STMicroelectronics has become the latest chip company to take a license for MIPS Technologies' 64-bit architecture core. ST will initially use the core as part of a joint venture with the Chinese Institute of Computing Technologies, and processors of MIPS64 architecture will be made widely available in China.

"We are delighted that ST has joined our exclusive network of architectural licensees, and look forward to teaming with them as they continue building out their global strategy for innovative computing solutions," said John Bourgoin, president and CEO of MIPS Technologies, a leading provider of industry-standard processor architectures and cores for digital consumer, networking, personal entertainment, communications and business applications.

"China's rapid growth has resulted in unprecedented consumer demand for home entertainment, broadband access and portable media devices -- all markets where MIPS holds a prominent position," said Bourgoin. In just two years, MIPS solutions are helping China's companies like Actions Semiconductor, Fangtek, and Huaya Microelectronics. Some semiconductor companies in China are expected to use the MIPS 64-bit architecture core.

The MIPS64 architecture has long been a preferred choice for major semiconductor companies around the world for its performance, cost and scalability," said John Bourgoin. During a celebration on Wednesday of the second anniversary of its R&D center in Shanghai, MIPS also announced its plan to extend the facility. China already represents the company's fastest growing region worldwide.

The 64-bit processor architecture provides the essential foundation for robust, high-performance MIPS(R) processors and offers upward compatibility to the MIPS32(R) architecture. MIPS Technologies began developing its MIPS64 core more than a decade ago, based on the leading-edge RISC (reduced instruction set computer) research.