XMOS launches 65nm event driven processor, cuts price to $5
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XMOS has launched the second generation of its event driven processor range. The XS1-L series, which is aimed at the mass electronics market, will be available in volume for less than $5, seen by ceo James Foster, pictured, as essential if the device is to gain market share in consumer electronics.
The XS1-L family provides embedded software developers with an scalable, multicore solution that allows complete systems to be built that combine interface, dsp and control functions entirely in software.
The parts are being manufactured on TSMC's 65nm process and are available in sample quantities now.
According to Foster: "In the mass electronics market, the agility and speed delivered by XS1-L devices are important. XMOS event-driven processors meet this market need, providing rapid programmability in C together with tools that are easy to use."
Despite the fact the devices are targeted at mass market applications, Foster says the parts are also 'accessible to anyone'. Single devices can be purchased for $7.50 and a development kit will be available in the near future for less than $100. A further nod towards the low volume market comes from the 64pin lqfp package option.
Each XS1-L XCore contains a 32bit processor and operates up to 400MIPS. XCore power consumption is less than 500µW in sleep mode and 20mW in standby with active power adding less than 450µW/MHz. The event driven architecture, together with XMOS' programming tools, is said to enable XCores to switch automatically between standby and active, saving up to 90% of energy in low duty cycle applications.
