▍Processor IP is becoming a fundamental technology, thus its value in the ecosystem is declining
Source: Jiwei Network
GlobalFoundries will acquire the processor developer MIPS, highlighting the vulnerability of the RISC-V ecosystem.Previously, the board of the German RISC-V core developer Codasip put the company up for sale after negotiations, and Esperanto Technologies also halted the development of its RISC-V accelerator chip with 1088 cores. This is likely part of GlobalFoundries’ due diligence in acquiring MIPS.MIPS will continue to operate as an independent company, providing cores for autonomous driving, industrial automation, data centers, and smart edge applications. GlobalFoundries stated that this is a strategic acquisition that will expand its customizable IP product portfolio, enabling further differentiation of its process technology through IP and software capabilities.This move also indicates that processor IP is becoming a fundamental technology, thus its value in the ecosystem is declining. The value of this transaction has not been disclosed.The acquisition of MIPS is subject to customary closing conditions, including obtaining necessary regulatory approvals, and the transaction is expected to be completed in the second half of 2025.
MIPS has experienced a tumultuous decade. MIPS was a pioneer of RISC processors, developed by Stanford University’s John Hennessey and Chris Rowen. Over the years, MIPS has directly competed with Arm with its R2000 processor used in the original Playstation gaming console. In 1992, MIPS was acquired by Silicon Graphics Inc (SGI), but was spun off in 1998. In 2013, MIPS was acquired by the UK-based intellectual property developer Imagination Technologies, which also provided graphics technology for gaming consoles. In 2017, MIPS was sold to Tallwood Ventures, involving Chinese-related enterprises, and was subsequently acquired by Wave Computing in 2018. After Wave Computing’s bankruptcy in 2020, MIPS was re-established under its name, focusing on the RISC-V open instruction architecture also developed by John Hennessey.MIPS CEO Sameer Wasson stated: “Joining GlobalFoundries marks a new chapter for MIPS. GlobalFoundries has an excellent track record in providing differentiated technology with its secure and reliable global manufacturing network, which will enhance our ability to accelerate innovation and expand solutions, thereby unlocking new opportunities in physical artificial intelligence (AI) and creating greater value for our customers.”MIPS recently launched the Atlas series of cores, following the poor market response to its eVocore P8700 and I8500 series cores. MIPS also introduced the virtual platform Atlas Explorer, which can optimize performance, power consumption, and area (PPA) like Codasip’s design optimization tools.GlobalFoundries President and COO Niels Anderskouv stated: “MIPS has extensive experience in providing efficient, scalable computing IP for performance-critical applications, which strategically aligns with the changing demands of different markets for AI platforms. Through this acquisition, we will expand our capabilities to offer customers more flexible, RISC-V-based open platform solutions, and combined with our differentiated process technology and world-class manufacturing capabilities, help them create world-class products. This acquisition will significantly drive our breakthroughs in efficiency and performance across a wide range of applications, including automotive, industrial, and data center infrastructure.”Statement:This public account article is copyrighted by the original author and source, provided for reference only and does not constitute investment or application advice. Some articles on this public account platform are reprints and are not for commercial purposes. If there is any infringement, please contact us in a timely manner, and we will handle it as soon as possible. This public account has the final interpretation right of this statement.
