■New Age of Multicore Processors

Supercomputers, PCs, car navigation systems, cellular handsets, home video-game machines, digital TV and other digital IT home appliances - the processors behind them are becoming multicore. All these devices must process huge volumes of data and high-definition images and videos at high speed. Simultaneously, they must handle external communication/network environments. Despite the high-performance demands, the power consumption and price of the chips must be kept the same level or reduced.

One means of delivery of such requirements is the use of the multicore processor. In the PC sector, products with dual-core processors are now widely available. This trend is being repeated in digital home appliances. Microprocessor Forum (MPF) Japan 2008 will offer state-of-the-art technical presentations and insights into trends on multicore processors, including architecture, enabling technology, and software technology for efficient parallel processing.

■Digital Entertainment at Home and on the Go

To core discussions of basic processor technologies, MPF Japan has added special sessions with a focus on the applications of processors such as cellular handsets and automotive electronics. These sessions have served to identify processor needs on the system-side and to sharpen development targets of semiconductor designers.

The theme for MPF Japan 2008 is “Digital Entertainment at Home and on the Go”. The technologies for producing devices and systems carrying high-performance and low-energy multicore processors will hold the key to effectively providing consumers with enjoyment of live and realistic still image, video and audio at home and on the go. Microprocessor Forum Japan 2008 will showcase leading-edge processors and technologies for home/mobile digital entertainment devices.

■Microprocessor Forum Japan 2008　Outline