The Motorola Coldfire series of processors are RISC descendants of the 680X0 series processors familiar to 'Classic' Amiga users. Coldfire was primarily aimed at replacing embedded 680X0 processors with a low-cost, high performance, 68k-esque processor line. Coldfire developments on the Amiga are at a very early stage, and are aimed at providing a processor upgrade for 680X0 Amigas. At present, it is unlikely development will result in a distinct line of Coldfire Amigas, though speculation at this stage is vague at best. It may not be as 'cool' as a PowerPC or an Alpha, but it is an important path - particularly for those looking to power a 680X0 Amiga into the 21st Century...
The ColdFire is roughly 30-40% (I believe) opcode compatible with the 680X0 line. However, libraries which implement missing 680X0 instructions are available to allow compatibility in much the same way as the 68040 and 68060 FPUs use software support to emulate missing 68882 FPU instructions. This allows a good upgrade path, protecting valuable 680X0 software investments.
Alternative Approach and IAT Manufacturing are currently working on developing a multiprocessor accelerator board based upon Coldfire technology. Their work is unique in the Amiga field, at present, and offers some unique features over technology such as PowerPC. The system aims to offer a low-cost, high performance upgrade, with strong 680X0 compatibility and extensive upgrade path. Blittersoft will handle distribution.
Alternative Approach are involved with the software development. Software is based upon a custom 'Micro-OS' which will allow the multiprocessor operations to integrate with the existing AmigaOS. (AmigaOS is still a single-processor system, discounting the custom chips or PowerPC board software hacks). Each processor functions independently, working on a different task in parallel.
IAT manufacturing are the hardware gurus of the project. Current board specifications are preliminary, but probably won't to change. Even if they do, it gives a very good idea of the system's merits:
According to Drew Tarmey of IAT, the above base system should provide the following capabilities:
(this doesn't include the capabilities of the 680X0)
Retail price is going to be under 200 UKP (about $300) which places it well below other similar boards.
Coldfire has found many applications in multimedia systems, and is supported by good third-party support. PCI, Ethernet and other industry standard expansions are all available and will be supported by the Impulse.
The scheduled release date is early 1999, and plans are already in motion to follow up the line with bigger advances in processor technology. V4 Coldfire reaches around 600 MIPS performance, and DSP systems are already available - you may also be interested to note that a V4 ColdFire chip will cost about $20-$25!!!
The supporting 680X0 chip will eventually be phased out as the technology is refined. You can even use the system in conjunction with a PowerPC board! (Just think... 68060, dual G3 and dual V4 Coldfire... all on the same system!)
I'm afraid I don't have any further information on this. I'll provide more details as soon as I have it, keep your eyes peeled for an official Impulse announcement!
Many thanks go to Drew Tarmey of IAT Manufacturing for providing further information on aspects of the system.
