Atom processor platform sets Intel up for smartphone market

The Intel Atom processor Z6xx is designed to combine the 45nm Intel Atom processor core with 3d graphics, video encode and decode, as well as memory and display controllers into a single SoC design. It also includes the MP20 platform controller hub which supports a range of system level functions and I/O blocks. Additionally, a dedicated msic integrates power delivery and battery charging, and consolidates a range of analogue and digital components. According to Intel, the new chips deliver significantly lower power including >50x reduction in idle power, >20x reduction in audio power, and 2-3x reductions across browsing and video scenarios – all at the platform level when compared to Intel's previous generation product. These power savings are said to translate into 10 days of standby, up to two days of audio playback and up to five hours of browsing and video battery life. The new SoC incorporates ultra-low power states (S0i1 and S0i3), which are designed to take the SoC to 100 microwatts. At the platform level, Intel has implemented a new, fine grain OS power management approach that manages the idle and active power states across all aspects of the system based on usage scenarios. Intel says that this software-managed technique applies aggressive power and clock gating across the SoC's power islands and system voltage rails. The Intel Atom processor Z6xx series, Intel platform controller hub MP20 and the dedicated mixed signal IC are available today.