Intel has launched its Atom processor formerly known as Moorestown, which supports a range of 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 operating systems, including Android, Meego and Moblin. The chips can run rich media and internet applications, a choice of software, and enables multitasking across a number of applications, including HD video and multi-point videoconferencing. The platform includes the Intel Atom Processor Z6xx Series Family, the Intel Platform Controller Hub MP20 and a dedicated Mixed Signal IC. It 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.
A dedicated MSIC integrates power delivery and battery charging, and consolidates a range of analogue and digital components. Collectively these new chips deliver 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 product, the company said. Building on the C6 state in the original Intel Atom processor design, the SoC incorporates new ultra-low-power states, which take the SoC to 100 micro-watts5. 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 power and clock gating across the SoC's power islands and system voltage rails. Intel also used a new high-K 45nm2 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 currently available.
