Unique features ideal for embedded deployments

Next-generation compute capabilities have made themselves available to the embedded marketplace through the new IBM PowerPC 970FX RISC processor. This welcome addition to the Power Architecture™ family breaks many of the barriers embedded designers have had to live with thus far. But 64-bit computing, in an acceptable power envelope, is only the tip of the iceberg.

The PowerPC 970FX processor has some unique features that make it ideal for embedded deployments. Most important is the code base. The PowerPC 970FX processor is binary compatible with existing G3 and G4 code sets. The kernel can be either 32- or 64-bit oriented. Existing software can be used, out-of-the-box. This means reduced development time to reap large gains in functionality. The switch between 64-bit mode and 32-bit mode is transparent to the binary application. There are no duplicated general-purpose register (GPR) sets (as with other 64-bit architectures). With a 64-bit OS, 32- and 64-bit applications can run next to each other and enjoy the expanded memory space, without having to incur the penalties of a 32- and 64-bit mode switch.

Dynamic power management makes the PowerPC 970FX processor an excellent choice for applications that require a lot of computing resource for short periods of time. This processor can be overclocked and underclocked dynamically, without having to reboot or otherwise restart the processor. This enables designers to drive the processor to the limits of the thermal budget (which is greater than the sustained thermal capacity of the board) for short periods in order to process larger amounts of data. As soon as the workload is back to normal levels, the operating frequency can be scaled back to allow the system to handle the thermal stress created. Assuming an ideal thermal interface, the maximum time allowed for overclocking the processor becomes an equation where thermal mass drives the answer - that is, the bigger the heat sink, the better.

Modern, real-world applications often require more than the 4GB, 32-bit memory space is able to provide. This is easily seen as more processes run on the same system, the total memory consumption often goes beyond the 4GB barrier as each process claims its own proprietary memory workspace. Latency issues grow as disk-swap becomes a necessity. The PowerPC 970FX processor eliminates this problem by providing 42 bits of physical address space to work with and up to 16GB of physical memory local to the NorthBridge. Each process will be able to run out of physical memory without having to contend for space.

Standard enhancements to the Book IV Power PC architecture include dual 64-bit IEEE Floating Point units, Fixed Point units and Load/Store units. An AltiVec Vector/SIMD execution unit complements the existing Floating Point units by executing operations at the same time. The PowerPC 970FX processor is capable of having over 200 simultaneous instructions "in-flight." Core speeds in excess of 2GHz are deployed at this time, with processor bus speeds in excess of 1GHz. This chip is built for bandwidth.

Conclusion

In addition to Momentum Computer's offerings in this arena, at least two other designs from separate vendors are currently penetrating the embedded marketplace. Specifically, Advanced Telecom Computing Architecture (ATCA) and 1 U "pizza-box" form factors are in high demand. Dual-processor configurations provide for tremendous computing power and density. Coupling this with high-throughput busses makes this chipset invaluable in meeting the expectations of demanding applications and customers. Momentum's implementation incorporates this chipset with multiple high-speed Gigabit Ethernet ports in a switched fabric environment on an ATCA form factor. Stacking this capability against any other ATCA computing platform leaves PowerPC 970FX implementations well ahead of the competition.

Resources

Learn

• "Green Hills Software development tools and the IBM PowerPC 970FX processor," Robert Redfield, examines some tools for embedded development on the 970FX (developerWorks, August 2004).
  
  
• "Introduction to embedded software development for the IBM PowerPC 970FX processor," Matt Tyrlik, introduces you to some programming techniques that will serve you will for embedded development on the 970FX (developerWorks, August 2004).
  
  
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