AltiVec addresses high-bandwidth data processing and algorithmic-intensive computations, delivering DSP-level performance for control and data path processing tasks. Benchmarks conducted by the Embedded Microprocessor Benchmark Consortium (EEMBC) have demonstrated 10x performance improvements with AltiVec technology.

QorIQ T Series processors, featuring AltiVec technology, will deliver dramatic performance and energy efficiency boosts for a wide range of applications including the wireless infrastructure, networking, aerospace, military, industrial, robotics, storage, medical, video systems and printing markets.

Traditionally, many high-performance applications have contained a combination of a single microprocessor performing the system control function and off-chip devices based on one or more other architectures, such as a DSP farm or custom ASICs, to perform specialized computations. AltiVec technology enables a class of processors that drives the convergence of these technologies. AltiVec technology provides embedded and computing system designers with a “one part-one code base” approach to product design. Because this integrated solution is still 100% compatible with the industry-standard Power Architecture technology, design and support are simplified, and the development barriers inherent to multiple architecture designs are eliminated. System designers and their customers will benefit through faster time-to-market and lower total system development cost while simultaneously enjoying a tremendous jump in performance.

AltiVec Execution Unit and instruction Set Overview