Sparcs Fly as Sun Redesigns Processor

Upping the ante in its quest to keep Intel from being considered a serious candidate in high end computing, Sun Microsystems has tweaked its UltraSparc III processor for improved speed. With the addition of copper metal interconnects, 0.15 micron process technology, and several other modifications, Sun has achieved its best performing chip ever. Running at 900 Megahertz, the chip will become available in October for use in workstations and, after a slight wait, will be deployed in servers. A close partner to Sun, Texas Instruments has been tapped to continue manufacturing of the processors.

The introduction of Intel's 64-bit Itanium microprocessor has for the first time given Intel a window of opportunity to invade the high-end server market. Sun's product offerings have included a 64-but chip for some time, and they continue to dominate sales of UNIX-powered servers. With the upcoming McKinley, the second generation 64-bit processor from Intel, Sun is taking no chances given the chip giant's penchant to quickly accelerate clock speeds.

David Yen, vice president and general manager for Sun Microsystems Processor Products Group, described Sun's efforts to bolster the UltraSparc technology. "Implementing copper, low-K dielectric and a new transistor deliver a triple play in giving us enhanced flexibility to field new variations of the UltraSparc III chip that offer higher clock speeds, lower power consumption, greater reliability, lower memory latency and other features essential for workstation and server computing," Yen stated.

The 0.15 manufacturing process will give Sun a significant amount of headway as it enters into the gigahertz phase of its technology. More details about the UltraSparc III can be found at Sun's Web site.