The Intel® Atom™ processor E6xx series delivers an unprecedented level of I/O flexibility, departing from proprietary interfaces such as Front-Side Bus (FSB) and Direct Media Interface (DMI) and moving to the open PCI Express* standard for processor-to-chipset interfaces. The highly integrated processor has 3D graphics and video encode/decode, plus memory and display controllers in one package to help reduce bill of materials and save board real estate.

Processors in this series can be paired with the Intel® Platform Controller Hub EG20T for many market segments such as industrial automation, retail, gaming, and digital signage, or I/O hubs from a variety of third-party vendors (including OKI Semiconductor Co. Ltd., Realtek Semiconductor Corp., and STMicroelectronics) to meet the specific I/O requirements of many embedded applications such as in-vehicle infotainment systems, media phones, and connected services gateways. For applications requiring a minimum of I/O interfaces, developers can also use discrete PCIe* devices such as PCIe-GbE controllers or PCIe-SATA controllers instead of an I/O hub.

The Intel® Atom™ processor E6xx series is available with industrial and commercial temperature ranges. Both the Intel® processors and platform controller hub provide embedded life-cycle support and are supported by a range of software ingredients. See Table 1 for specific product information.

ΔIntel processor numbers are not a measure of performance. Processor numbers differentiate features within each processor family, not across different processor families. Go to: www.intel.com/products/processor_number.

1TDP values for Intel® Atom™ Processor E6xx series are pre-silicon estimates.

2Requires an Intel® HT Technology enabled system. Check with your PC manufacturer. Performance will vary depending on the specific hardware and software used. Not available on Intel® Core™ i5-750. For more information, visit www.intel.com/info/hyperthreading.

3Intel® Virtualization Technology requires a computer system with an enabled Intel® processor, BIOS, and Virtual Machine Monitor (VMM). Functionality, performance, or other benefits will vary depending on hardware and software configurations. Software applications may not be compatible with all operating systems. Consult your PC manufacturer. For more information, visit www.intel.com/go/virtualization.

Editor’s Choice Award: Atom, the next generation

This one is an easy choice for me: Intel has rolled out their second-generation Atom processor platform. While I’ve said that “Tunnel Creek” is a very interesting development, it’s still a ways off and targeted for larger devices – tablets, medical and home systems, and more with space for a low-power chipset. The long-awaited “Moorestown” platform is here now, and will soon be mainstream for low-power Intel Architecture designs.

“Moorestown” describes a platform with three parts: the CPU, “Lincroft,” now named the Atom processor Z6xx with processor core, 3D graphics and video units, and memory and display controllers; “Langwell,” now the PCH MP20, a hub with NAND flash controller, audio, camera, USB, security, wireless and more; and “Briertown,” the mixed-signal IC that includes power management.

Intel
www.intel.com
Model: Intel Atom Processor Z6xx
www.embedded-computing.com/p45169
Published in: Embedded Computing Design May 2010