Unveiled at the Intel Developer Forum (IDF) in Shanghai today, leading chipmaker Intel Corporation has finally shone the spotlight of attention on its new line of power efficient 45nm, high-k metal gate transistor Atom processors, which have been specially developed for inclusion in embedded computing solutions and Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs).
Intel Corp. introduces its Atom and Centrino Atom technology. Credit: Intel.
The new Intel Atom processor technology package, which was developed under the working name of ‘Silverthorne,’ includes a single-chip with Intel’s System Controller Hub integrated graphics solution, which combine to enable “PC-like capabilities, an uncompromised Internet experience and long battery life in smaller devices.”
According to Intel, the Atom is its smallest ever processor and the world’s fastest chip under a 3-watt threshold. Atom delivers thermal design power range of 0.65 to 2.4 watts (which is a massive improvement over the 35 watts used by one of today’s typical laptops), while it also carries an average power range of 160-220 milliwatts (mW) and an idle power range of 80-100mW.
Atom’s notable downturn in power consumption is due to Intel’s incorporation of several design power management techniques, which include Deep Power Down Technology, CMOS mode, and Split I/O power supply.
“Today is a historic day for Intel and the high-tech industry as we deliver our first-ever Intel Atom processor and surround it with a great package of technology,” trumpeted Anand Chandrasekher, senior vice president and general manager of the Intel’s Ultra Mobility Group.
“Mix in the incredible innovation coming from our fellow device makers and software vendors, and we will change the way consumers will come to know and access the World Wide Web,” he added. “These forthcoming MIDs, and some incredible longer-term plans our customers are sharing with us, will show how small devices can deliver a big Internet experience.”
The tiny Atom will be part of Intel’s Centrino Atom (a.k.a. ‘Menlow‘) platform and made available in speeds up to 1.86GHz, while also supporting Enhanced Intel SpeedStep and Hyper-Threading technology. Intel claims these elements make the Atom “the fastest processor in the sub-3 watt space,” and will enable it to deliver a rich online user experience through fast Web page downloads and support for the likes of Adobe Flash and JavaScript.
Atom’s integrated System Controller Hub provides advanced low-power 3D graphics capabilities, hardware accelerated 720p and 1080i HD video decoding, Intel High Definition Audio, and a combination of PC and handheld I/O features such as PCI Express, USB Host and Client, and SDIO. The mobile nature of Intel’s Centrino Atom technology also means that equipped MIDs will be able to draw upon existing cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity and also the upcoming wireless broadband WiMAX technology.
Manufacturers around the world are planning to ship Intel-based MIDs beginning this summer.
View blog reactions
There are currently no comments for this article. Be the first to comment! (no registration required)
Advertising
There are currently no comments for this article. Be the first to comment! (no registration required)