STMicroelectronics is working with China’s Academy of Sciences to develop processors, based on a core called Loongson-2E which has been developed in China by the Institute of Computing Technology (ICT).
The first products based on Loongson 2E are already sampling with selected customers.
The Loongson processors will be based on advanced superscalar 64-bit architecture that is compatible with MIPS64 architecture. ST has acquired a full licence to the MIPS64 architecture as part of the Loongson programme.
ST’s connection with the ICT started in 2004 when work on the processor core began. Under the present license agreement, ICT grants to ST the rights to manufacture and sell worldwide the processors developed within the cooperation for five years.
ST intends to sell the processors in the Chinese market.
According to Gian Luca Bertino, general manager of the computer peripherals group at STMicroelectronics: “The Loongson family of processors delivers impressive performance and low power for a variety of applications.”
Established in 1956, the ICT is now in the process of developing into a networked research institute, consisting of the headquarter in Beijing plus several branches in Shanghai, Suzhou, Ningbo and Dongguan.