Clipper processor
The Clipper processor was a 32-bit RISC processor from Fairchild Semiconductor . Compared to other RISC processors, the clipper had a relatively extensive set of instructions that was implemented using function libraries integrated in the processor.
Initially under the name C100, Fairchild Semiconductor produced the processor consisting of three chips. The CPU chip was supported by two so-called CAMMUs, cache and MMU units (cache and MMU), one each for commands and one for data. The three chips were delivered mounted on a circuit board as a module.
The clipper found only a few customers due to its relatively high cost despite its good performance. In addition, at the time of the market launch in 1986, several other 32-bit architectures were already well established on the market, so that a relatively expensive new architecture had little chance.
After National Semiconductor bought Fairchild Semiconductor in 1987 , the situation for the Clipper processor continued to deteriorate, as National Semiconductor already had a less successful 32-bit processor family in-house with the NS320xx . The entire Clipper division was then sold to the largest Clipper customer, Intergraph . Intergraph introduced the C300 in 1988 and the C400 in 1990. Work on another successor was later discontinued.
Various patents, especially on techniques used in the CAMMUs, later led to a lawsuit between Intergraph and Intel , as well as other companies, as many newer processors use these techniques.
