NEC today announced an 800MHz 64-bit MIPS architecture microprocessor core, code named Sapphire, based on its Vr5500 64-bit out-of-order superscalar microprocessor architecture. For low-power apps, the core operates at 600MHz and consumes only 2W of power. NEC also disclosed that it is developing its next-generation Sapphire core, code named Star Sapphire, which will operate at up 1 GHz. NEC plans to use the core to develop system-on-a-chip products for high-end multimedia and networking applications.

NEC will demonstrate the new 800-MHz VR5500 Sapphire core during the Microprocessor Forum Expo on October 15 in San Jose, CA. The core will be demonstrated along with NEC's VRC5477 system controller, operating on a Linux evaluation board.

 
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