high-integration chips, interfacing directly to a designer's form-factor-independent system board containing application-specific logic and I/O connections. EnCore technology coupled with advanced real-time operating systems (RTOS) allows designers to focus their design resources on their application-specific system board and application software. This combination of pre-integrated hardware and software will give MIPS developers a crucial advantage in time-to-market.

EnCore modules interface to a baseboard through 272 pins that provide the PCI bus, I/O signals, and power and ground. A typical EnCore module includes CPU, high-speed Ethernet, up to 128MB DRAM, sound, flash memory, serial, parallel, and USB ports, and support for IDE compatible devices. It may also include a 3D graphics controller. EnCore modules are 100mm x 145mm (3.94" x 5.70") allowing wide flexibility in baseboard footprint.

Ampro believes the EnCore Platform will become the basis for an industry standard, as occurred with Ampro-created PC/104 and EBX form-factors. Ampro will provide EnCore form-factor details to third parties, on request, to enable rapid growth in EnCore-compatible products and enhance the acceptance of the platform.

Related story:
   PC/104 inventor Ampro unveils new small form-factor platform



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