the development of compact next-generation systems that run quieter and cooler.

Additionally, the processors feature VIA's second generation "PadLock Security Suite," which VIA calls the industry's most advanced embedded hardware technologies for high-speed hardware-based AES encryption and dual Random Number Generators (RNGs). "With the PadLock Security Suite integrated into the processor die, we are also enabling our customers to add further value to their products by making the very latest encryption technologies easily available," noted Steven Lee, head of VIA's Embedded Platform Division.

VIA reports that its new Eden ESP10000 and ESP8000 processors are already being designed into a variety of the next generation of computing and communications devices, including thin clients, personal servers, and industrial PC platforms. Additionally, the new VIA Eden ESP processors are pin-compatible with eearlier VIA processors and operate within a similar thermal envelope as the VIA Eden ESP7000, thereby enabling OEMs to incorporate them into existing fanless designs.

The Eden ESP8000 and ESP10000 processors are available in volume now, at prices of US$85 and US$100 respectively, the company says.

About the Eden ESP processors

VIA provided the following background info on the VIA Eden ESP processors . . .

The VIA Eden ESP processor is based on the CoolStream architecture of the latest Nehemiah core featuring the PadLock Security Suite integrated directly on to the processor die that includes the new PadLock Advanced Cryptography Engine (ACE) and two hardware based RNGs. This produces market leading encryption rates of 12.5Gbs with minimal load on the processor, enabling compact, low power designs that can natively assist security applications.

Fanless VIA Eden ESP processors are available at speeds ranging from 400MHz to 1GHz and feature the low profile EBGA package that helps reduce thermal density. Measuring 35 x 35 x 1.5 mm, the VIA Eden ESP processor is expanding the reach of the x86 architecture to consumer electronics, industrial, and commercial devices that require compatibility with PC hardware and software. With Thermal Design Power (TDP) values ranging from 3W to a maximum of 7W when running at 1GHz, the VIA Eden ESP processor also boasts the world's lowest power consumption from a native x86 processor.

The VIA Eden ESP processor includes the advanced performance features of the VIA Nehemiah core such as StepAhead Advanced Branch Prediction, sixteen pipeline stages, support for SSE multimedia instructions, a full-speed Floating Point Unit (FPU) and an efficiency-enhanced 64KB Full-Speed Exclusive L2 cache with 16-way associativity for memory optimization. For enhanced digital media applications such as high quality DVD and audio playback, the VIA Eden ESP processor can be coupled with the highly acclaimed VIA CLE266 chipset, featuring an integrated hardware MPEG-2 decoder, DDR266 SDRAM support, VIA Vinyl Audio integrated 6-channel surround sound, high-speed USB2.0 ports, and 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet.

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