AMD Launches APU for Embedded Systems
Embedded systems using AMD's new APU are available today or expected to launch in the coming weeks.
Wednesday AMD officially launched its new AMD Embedded G-Series processor, the world's first and only Accelerated Processing Unit (APU) for embedded systems. Based on AMD Fusion technology, the new processor combines a low-power, x86 "Bobcat" CPU with a DirectX 11-capable, discrete-level GPU on a single piece of silicon.
"AMD’s commitment is to ensure the game-changing technologies we develop for consumers and the enterprise are also available for the vast and growing embedded market," said Patrick Patla, corporate vice president and general manager, Server and Embedded Division, AMD. "Today, we have a record number of embedded launch partners. They are using the unique advancements of the AMD Embedded G-Series APU to develop a brand new generation of highly differentiated, energy-efficient, small form-factor embedded systems that can deliver the vivid visual experience expected in our always-connected world."
The new APU's specifications are as follows:
- 1 or 2 x86 "Bobcat" CPU cores with 1MB L2 cache, 64-bit Floating Point Unit
- Up to 1.6 GHz
- 9W and 18W TDP
- Array of SIMD Engines (DirectX 11 capable graphics; Industry-leading 3D and graphics processing)
- 3rd Generation Unified Video Decoder
- Power management features, including C6 and power gating
- DDR3 800-1066 memory with support for 64 bit channel and 2 DIMMs
- Ball Grid Array (BGA) package
- 890mm² physical footprint, including the AMD Fusion I/O Controller Hub
Wednesday AMD said that this new class of accelerated processor combines more compute capabilities on a single die than any processor in the history of computing. There's also no other solution available for the embedded market today that can match the APU's level of advanced computing. Devices using the new APU are expected to include small form factor PCs, single board computers, mobile and desktop thin clients, internet-ready set top boxes and more.
"Each APU supports single or dual-independent high resolution displays and exceptional multi-media capability with hardware decode support for H.264, VC-1, MPEG2, WMV, DivX and Adobe Flash," the company said. "When paired with the A50M I/O controller hub with support for advanced interfaces such as 6Gb/s SATA, Generation 2 PCI Express, and HD Audio, the AMD G-Series platform delivers a low power, value oriented solution for applications requiring a better balance of CPU and multimedia performance."
Embedded systems based on the AMD Embedded G-Series are available today or expected to launch in the coming weeks from companies including Advansus, Compulab, Congatec, Fujitsu, Haier, iEi, Kontron, Mitec, Quixant, Sintrones, Starnet, WebDT, Wyse, and many others.
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Kevin Parrish has over a decade of experience as a writer, editor, and product tester. His work focused on computer hardware, networking equipment, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom's Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others.
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burnley14 This is really exciting. With such a low TDP I'd imagine that lots of devices are going to get a lot more powerful now, instead of the traditional escalation of desktop CPU power while everything moves at a snail's pace.Reply -
CoryInJapan otacon72AMD is so far behind now they will never catch up. Llano won't be out until Q3 from everything I've read and the only release date for Bulldozer is 2011. Several articles claim Bulldozer is already a generation behind SandyBridge. AMD was left in the dust when Core 2 came out. Thumb me down all you want...lolYou may be true to an extent...but this sounds more like an intel fan boy who is biased and exaggerates the truth.Reply
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stingstang Score one for AMD. The smartest move for them now is to whore the living hell out of that, and sell it to every company with the hint of a pulse. Do that, and BEFORE Intel starts their own line of processors, and they may have a chance.Reply -
Immoral Medic Even though I love the ATI side, somehow I don't see these beating sandy bridge.Reply -
It's not meant to "beat" Sandy Bridge - this is targeted at an entirely different market. AMD currently can't compete in the $150+ CPU price range, so why shouldn't they press their advantage in low-cost, low-power parts?Reply
This embedded board could be useful for HTPC/streamers, firewalls, and NAS devices. -
Simple11 Thank you Josh G. He's right, as I looked for a HTPC, all systems I looked at were Atom+ION/2 combos. VIA had a good combo but lacked in conservative values. Even for a carPC the Atom+ION was the best choice, but all this here looks good on paper. Looking forward to see it put to the test.Reply