Chinese researchers have recently developed a micro processor supporting both 32 bit and 16 bit instruction sets and also designed the prototypes of related operating system and information-related household appliance, after the first set of 16-bit embedded micro processor was developed by Peking University at the end of 1999.

This demonstrates that China has reached advanced world level in developing imbedded microprocessor in system structure, systematic software, program developing and debugging.

The IC (integrated circuit) technology with microprocessor at the core and software technology with the operating system at the center are two key technologies in the field of information industry. They are of vital importance for a country to strengthen information security and to enhance its comprehensive strength. However, 90 percent of IC chips needed by China have to be imported.

To change this situation, Computer Department of Peking University has made efforts to engage in creating a design environment both for software and hardware. Studies by Peking University have eventually led to the integration of microelectronics, software and the computer system structure into an organic whole. The system they developed is provided with higher code density and processing power, and it can be widely applied in information-related household appliance, information security products and research of popularized-computer intended for primary and middle school students.

(People's Daily 01/15/01)