Looking Forward: Using the PowerPC as a Secure Processor

Those questioning the long-term viability of the PowerPC® received a strong positive answer last month at the first Linley Tech Processor Conference when IBM announced the PowerPC476FP core. The 476FP, formerly known by its project name “Gallardo” (think “Lamborghini Gallardo”), will achieve 1.6 GHz in IBM’s Cu-45HP SOI hard core implementation. The 476 is available for SOC designs this month, with first production silicon in 2010. The response has been enthusiastic in the PowerPC community.