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Intel's tiny Atom could power Linux
As long as it doesn't split.
By Darren Pauli, Computerworld Australia
Published: 08:29 GMT, 04 March 08
Intel has launched what it believes are the world's smallest processors, dubbed the Atom.
The x86 processors, formally code-named Silverthorne and Diamondville, have been designed on new micro-architecture designed for low-power (MIDs), and use 10 times less power than the Celeron M chip.
They are built on Intel's 45nm process and have a thermal design power (TDP) specification in 0.6-2.5 watt range, (the Core 2 Duo has an output of 35 watts) and scale to 1.8GHz.
The launch, set for second quarter, will tighten competition between Intel and its United Kingdom rival ARM Limited, which specialises in designing processors for MIDs, including the Apple iPod and iPhone, Nintendo game consoles, and mobile phones manufactured by Nokia, Samsung and Sony Ericsson.
Intel's MIDs will operate on its Menlow platform and run an embedded Linux platform such as Unbuntu's Mobile and Embedded Edition, launched late last year, while the company will trial China's Red Flag Linux on its MIDs in May.
Intel system software division vice president Doug Fisher said the market will welcome Linux-based MIDs.
"The emerging MID category represents significant growth opportunity for Intel and the industry. The demand for Linux on these devices is increasing," Fisher said.
Intel's Sean Maloney said the chip can be used in MIDs such as "netbooks" and "nettops," and in embedded applications and thin clients.
"This is our smallest processor built with the world's smallest transistors [and] is a fundamental new shift in design," Maloney said. The Atom processor includes a low-power companion chip with integrated graphics and a wireless radio.
Its successor, Moorestone, will be released in 2010 and is touted as being a further 10 times more power efficient than the Atom processor.
ARM currently uses its ARM11 processors in MIDs and will release its successor, Cortex A8, this year. The Cortex A9 is scheduled for release by 2010 and is claimed to have four times the performance of ARM11.
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kris | Published: 20:41 GMT, 03 April 2008
hi