Intel unveils five Atoms

The parts, which will have clock rates in the range from 800MHz to 1.86GHz, support Enhanced Intel SpeedStep technology and the three fastest models will support Intel’s Hyper-Threading technology. According to Intel, these capabilities make Atom the fastest processor in the sub 3W market. The top of the range model – the Z540 – runs at 1.86GHz and is said to have an average power consumption of 220mW. With a 512k level 2 cache, the processor has a die size of 7.8 x 3.1mm and is supplied in a micro flipchip package measuring 13 x 14mm. Meanwhile, the Atom processors feature Imagination Technologies’ POWERVR SGX graphics and VXD multistandard HD video technologies. Both pieces of IP form part of the Atom processor’s System Controller Hub. Tony King-Smith, Imagination’s vp of marketing, said: “The ragrowth of mobile multimedia information and entertainment is driving demand for innovative, high performance, low power technologies. Our POWERVR SGX and VXD IP cores deliver to these needs. The introduction of Intel’s Centrino Atom processor technology … signifies the beginning of a new class of Mobile Internet Device.” According to Imagination, it normally receives a license fee and royalties when its IP is shipped by partners.