| New IA processor increases performance for streaming media |
Oct. 17, 2001
Santa Clara, CA -- (press release excerpt) -- National Semiconductor Corporation today unveiled a new Geode family of x86-based, highly-integrated processors designed exclusively for information appliances. Setting new standards for high performance and low power consumption, the next-generation Geode processor will redefine the entire range of future Internet access devices in both consumer and enterprise applications.
Power consumption is less than 1 watt in typical applications and merely 3 watts for streaming media-intensive applications. Future devices built on National's new processors will fulfill the wish list of most demanding users of the Internet and intranets, offering ease-of-use; increased performance for streaming audio and video; and improved functionality, portability and affordability.
At the heart of the new GX2 processor is National's ground-breaking GeodeLink IA system architecture which enables high-performance and low-power designs, improved silicon design productivity and reuse of intellectual property (IP). With performance that optimally addresses both low-cost and high-performance Internet access devices, the GX2 processor delivers an unparalleled performance/power/price combination made possible by the innovative architecture and design.
National's Geode GX2 family is the first x86-based integrated processors developed specifically for the IA market. Designed on the 0.15-micron process technology, the Geode GX2 processor includes the following features: high-performance x86 CPU core with 3DNow! instructions, 16K Instruction and 16K Data caches, and architectural enhancements for optimal streaming multimedia. Additionally, the GX2 family integrates a SDRAM / double-data-rate (DDR)-SDRAM memory controller, 32-bit 2D graphics controller, PCI-66 interface, high resolution 1600x1200x24 bit display with video scaling, CRT digital-to-analog converters (DACs) and a unified memory architecture (UMA) DSTN/TFT controller.
The new Geode family's high-performance and low-power standards are achieved through the GeodeLink architecture, a single on-chip interconnect that facilitates the integration of modules and allows use of UMA. This architecture provides 6 GB/s on-chip bandwidth, up to 2 GB/s memory bandwidth, advanced diagnostics, and active hardware power management that reduces power with innovative architectural power-saving techniques.
By providing optimal levels of integration, hardware acceleration and processing power, the Geode GX2 family offers the best mix of performance, power and cost for next-generation information appliances.
National also developed a reference design platform based on the Geode GX2 family of processors targeting Internet access devices. The Geode GX2 family is the first based on the GeodeLink system architecture that includes on-chip support for software debugging, enabling high-performance peripherals.
The GeodeLink architecture employs a modular reusable design methodology and provides software reusability via a virtual PCI approach, allowing legacy PCI drivers developed for discrete components to function seamlessly when the IP is integrated onto a single chip. Reducing the risk of adding and efficiently de-coupling of IP development allow National to more quickly develop and verify new products in response to market and customers' time-to-market needs.
The Geode GX2 reference platform makes IA design simpler. This platform includes CRT/TFT output, DDR-SDRAM and SDRAM support, universal serial bus (USB) support, 4 PCI slots for easy development and additional boards for increased functionality: flash support, super I/O and touch screen controller. It also comes with firmware and drivers to support such operating systems as Microsoft Windows XP, Windows XP Embedded and Windows CE; Lineo; Tuxia; RedHat; Century Software and other versions of Linux. The JTAG interface on silicon ensures fast and easy software development.
Packaged in a 368-pin enhanced ball grid array (EBGA), National Semiconductor's Geode GX2 processor, together with a companion chip, is priced below US$50 each in high volume. Production is expected in the first half of 2002.
(Click here for further information)
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