Intel launches new Atom processors for embedded devices
03 Mar 2009
Intel's Atom processor has proved to be highly popular with the new breed of smaller, Internet-ready notebooks, popularly known as ''netbooks.'' Now, Intel has added four new members to the Atom line-up in an attempt to push the processors into other devices as well. (See: Netbook market in India heats up: Acer launches newest offering after Lenovo and Asus / Little wonder from Asus: Eee PC 1002HA netbook comes to India / Dell India comes into the netbook league with the Inspiron Mini 12)
The four additions to the Atom processor series present different package-size choices, allowing them to fit into a broader range of devices and applications, including smartphones, ecotechnologies, industrial-strength applications and in-car "infotainment" devices. The new products also include industrial-temperature options.
Those four chips are the Intel Atom Processor Z510P and Z510PT, with a core speed of 1.1GHz; the Z520PT, capable of core speed of 1.3GHz; and the Z530P, which can reach 1.5GHz. Aiming at embedded in-car systems as well interactive kiosks and other industrial applications, the ultra-low power chips which run at between 1.1 GHz and 1.6 GHz, draw tiny amounts of power and are about the size of a thumbnail.
Built on Intel's existing 45nm process, the chips are designed to rub shoulders with those designed by British chipmaker ARM that currently dominates the low-power processor market. The chips will be shipping in commercial quantities in the second quarter of 2009 but pricing has not yet been announced.
By extending the small Atom processors to embedded industries for purposes such as in-vehicle infotainment, industrial control and automation, and media phones, Intel said it believes it can insert itself strategically into the growing market for embedded products, which require low power usage and the ability to operate smoothly in unconstrained thermal environments.
"Today there are 5 billion devices connected to the embedded Internet," said Doug Davis, vice president of Intel's Digital Enterprise Group, during a conference call where he referred to IDC research numbers. "There will be 15 billion by 2015."
Intel points to the Intel Atom Z5xx series in particular as having a package size and power envelope that will allow it to work well in smartphones, which provide Internet-based applications in addition to simple communications services.
"We can see these kinds of devices extending into the enterprise, with a very specific set of applications," Davis said. "We think there's an opportunity to extend the platform."
