Intel unveils Atom processor-based platform

Intel Corporation has unveiled its newest Intel Atom processor-based platform. The technology package provides significantly lower power consumption and prepares the company to target a range of computing devices, including high-end smartphones, tablets and other mobile handheld products. The chips bring Intel’s classic product strengths – outstanding performance to run a comprehensive and growing number of rich media and Internet applications, a choice of software and the ability to easily multitask – across a number of applications, including HD video and multi-point videoconferencing.

“Intel has delivered its first product that is opening the door for Intel Architecture [IA] in the smartphone market segment,” said Anand Chandrasekher, Intel Senior Vice-President & General Manager of the Ultra Mobility Group. “Through ‘Moorestown’, Intel is scaling the benefits of IA while significantly reducing the power, cost and footprint to better address handheld market segments. As a result of our efforts, the Intel Atom processor is pushing the boundaries of higher performance at significantly lower power to show what is possible as handheld devices become small, powerful mobile computers.”

The platform includes the Intel Atom Processor Z6xx Series Family (formerly “Lincroft” system-on-chip [SoC]), the Intel Platform Controller Hub MP20 (formerly “Langwell”) and a dedicated Mixed Signal IC (MSIC), formerly “Briertown”.

The platform has been repartitioned to include the Intel Atom Processor Z6xx, which combines the 45nm Intel Atom processor core with 3-D graphics, video encode and decode, as well as memory and display controllers into a single SoC design. It also includes the MP20 Platform Controller Hub which supports a range of system-level functions and I/O blocks. Additionally, a dedicated MSIC integrates power delivery and battery charging, and consolidates a range of analog and digital components.

“After we delivered the first-generation Intel Atom processor with 10x thermal power reduction, we challenged ourselves to achieve 50x power reduction at the platform level,” said Belli Kuttanna, chief Intel Atom processor architect. “We are delighted to have exceeded this goal while increasing performance and are proud of the architects and designers who consistently reinvent the possibilities of Intel Architecture.”