VME Single-board computer designers at DY 4 Systems in Kanata, Ontario, need ever-faster PowerPC microprocessors to complement their existing line of rugged and mil-spec PowerPC boards. They found their solution from the Thomson-CSF Semiconducteurs Specifiques in Cedex, France.
DY 4 designers are buying PowerPC processors running at clock speeds from 166 MHz to 266 MHz, which meet the full military temperature range of -55 to 125 degrees Celsius. The new processor, the TSPC603R, also is available in a temperature range of -40 to 110 C.
Thomson`s offering "really demonstrates that PowerPC microprocessors are the architecture of choice for harsh-environment applications," says DY 4 Marketing Director Duncan Young. "This extends even further the opportunity base that companies like DY 4 can serve."
The TSPC603R comes in a ceramic ball grid array package, which is compatible with previous versions of the processors. The new chip comes in speeds of 166 MHz, 200 MHz, 233 MHz, and 266 MHz. Thomson officials are sampling the parts now and will start full production this fall. - J.K.
For more information on the TSPC603R, contact Thomson Components and Tubes Corp. by phone at 973-812-4304, by fax at 973-812-4191, or on the World Wide Web at http://www.tcs. thomson-csf.com/.
The Harris Wireless Message Terminal uses existing tactical radios and ruggedized personal computers to enable battlefield commanders from staff through battalion to communicate over wireless e-mail.
