Not too much has been heard of the 16-bit microprocessor optimised for the Forth programming language and operating environment since it was introduced by Novix Inc, Cupertino, California a couple of years ago, but now Harris Corp has come out with the Force – for Forth Optimised RISC Computing Engine, Toolbox, which includes the Harris implementation of the CMOS microprocessor, plus support macrocells, front-to-back computer-aided engineering support, and Harris and third party hardware and software tools. The microprocessor is rated at 10 to 15 MIPS sustained performance, 30 MIPS peak, and the toolbox is intended for creation of embedded silicon solutions for industrial and military real time control and signal processing; no prices given. Forth was conceived by Charles Moore on an IBM 1130 back in 1971 for radio telescope data acquisition.
