Intel has introduced four new versions of its Atom processors and two new
system controller hub additions on March 2, adding to the chip giant's growing embedded
product lineup, which includes smartphones.
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.
Also on March 2, Intel
and TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing) announced a partnership
allowing Intel to port its Atom CPUs onto TSMC's technology platform, expanding
the Atom processor's reach into mininotebooks aka netbooks, MIDs (mobile
Internet devices) and smartphones.
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."
Those Intel Atom processors designed for in-vehicle systems will be paired with
the Microsoft Auto software platform, designed to provide drivers with features
such as mobile device integration and speech recognition.
"We're excited to see them introducing new low-power-consumption Intel
Atom processors targeted for in-vehicle systems," Greg Baribault, director
of product management for the Automotive Business Unit at Microsoft, said in a
statement. "Intel Atom processors and the Microsoft Auto software platform
will provide scalability for the new era of advanced in-vehicle
solutions."
The new products will be available in the second quarter of 2009.
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