PlayStation 3 'The Cell' chip

Some of the key concepts of the Cell advanced microprocessor for next-generation computing applications and digital consumer electronics have been revealed by partners IBM, Sony, Sony Computer Entertainment and Toshiba.



Optimized for compute-intensive workloads and broadband rich media applications, including computer entertainment, movies and other forms of digital content, Cell is a multicore chip comprising a 64-bit Power processor core and multiple synergistic processor cores capable of massive floating point processing, the companies confirm in a joint statement.



The microprocessor adopts a flexible parallel and distributed computing architecture consisting of independent floating point processors for rich media processing, say the partners.



It supports multiple operating systems, including PC/WS operating systems, as well as real-time CE/Game operating systems. "In addition, the Cell processor is scalable and can be utilized in a variety of applications - from small digital CE systems within the home to entertainment applications for rendering movies, to scientific applications, such as supercomputers," they state.



The design work is taking place at a joint development lab the three companies have established in Austin, Texas, after the project was announced in 2001.