MIPS Technologies MIPS32 M4K Synthesizable Processor Core

The MIPS M4K processor core is the smallest, lowest-power MIPS core, and is supported with a C and assembly language tool chain that includes application-specific software component libraries, an instruction set simulator, and in-system debug support. It is intended for deeply embedded control applications such as those found in wireless networking, automotive, and industrial control applications.

With increasing core clock speeds and architectural enhancements, processor cores like the M4K core are increasingly finding some of their processing bandwidth being used for signal processing tasks. One area of interest, therefore, is how the M4K is likely to perform for such tasks. In this white paper, BDTI, an independent technology analysis company, assesses the capabilities and efficacy of the M4K core with a special emphasis on signal processing tasks.