AMCC takes PowerPC into wireless access points

AMCC has developed the first version of the PowerPC specifically for 802.11n and WiMAX wireless Access Points
As an architectural licensee of the Power architecture, AMCC has integrated dual PCI Express, Gigabit Ethernet and security into the 405EX, which is built on a 90nm process with a frequency range up to 667MHz, capable of over 1,000 DMIPS of processing with sub-2W power consumption.
The internal cross bar bus architecture, security acceleration and integrated Gigabit Ethernet Media Access Controllers (MACs) ensure that the full bandwidth of 802.11n will be available and 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.

"Vendors continue to demand increased performance, lower power consumption and reduced costs from their component suppliers," said Linley Gwennap, principal analyst of The Linley Group. "AMCC's 405EX meets these challenges using a new 90 nm version of the Power Architecture 405 core and increased integration of system functions. Wireless access-point designers in particular will welcome the processor's connectivity, very low power and excellent security options."
"The 405EX offers major advancements in performance, bandwidth, security and multi-platform support for next generation access points based on the new 802.11n and WiMAX standards," said Sam Fuller, vice president of marketing at AMCC. "The increased performance, low power, and security acceleration capabilities of the 405EX processor will ensure AMCC's leadership position in this increasingly demanding market."

The 405EX features a Turbo Security Engine that supports standard IPSec, SSL and DTLS security protocols. This 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 will sample in the third quarter of 2007 at $17 in volume.