Power optimized microprocessor

     In order to meet the growing demand for maximum performance and effective power control, Teledyne e2v has built advanced methods related to its microprocessor family. In this way, the power characteristics of the QorIQ T Series and P Series (PowerArchitecture), as well as ARM-based Layerscape devices for customer systems, can be studied in detail, rather than relying solely on device parameter table information. In a recent aerospace customer program with stringent safety metrics, Teledyne e2v delivered the T1042 multi-core microprocessor, reducing power consumption in end applications by almost 50%, significantly reducing overall system constraints.

     Modern embedded design requires a high level of functionality, which means engineers want to configure as much processing power as possible. However, in many applications, particularly in the avionics, military and aerospace sectors, strict power limits must also be observed. Published data on power consumption parameters will contain a certain margin (based on equipment variations and worst-case operating conditions). Typically, this makes engineers more cautious - leaving microprocessors running at low performance (or running devices at lower frequencies than they can actually achieve) to ensure they stay within the maximum power consumption supported by the system.

     With leading knowledge in delivering high-reliability processing solutions to the market, coupled with direct access to local test programs from NXP (the original microprocessor manufacturing partner), Teledyne e2v has unique insights into the power characteristics of the device. By combining all these advantages precisely with customer cases and microprocessor application conditions, comprehensive static and dynamic power curves can be obtained. As a result, the company's products greatly exceed the margin stated in the data book, and customers can obtain fully guaranteed power-optimized devices.

     By selecting only the most energy efficient devices for specific applications, engineers can improve the operational performance of their system designs without fear. This greatly benefits additional redundancy in systems (so they can incorporate more features and functions in later stages) and extended operating life.

     "When dealing with high-performance multi-core processors, static power consumption can vary significantly from one device to another, and in addition to clock rate and load affecting dynamic power consumption, temperature is also taken into account." Thomas Guillemain, Marketing and Business Development Manager at Teledyne e2v, explains. "With the visibility provided by this new service, we can now better optimize our 32-bit and 64-bit microprocessors for maximum product performance while maintaining power constraints."