Apr 4 2007
The CAS Institute of Computing Technology (ICT) and STMicroelectronics, one of the world's largest semiconductor manufacturers, announced, on 28 March, their cooperation on the development and commercial exploitation of processors, based on Loongson (formerly known as "Godson")-2E IP developed by ICT. The first-generation product, Loongson 2E, which is now sampling with selected customers, delivers world-class performance and optimized power consumption at a compelling price point.
The cooperation between ICT and ST was started in 2004 in the framework of the France-China Technology Cooperation (CTIBO). Within the project, ICT is responsible for the architecture and the design of the processors, while ST supplies the technology process, manufacturing and sales. ICT and ST will jointly promote the processors into the Chinese market. Under the present license agreement, ICT grants to ST the rights to manufacture and sell worldwide the processors developed within the cooperation for five years.
Dr LI Guo Jie, ICT director, said, "the Loongson CPU R&D project is a demonstration of China's innovative capability. ICT is not only focused on the research and development of core technology, but also on the commercial licensing of its IPs. The licensing by a foreign company of the Loonsogn 2E IP proves that ICT has successfully placed China on the world's technology competitive stage. Through the cooperation with ST, the commercialization of this technology is shortened with great market potential."
"ST is very proud to cooperate with ICT, the most advanced R&D center for computer design in China. This joint effort combines ICT's outstanding capabilities in advanced processor design with ST's leading-edge technology and world-class manufacturing machine," said Gian Luca Bertino, General Manager, Computer Peripherals Group and Corporate VP at STMicroelectronics. "The Loongson family of processors delivers impressive performance and low power for a variety of applications."
The Loongson processors will be based on advanced superscalar 64-bit architecture that is compatible with MIPS64® architecture from MIPS Technology Inc. ST has acquired a full license to the MIPS64 architecture as part of the Loongson program.
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