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 Advanced Multiprocessing (AMP) 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