Intel Unveils Newest Atom Processor-Based Platform (Moorestown)
Intel Corporation unveiled its newest Intel Atom processor-based platform (formerly 'Moorestown'). The new platform supports a range of scalable frequencies, up to 1.5 GHz for high-end smartphones and up to 1.9 GHz for tablets and other handheld designs. The chips also bring support for Wi-Fi, 3G/HSPA, and WiMAX, as well as a range of operation systems, including Android, MeeGo and Moblin. The platform includes the Intel Atom processor Z6xx Series Family (formerly 'Lincroft' system-on-chip), the Intel Platform Controller Hub MP20 (formerly 'Langwell') and a dedicated Mixed Signal IC (MSIC), formerly 'Briertown.'
Intel Atom Processor Z6xx and Intel Platform Controller Hub MP20
The platform has been repartitioned to include the Intel Atom processor Z6xx, which combines the 45nm Intel Atom processor core with 3D 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.
Collectively, these new chips deliver significantly lower power including >50x reduction in idle power, >20x reduction in audio power, and 2-3x reductions across browsing and video scenarios -- all at the platform level when compared to Intel's previous-generation product1. These power savings translate into >10 days of standby, up to 2 days of audio playback and 4-5 hours of browsing and video battery life3. When combined with 1.5-3x higher compute performance, 2-4x richer graphics, >4x higher JavaScript performance, and support for full HD 1080p high-profile video decoding and 720p HD video recording, these low-power innovations bring a rich, PC-like visual experience to powerful handheld computers.
Building on the C6 state in the original Intel Atom processor design, the SoC incorporates new ultra-low-power states (S0i1 and S0i3), which take the SoC to 100 micro-watts. At the platform level, Intel implemented a new, fine grain OS power management approach that manages the idle and active power states across all aspects of the system based on usage scenarios. This software-managed technique applies aggressive power and clock gating across the SoC's power islands and system voltage rails. Additionally, Intel used a new high-K 45nm LP SoC process to support a multiple transistor design with a range of high-voltage I/Os.
The Intel Atom processor Z6xx Series Family, Intel Platform Controller Hub MP20 and the dedicated Mixed Signal IC are already available.
Source: Intel Corporation
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