| Chipset targets digital media-oriented systems |
Feb. 26, 2007
 Via Technologies has launched a new core-logic chip aimed at "power-efficient" and "affordable" embedded and desktop systems. The "Vista ready" CN896 pairs with Via's C7 and Eden processors, and includes 2D and 3D graphics accelerators, dual-simultaneous display support, and both 1- and 16-lane PCI Express.
Via says the CN896 supports its V4 inter-chip bus to 800MHz, for high speed connection to its C7 and Eden(V4) embedded processors, and C7-D desktop processors.
The CN896 also supports the company's PowerSaver feature, which automatically lowers or raises the processor's frequency and voltage depending on work load. Via claims this technology can reduce overall CPU power consumption by as much as 40 percent.
CN896 block diagram
(Click image for larger view)
The CN896 chipset integrates Via's Chrome9 HC IGP (integrated graphics processor), which includes both a 2D accelerator and a DirectX 9.0 3D accelerator. The Chromotion video display engine supports advanced hardware-based video processing and rendering, such as MPEG-2 decoding acceleration and picture enhancement, through adaptive de-interlacing and video deblocking technologies, according to Via.
The CN896 features a range of video functions, including analog CRT, DVI, and LVDS transmitters, and SDTV and HDTV encoders. Separate display engines allow two outputs to simultaneously display different information at different resolutions, pixel depths, and refresh rates; Via says this capability "greatly enhances" the display options for thin clients, industrial PCs, POS (point-of-sale) devices, digital signage, and other embedded products.
Other buses provided by the CN896 include both 1- and 16-lane PCI Express, and Via's V-link interface to the southbridge chip. The latter supports Via's VT8237S or VT8251 southbridges, both of which support four parallel ATA devices, and either two (VT8237S) or four (VT8251) serial ATA II devices.
Chewei Lin, Via's VP of product marketing, stated, "The VIA C7 processor-CN896 chipset combination provides all the flexibility in display options that embedded customers need, within a very low thermal profile, while in the desktop space, the VIA CN896 meets the requirements for systems that are currently in demand, whether small footprint or standard sized, by providing a robust Vista capable solution with good upgrade options."
The CN896 has passed Microsoft's Windows Vista logo tests, Via said. Pricing and availability were not disclosed.
Related stories:
(Click here for further information)
|
|
|
7 Advantages of D2D Backup
For decades, tape has been the backup medium of choice. But, now, disk-to-disk (D2D) backup is gaining in favor. Learn why you should make the move in this whitepaper.
4 Legal Reasons to Control Internet Access
The Internet is obviously a valuable resource for many organizations. However, many are exposed to legal liability concerns because they fail to control Internet access. Learn if you're safe in this white paper.
Rapidly Resolve J2EE Application Problems
Whether you are in the process of building J2EE applications or have J2EE applications already running in production, you must ensure that they deliver the expected ROI. Learn how in this white paper.
Load Testing 2.0 for Web 2.0
There are many unknowns in stress testing Web 2.0 applications. Find out how to test the performance of Web 2.0 in this white paper.
Build Better Games Online
For the game infrastructure providers, life is complex. Making money from games has become more complicated. Why? Find out in this white paper.
Building a Virtual Infrastructure from Servers to Storage
This white paper discusses the virtual storage solutions that reduce cost, increase storage utilization, and address the challenges of backing up and restoring Server environments.
Gaining Faster Wireless Connections with WiMAX
Welcome to what is quickly becoming the hyperconnected world where anything that would benefit from being connected to the network will be connected. Learn more in this white paper.
Is Your Desktop a Security Threat?
The new wave of sophisticated crimeware not only targets specific companies, but also targets desktops and laptops as backdoor entryways into those business’ operations and resources. Learn how to stay safe in this white paper.
Increasing SAN Reliability by 100 Percent
Storage area networks (SAN) are a strong part of storage plans. Learn how to increase your reliability and uptime by 100 percent in this case study.
|
|
|
|
|
news feed