SUN plans new Java processor

Sunnyvale 18 Aug 99 Sun Microsystems has plans for a new family of microprocessors designed to run high-bandwidth, multimedia applications on myriad machines, ranging from interactive toys to servers: The Microprocessor Architecture for Java Computing, or MAJC.

MAJC differs from standard PC microprocessor architectures in that it includes functions that traditionally would be handled by a DSP (digital-signal processor). This optimizes the chip for video, audio and animation applications. According to SUN, MAJC will be extremely scalable. Sun plans by 2008 to include 1,024 processors on a single MAJC chip.

MAJC will run on several programming languages, including C, C++ and Java. By acting as a processor and a DSP as well as an application-specific integrated circuit, the chip needs programming in only one language. MAJC compiles the code.

SUN is talking with hardware vendors from cell phone companies to server manufacturers about using MAJC but did not mention names

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