Release 5 ("R5") of the MIPS architecture incorporates important functionality for next-generation MIPS-Based™ products, including hardware virtualization support and SIMD (Single Instruction Multiple Data) modules. This major release of the MIPS® architecture encompasses the MIPS32®, MIPS64® and microMIPS™ instruction set architectures. Learn More
Whitepapers
MIPS® SIMD Architecture
In consumer electronics devices, adding a software-programmable SIMD solution in the CPU can add flexibility for emerging codecs and functions not covered by dedicated hardware. The MIPS® SIMD Architecture (MSA) module adds new instructions to the MIPS architecture that enable efficient parallel processing of vector operations. The MSA is designed specifically to accelerate compute-intensive applications with generic compiler support. Find out how MIPS architects developed a simple SIMD instruction set that is programmer- and compiler-friendly, and hardware-efficient in terms of speed, area, and power consumption. Download
Using Virtualization to Implement a Scalable Trusted Execution Environment in Secure SoCs
Today's connected embedded devices are highly-integrated and capable of simultaneously supporting a multitude of applications. These applications have enhanced consumers’ entertainment experiences and work productivity with an anytime and anywhere usage scheme, but that has come with an exponentially increased threat of security compromise. This paper examines the use of virtualization technologies for creating the requisite scalable trusted execution environment for secure embedded systems. It also provides an overview of MIPS Technologies’ existing and forthcoming solutions for virtualization-based security. Download
Hardware-Assisted Virtualization with the MIPS® Virtualization Module
Virtualization technologies provide compelling benefits across a wide range of areas, from compute-intensive enterprise environments to energy efficient mobile platforms. From enabling workload consolidation in the data center to providing security and content protection on mobile and home entertainment platforms, virtualization is increasingly important. This paper provides an introduction to hardware and software virtualization technologies and their applications, and introduces the MIPS Virtualization (VZ) module—a simple and flexible hardware-based solution incorporated in the MIPS architecture. The paper describes how MIPS' solution can efficiently address a broad range of applications without the significant performance impact commonly associated with virtualized solutions. Download
Additional Resources
Blog post by David Lau, MIPS’ Director of Software and Architecture: “Continuing Evolution of the MIPS® Instruction Set Architecture Learn More
