Motorola Inc’s Microprocessor Products Group has added a further 68000-based chip to its 68300 range of integrated processors. The new 32-bit 68340 processor is targeted at future Compact Disk-Interactive products as well as the embedded applications in which 75% of the 68000 chips sold are used. Accordingly, Motorola developers have been working closely with engineers from Philips NV, which, along with Sony, is intent on commercialising CD-I applications such as audio-visual educational tools and multi-media computer-based encyclopediae. The core processing element of the 68340 is the CPU32, which is compatible with all 68000-based software and incorporates various enhancements to provide a claimed 200% improvement in performance over the basic 68000 chip. The CPU32 connects to a number of on-chip peripherals such as timers, serial communications channels, and a system integration module that provides protection circuitry, bus timing control, interrupt circuits and a clock synthesiser. A dual-channel direct memory access controller shuttles data between the hard disk and memory at up to 33Mbps. In full operation, the 68340 uses under one Watt of power, and in stand-by mode less than a milliWatt Motorola says this enables the processor to be used for portable or battery-operated applications. The 68340 is available now in sample quantities as a 144-pin quad flat pack or pin grid array package, with volume availability set for the first quarter of next year – price is expected to be under $40. Motorola is also offering the processor as part of an evaluation system board package, available now for $800, which includes a 68340, 128Kb of EPROM, 64Kb RAM, RS232 support, sockets for additional memory and 68881 co-processor, logic analyser and background mode interfaces and hardware breakpoints. The first major use of the 68340 has been as an input-output controller for a Unix computer designed by Siemens AG-owned Intertechnique Informatique SA, IN2.
