- Communications processor leader Freescale introduces 16nm process for extensive networking IP portfolio

- A platform for the multi-core performance and innovative custom designs of next-generation standard products

June 25, 2015, Seoul, Korea — Freescale Semiconductor (www.freescale.co.kr) revealed information regarding its successful next-generation QorIQ multicore processor portfolio at the Freescale Technology Forum (FTF), announcing that it will lead innovation to realize a secure future Internet of Things (IoT) based on cutting-edge 16nm FinFET processor technology.

With the transition to 16nm FinFET, the next-generation QorIQ processor is expected to achieve a 2x performance improvement in the same power range compared to 28nm products. Freescale has already conducted extensive evaluations and tests on 16nm FinFETs and is currently applying the results to the implementation of next-generation nodes for cores, hardware accelerators, interconnect fabrics, and other IPs.

At this node, Freescale plans to focus on expanding its leadership in the standard product communication processor family while promoting its broad IP portfolio through complementary new market-to-market support models, including the development of innovative semi-custom designs, in close collaboration with strategically selected customers.

“Networks around the world are moving and changing faster than ever before, driven by a combination of rapid virtualization, software-centric network topologies, the continuous expansion of IoT, and increasing demands for flexible intelligence at the network edge,” said Tom Deitrich, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Freescale’s Digital Networking Group. “This new paradigm provides semiconductor suppliers like Freescale with advanced process technology, deep engagement with the world’s leading equipment OEMs, and a wide range of core IPs such as software, advanced acceleration engines, and computing capacity optimized to lead the future of the internet.”

To help numerous top networking OEM customers differentiate themselves and survive in the new environment, Freescale plans to build innovative semi-custom designs engineered to meet the dynamic requirements of highly virtualized networks by fully leveraging the capabilities of its 16nm FinFET IP. Customers can deliver the most differentiated solutions in the market by appropriately combining Freescale IP with their own proprietary IP. By engaging with strategically selected customers in this manner, Freescale expects to optimize efficiency in the development of next-generation solutions, shorten time-to-market, and foster closer collaborative relationships with customers. Through this type of new support model, Freescale can provide optimized R&D investment and adjust its roadmap to generate outstanding synergies.

Providing building blocks for innovation at 16nm

To meet the demands of future networks, Freescale plans to provide leading customers and partners with access to a wide range of 16nm building blocks. Freescale possesses one of the world's most extensive and diverse portfolios of networking IP, including high-performance 64-bit cores based on ARM® and Power Architecture® technologies. StarCore DSP cores, advanced I/O and acceleration technologies, world-leading network security blocks, and extensive software solutions are all based on Freescale's proven networking system knowledge and decades of System-on-Chip (SoC) design experience.

Rich integration system and perfect support

The Freescale 16nm platform is backed by a comprehensive integration system that provides easy support for QorIQ processors, complemented by operating systems and partner network BSPs. Through the CodeWarrior integrated development environment (IDE) and a Layer-1 software component library optimized for FDD & TDD LTE and LTE-A processing chains and compliant, customers can achieve rapid LTE L1 software development. Communications targeting the Linux SDK, including low-latency Layer 2 support, will also be provided. Freescale supports Linaro and OpenDataPath (ODP) APIs, as well as management software for easily configuring, initializing, and analyzing interfaces, accelerators, and networking functions. To shorten time-to-market, performance-optimized functional Datapath libraries, Freescale VortiQa software solutions, and an extensive range of development tools and open-source software are planned. Software services are provided to enable customers to leverage Freescale's systems expertise for the design of specific products.

Initial samples of the 16nm FinFET SoC product are scheduled to be available in mid-2016.