AMD unveils processors for embedded market

Targeting the embedded market, AMD has announced the release of its AMD Geode LX900@1.5W processor and the addition of its second-generation AMD Opteron processors and AMD Athlon 64 X2 dual-core processors to the AMD64 Longevity Program. AMD is also offering several new Reference Design Kits (RDKs). All these solutions span high-end to very low-power embedded markets.

For high-end embedded markets, the AMD64 Longevity Program makes select AMD64 technology available for a longer-than-standard timeframe and now includes the second-generation AMD Opteron processors with Direct Connect Architecture and the AMD Athlon 64 X2 dual-core and AMD Athlon 64 processors that offer unique features such as an integrated DDR2 memory controller supporting ECC. These processors are suitable for high-end storage and telecommunications embedded designs, as well as more traditional embedded markets such as security, medical imaging, military systems, single board computing, point-of-sale (POS) solutions and gaming. This is in addition to the Mobile AMD Sempron processor Model 3500+ and the AMD Turion 64 X2 dual-core mobile technology Model TL-52.

Like the AMD Athlon 64 and AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core processors, the AMD Geode LX900 is designed to deliver premium performance with very low total system power, said the company. Targeting demanding applications, the highly integrated architecture of the AMD Geode LX enables long battery life and small form-factor designs common to thin clients, SBCs and ultramobile applications, said the company.

AMD's three new RDKs include the following:

• The AMD Geode LX Network Attached Storage (NAS) RDK provides companies with the design requirements to develop solutions that help enable sharing of movies, music, and other forms of data while also offering redundancy and security features required for this specific class of devices.

• The AMD Geode LX Ultra Value Clients (UVC) RDK is a fifth-generation RDK that combines a small form-factor design, x86 application compatibility, and energy efficiency to create a complete product development solution suitable for those designing UVCs, SBCs, POS devices, thin clients, network appliances and kiosks.

• The AMD Opteron 200 Series processor AdvancedTCA RDK is a rugged, NEBS-compliant blade designed with the AMD Opteron 200 series processor with dual-core technology. It is designed to provide a highly configurable and scalable platform for deployment in carrier-grade environments.

- Gina Roos
eeProductCenter