IBM Corp has a new low-end embedded version of the PowerPC, the PowerPC 401GF embedded controller, and Des Moines, Iowa-based Microware Corp, which feels itself to be in danger of getting trampled in the Java stampede, immediately announced plans fo r a version of its OS-9 real-time operating system to run on the part, which is being pitched to makers of Internet access devices, set-top boxes, wireless communicators and digital cameras. Microware is currently developing an Internet version o f OS-9 that includes Java support, browser technolo gy, network protocols and graphics support. The Pow erPC 401GF costs just $13 in quantities of 10,000 and up, and US Robotics Inc is an early taker. IBM plans to offer the PowerPC 401GF in 25MHz, 50MHz, 75MHz and 100MHz versions. Samples of the first three should be out next quarter, with the 100MHz following early next year. The 25MHz re quires a 2.5V supply, the others require 3.3V. They all have 2Kb instruction and 1Kb data caches, a real mode memory management unit and integrated timers.
