In my opinion, the speed of the processor is not relevant. In this time of highly competitive markets, manufacturers must reduce costs whenever and wherever they can. To use an overly-fast microprocessor to perform rudimentary functions is, from a design perspective, like using a cannon when a pistol would suffice. Given the proliferation of products that are reliant upon the MMP technology, I am not concerned about faster processors rendering the MMP technology obsolete for the foreseeable future.

"Protected through year of 2015, these patents protect techniques used in designing microprocessors, Digital Signal Processor (DSPs), embedded processors and System-on-Chip (SoC) implementations. The three most widely recognized patents in the portfolio are described below:

US'336: Clocking CPU and I/O Separately
The MMP Portfolio is not limited to "high speed" microprocessors. In fact, during the past year of intense study of hundreds of various microprocessor designs, no correlation at all has been found between the speed of a microprocessor and the application of US'336. Use of US'336 is prevalent across most microprocessors from low speed microcontrollers to sophisticated systems on chips. Advertised advantages include: cost reduction, instant-on execution, failsafe operation,
EMI reduction, and power savings. It is a modern requirement from a design for test ("DFT") perspective.

US'584: Multiple Instruction Fetch
Multiple Instruction Fetch architectures are the norm in environments where limiting power consumption is critical; e.g. portable products. Various techniques can be employed to achieve the Multiple Instruction Fetch, and marketing terminology includes "VLIW," "SIMD," "MIMD", "Superscalar," etc.

US'148: On-Chip Oscillator and Embedded Memory
Shares the on-chip oscillator feature with US'336, in addition to memory covering more than majority of chip. Also includes claims pertaining to multiple CPU, array or cell implementations. The vast majority of the SoC and flash microcontroller products are affected. "

I look forward to your opinion of the technology that would hinder or in some other way render the MMP patented technology moot as a going concern.

Cheers,

DG