Jump to content

MIPS Technologies

From Alfawiki
MIPS Tech LLC
Company typePrivate
IndustrySemiconductor design
PredecessorMIPS Computer Systems, Inc.; MIPS Technologies, Inc.
Founded1984
FounderJohn L. Hennessy, Chris Rowen, Skip Stritter, John Moussouris
Headquarters
Sunnyvale, California
,
United States
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
Sameer Wasson (CEO)
ProductsProcessor architectures and core designs (MIPS architecture, RISC-V cores)
Number of employees
<50 (as of 2018)

MIPS Tech LLC, previously known as MIPS Computer Systems, Inc. and later as MIPS Technologies, Inc., is a United States-based fabless semiconductor design firm recognized primarily for creating the MIPS architecture along with associated RISC CPU cores. The company focuses on developing processor architectures and core designs tailored for digital home devices, networking equipment, embedded systems, Internet of things applications, and mobile platforms.

Established in 1984 to commercialize the innovative RISC-based MIPS architecture developed at Stanford University, the firm secured early design contracts with companies such as Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) and Silicon Graphics (SGI). By the early 1990s, increased competition within the RISC processor market constrained expansion opportunities. In 1992, SGI acquired MIPS, becoming its main client and leveraging MIPS designs in the gaming console industry. In 1998, as SGI moved away from the MIPS architecture, it spun off the company.

After operating independently for several years, MIPS was purchased by Imagination Technologies in 2013, a company renowned for its PowerVR graphics technology. Following a 2017 sale to Tallwood Venture Capital, Wave Computing acquired MIPS in 2018. Subsequent to Wave Computing’s bankruptcy in 2020 and restructuring in 2021, MIPS transitioned its focus from its proprietary architecture toward RISC-V processor designs.

In May 2022, MIPS launched its inaugural RISC-V CPU intellectual property cores—the eVocore P8700 and I8500 multiprocessors—and announced that the P8700 would be commercially available by December of that year.

In July 2025, GlobalFoundries acquired MIPS with the objective of incorporating RISC-V and artificial intelligence IP into its semiconductor offerings to enhance AI and computational performance.

History

MIPS Computer Systems Inc. was established in 1984 by a group of Stanford University researchers including John L. Hennessy and Chris Rowen, who were instrumental in advancing the RISC microprocessor concept. Other founding members included Skip Stritter, formerly with Motorola, and John Moussouris from IBM.

The company’s first CEO was Vaemond Crane, who served from 1985 until 1989. He was succeeded by Bob Miller, an executive with previous experience at IBM and Data General, who led the company through its initial public offering and eventual acquisition by Silicon Graphics (SGI).

By 1986, MIPS architectures had been adopted by firms such as Cadnetix, Prime Computer, and SGI, which preferred MIPS processors over Motorola alternatives due to superior price-performance ratios. To facilitate faster market entry for workstation manufacturers, MIPS provided component kits and development platforms compatible with MIPS-based hardware solutions. The firm's IPO took place in December 1989, coinciding with Digital Equipment Corporation's launch of a Unix workstation utilizing MIPS technology.

Following the release of the R2000 and R3000 microprocessors, MIPS ventured into computer system production with the MIPS Magnum; however, it faced challenges competing against larger companies because of substantial development expenses. To ensure access to future microprocessors—particularly the 64-bit R4000—SGI acquired MIPS in 1992 for $333 million, converting it into a wholly owned subsidiary renamed MIPS Technologies Inc.

While under SGI's ownership, MIPS introduced several advanced processors: the R8000 in 1994, followed by the R10000 in 1996 and the R12000 in 1997. Nevertheless, projects such as "The Beast" and "Capitan" were discontinued when SGI shifted its strategic focus to Itanium processors in 1998. Consequently, MIPS repositioned itself as an intellectual property licensing business providing architecture licenses and core designs.

MIPS conducted another initial public offering on June 30, 1998, raising about $16.3 million at $14 per share. By 1999, SGI had plans to continue releasing new MIPS processors until 2002 but started integrating Intel architectures into its server products. On June 20, 2000, SGI completed the spin-off of MIPS by distributing shares to its stockholders.

During financial difficulties in the late 2000s, MIPS implemented employee layoffs early in 2008 and reported a fiscal fourth-quarter loss of $108.5 million for that year while announcing additional workforce reductions. At that time, the company employed approximately 512 individuals. By May 2018, publicly available LinkedIn data indicated that staff numbers had declined to fewer than fifty employees.

Prominent Contributors

Among the influential individuals who have shaped MIPS are James Billmaier, Steve Blank, Joseph DiNucci, John L. Hennessy, Todd Bezenek, David Hitz, Earl Killian, Dan Levin, John Mashey, John P. McCaskey, Bob Miller, Stratton Sclavos, and Skip Stritter.

In 2010, MIPS Technologies named Sandeep Vij as its CEO.[1] Vij, an alumnus of Stanford who studied under John Hennessy, brought leadership experience from roles at Cavium Networks, Xilinx, and Altera.[2] By late 2010, the company’s workforce had decreased to approximately 150 employees, down from more than 500 in 2008.

MIPS’s primary research and development hub is located in Sunnyvale, California, complemented by engineering teams based in Shanghai, Beaverton, Oregon, Bristol, and Kings Langley. Additionally, it maintains offices in Hsin-chu, Taiwan; Tokyo, Japan; Remscheid, Germany; and Haifa, Israel.

During the first quarter of 2013, MIPS divested 498 out of its 580 patents to Bridge Crossing, supported by Allied Security Trust. Meanwhile, processor-specific patents and other assets were acquired by Imagination Technologies for $100 million—outbidding rivals such as Ceva Inc. Imagination’s strategy centered on utilizing the MIPS architecture within the embedded processor sector.

After encountering financial difficulties, Imagination sold the MIPS processor division to Tallwood Venture Capital in 2017,[3] which subsequently transferred ownership to Wave Computing in 2018.[4] Both investment firms have connections to co-founders of Chips and Technologies and S3 Graphics. Despite regulatory requirements leading to divestitures prior to Imagination’s acquisition by Canyon Bridge, Wave Computing granted full licensing rights for the MIPS architecture in China, Hong Kong, and Macau to CIP United, a company based in Shanghai.

In 2021, MIPS pivoted its focus toward developing processors based on the RISC-V architecture,[5] releasing its inaugural RISC-V CPU IP core—the eVocore P8700—in 2022.[6]

In September 2023, MIPS appointed Sameer Wasson as CEO. Wasson is a former executive at Texas Instruments with 18 years of experience there, including roles as vice president and Business Unit Manager for Processors.[7]

Company timeline

Year Event
1981 Dr. John Hennessy establishes and leads the Stanford MIPS research initiative at Stanford University to create a microprocessor based on RISC concepts.
1984 MIPS Computer Systems, Inc. is co-founded by Dr. John Hennessy, Skip Stritter, and Dr. John Moussouris.
1986 The company ships its first product: the R2000 microprocessor along with a Unix workstation and optimizing compilers.
1988 Introduction of the R3000 microprocessor.
1989 MIPS Computer Systems goes public with Bob Miller serving as CEO.
1991 Launch of the R4000 microprocessor.
1992 Acquired by SGI, becoming a wholly owned subsidiary renamed MIPS Technologies, Inc.
1994 Debut of the R8000 microprocessor; Sony releases the PlayStation featuring an R3000 CPU enhanced with a custom GTE coprocessor.
1996 Release of the R10000 microprocessor; Nintendo launches the Nintendo 64 console powered by a MIPS-based R4300i processor.
1998 Company re-enters public markets as MIPS Technologies, Inc.
1999 Sony introduces PlayStation 2 using an R5900 CPU with custom vector co-processors.
2002 Acquisition of Algorithmics Ltd., a UK company specializing in MIPS development hardware/software and consulting services.
September 6, 2005 Purchase of First Silicon Solutions (FS2), known for silicon IP, design services, and On-Chip Instrumentation tools aimed at embedded systems.
2007 Acquisition of Portuguese mixed-signal IP firm Chipidea.
February 2009 Joins forces with the Linux Foundation to enhance open-source collaboration efforts.
May 8, 2009 Sells off Chipidea to Synopsys.
June 2009 Porting of Android OS to support MIPS architecture completed.
September 30, 2009 Becomes a member of the Open Handset Alliance, expanding influence in mobile technology sectors.
January 2010 Sandeep Vij assumes role of CEO bringing strategic expertise from Cavium Networks.
January 2011 Debuts first Android-MIPS based set-top box at CES targeting consumer electronics markets.
April 2011 Ports Google’s Android 3.0 "Honeycomb" version to MIPS platform improving software compatibility.
August 2012 Supports Android 4.1 "Jelly Bean"; collaborates with Indian firm Karbonn Mobiles to launch cost-effective tablets built on MIPS technology.
February 8, 2013 Acquired by Imagination Technologies for $100 million integrating into their semiconductor portfolio.
September 22, 2017 Sold by Imagination Technologies to Tallwood Venture Capital for $65 million; operates under Tallwood MIPS Inc.
June 2018 Purchased by AI startup Wave Computing signaling strategic entry into AI markets.
May 2019 Art Swift named CEO of Wave Computing; leadership changes continue with Sanjai Kohli succeeding in September.
April 2020 Wave Computing files for bankruptcy amid restructuring efforts.
March 2021 Emerges from bankruptcy rebranding as "MIPS" and joins RISC-V International; discontinues proprietary MIPS architecture development focusing instead on RISC-V products with Sanjai Kohli remaining CEO.
May 2022 Announces launch of first RISC-V CPU IP cores: eVocore P8700 and I8500 multiprocessors marking advancement in next-generation processor offerings.
September 2023 Appoints Sameer Wasson as CEO to drive strategic growth initiatives forward.
January 2024 Enhances executive team by adding former SiFive leaders Drew Barbier (VP of products) and Brad Burgess (chief architect) to strengthen product development capabilities.


Products

MIPS Technologies created the processor architecture that was licensed to semiconductor manufacturers, with over 125 licensees delivering more than half a billion MIPS-based processors annually prior to its acquisition.

The MIPS architecture and cores are utilized across various sectors such as home entertainment, communications, and networking. The company offers licenses for both 32-bit and 64-bit architectures, as well as 32-bit core designs.

The MIPS32 architecture is a high-performance 32-bit instruction set architecture (ISA) commonly employed in microcontrollers, mobile devices, networking hardware, and home entertainment systems. Clients can either license the architecture to develop proprietary processors or purchase ready-made cores directly from MIPS.

The MIPS64 architecture is a 64-bit high-performance ISA that has seen widespread adoption in networking infrastructure equipment, with licensees including companies like Cavium Networks and Broadcom.

SmartCE (Connected Entertainment) is a reference design platform that integrates Android, Adobe Flash for television, Skype, and other applications. This platform helps original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) accelerate the development of consumer electronics products.

MIPS processor core families

Imagination categorizes MIPS processor cores into three primary families:

  • Warrior: incorporates features such as hardware virtualization, simultaneous multi-threading, and SIMD capabilities.
    • M-class: includes models like M5100, M5150, M6200, and M6250
    • I-class: includes I6400 and I7200 cores
    • P-class: includes P5600 and P6600 cores
  • Aptiv: consists of microAptiv (designed for compact real-time embedded applications), interAptiv (supporting multiprocessor and multithreaded configurations), and proAptiv (offering superscalar out-of-order execution with high CoreMark per MHz performance).
  • Classic: encompasses cores such as 4K, M14K, 24K, 34K, 74K, 1004K (which supports multicore and multithreading), and 1074K (a superscalar multithreaded core).

MIPS eVocore RISC-V CPU IP cores

The eVocore series represents MIPS’ expansion into RISC-V CPU intellectual property cores. These cores support features including privileged virtualization, customizable extensions, multi-threading capabilities, hybrid debugging, and functional safety compliance.

  • eVocore P8700: a scalable multiprocessing platform featuring a deep pipeline with multi-issue out-of-order execution and multi-threading; it can scale up to 64 clusters comprising 512 cores and handle up to 1,024 threads.
  • eVocore I8500: an in-order multiprocessing core that combines multi-threading with a triple-issue pipeline design.

Licensees

MIPS Technologies sustained a robust licensee network within home electronics and portable media player markets; notably, approximately three-quarters of Blu-ray Disc players incorporated MIPS processors. In the digital home sector, MIPS CPUs were frequently found in digital televisions and set-top boxes. The Sony PlayStation Portable featured two processors based on the MIPS32 4K architecture.

In the networking domain, prominent licensees include Cavium Networks and Broadcom. Cavium’s OCTEON network processors integrate up to 48 MIPS cores, whereas Broadcom offers Linux-compatible multicore processors based on the MIPS64 architecture such as the XLP, XLR, and XLS series. Licensees focusing on smartphones and tablets include Actions Semiconductor and Ingenic Semiconductor; products like Velocity Micro’s Cruz tablets and TCL smartphones utilize MIPS technology.

Organizations have the option to obtain an architectural license from MIPS to design custom CPU cores; Broadcom’s BRCM 5000 serves as an example of this approach. Other notable licensees include Microchip Technology—using MIPS for its 32-bit PIC32 microcontrollers—Qualcomm Atheros, MediaTek, and Mobileye. Mobileye’s EyeQ chips are built upon licensed MIPS cores.

Mobileye also became the inaugural licensee for MIPS’ RISC-V CPU offerings by adopting the eVocore P8700 core for autonomous vehicle system-on-chips (SoCs), marking a strategic extension of MIPS’ portfolio into emerging technology markets.

Operating systems

The MIPS architecture is compatible with a range of Unix-like operating systems, such as Linux, FreeBSD, NetBSD, and OpenBSD.

Android, Google's platform-independent operating system based on the Linux kernel, was originally adapted for MIPS processors to serve embedded devices beyond smartphones. However, support for MIPS was phased out in 2018. In 2010, MIPS in collaboration with licensee Sigma Designs introduced the first Android-powered set-top boxes, allowing MIPS chips to run Android on smartphones and tablets.

OpenWrt, a Linux-based embedded operating system, initially targeted the Linksys WRT54G router, which utilized a 32-bit MIPS Broadcom CPU. Today, it extends support to MIPS hardware from manufacturers including Atheros, Broadcom, Cavium, Lantiq, and MediaTek.

Several real-time operating systems are designed to operate on MIPS platforms, including CMX Systems, eCosCentric's eCos, ENEA OSE, Express Logic's ThreadX, FreeRTOS, the Integrity OS by Green Hills Software, LynuxWorks' LynxOS, solutions from Mentor Graphics, Micrium's μC/OS, QNX Software Systems' QNX, RTXC Quadros RTOS by Quadros Systems Inc., Segger's embOS, and Wind River's VxWorks.

Moreover, the HPE NonStop Guardian operating system offers a variant that supports MIPS processors.

See also

Further reading

  1. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named junko
  2. ↑ Peter Clarke, EE Times.
  3. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named bloomberg20170922
  4. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named top500_mips
  5. ↑ EEJournal
  6. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named :1
  7. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named :2
Retrieved from "https://www.alfawiki.org/index.php?title=MIPS_Technologies&oldid=10042"