Intel To Launch Configurable Atom Chips
The Atom E600C series processors will target customers looking to create custom-made CPU designs. According to a statement, the Atom chip can be configured for different form factors and products, thanks to its simple design and increased flexibility.
"Our customers' needs are continually evolving and they look to Intel to provide leading-edge products and technologies that will help them differentiate and compete in the markets they serve," said Doug Davis, vice president and general manager of Intel's Embedded and Communications Group, in a press statement. "Our new configurable Atom series helps to address these customer needs and provides greater flexibility with a simplified product choice, through one vendor."
The company said the configurable E600C series targets a range of market segments including industrial machinery, portable medical equipment, and voice over Internet (VOI) protocol and embedded devices.
Six separate Atom-based products are scheduled to go to market in Q1 of 2011. Intel's Atom E665CT, E645CT, E665C, and E645C processors, formerly known as "Stellarton," are scheduled to be available within 60 days, according to Intel. The other two models, The E625CT and E625C, are scheduled for release in the first quarter next year.
Intel says the E600C Atom processor will allow customers to reduce costs by making design changes without having to replace their hardware. It will also save board space and improve inventory control, as the various designs come in a single package from a single vendor, namely Intel.
In addition, the processors will allow OEMs to offer various standard and user-defined I/O interfaces, as well as connectivity options, memory interfaces, and process acceleration, according to the statement. Formerly codenamed "Tunnel Creek," the E600C will also come with an Altera Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA).
The E600C processors will be available for a starting price of $61 to $106 in quantities of 1,000, according to the statement.