Article Tools

• 

Applied Micro Circuits Corporation has announced its next-generation embedded processor for enterprise-class wireless access points. The PowerPC 405EX is based on Power Architecture technology and is optimized for the demanding requirements of 802.11n (Wi-Fi) and WiMAX-based wireless access points and similar embedded processing or network control applications.

Based on a 90 nm CMOS technology, the 405EX advances the state of the art in embedded processors for access equipment. The 405EX features dual PCI Express interfaces for connectivity to Wi-Fi or WiMAX radio chipsets or to other PCI Express-based chipsets. The internal bus architecture, security acceleration and integrated Gigabit ethernet media access controllers (MACs) ensure that the full bandwidth of 802.11n will be available. The high level of integration in the 405EX SoC reduces the external components required for next-generation WLAN access point designs, which reduces systems complexity and bill of material cost resulting in faster time to market and lower-cost products.

The Power Architecture core of the 405EX delivers a frequency range up to 667 MHz and is capable of delivering more than 1,000 DMIPS of processing performance. A cross bar-based, on-chip system interconnect provides low latency and increased bandwidth connectivity to a high-performance DDR2 SDRAM controller for main memory and to the PCI Express and Gigabit ethernet interfaces. The sub 2 W typical power dissipation of the 405EX enables access points to use the 802.3af standard for power-over-ethernet. The benefit is obvious when considering that most access points are placed in ceilings or high on walls where access to AC power outlets is limited.

The 405EX features a best-in-class Turbo Security engine that supports standard IPSec, SSL and DTLS security protocols. The Turbo Security engine attaches directly to the processor bus for the fastest possible system throughput. The engine also features public key acceleration and true random number generation, as well as full header/trailer protocol processing. It is compliant with FIPS-140-2 and ANSI X9.17 Annex C.

The 405EX features two single-lane PCI Express ports, each capable of delivering nearly 2.0 Gbps of bandwidth, and two integrated Gigabit ethernet media access controller interfaces. Also included is a high-speed USB 2.0 on-the-go port. A NAND flash controller and a full suite of serial I/O ports, including UART, IIC, SPI and 32-bit external peripheral bus are additional key connectivity capabilities of the 405EX.

The 405EX will sample in the third quarter of 2007. Distributor suggested resale pricing will start at $17 in 10 Ku volumes.