Creative today finally confirmed the nature of the Zii

Time for a mystery unit is now known as a processor platform based on the concept of very large scale, based on a database known as the core elements: the "Stem Cell" element teasers rather refers to a possibility repurpose one of the cores for a particular job . The process mimics the unified shader processors for video and is said to be super-like acceleration, without the need for a large processor or a large amount of energy.

The first is the Zii ZMS-05 chip, a system-on-a-chip design consisting of two ARM cores with integrated controllers. Although not individually strong, a large number of processors that can be combined to achieve a lot faster. An example of the system known as a teraflops Accelerator gets its name from floating-point calculations per second, while those less space of letter paper and use less energy than a typical desktop computer. Creative believes that the platform can scale to the petaflop range downward for peatlands.

The ZMS-05 is already in production and will soon lead to the production of material from other companies, including well-known hardware manufacturer MSI. It is not known whether any of these will be available to users at home or what their role. Creative has not announced any plans for the production of finished products through its own Zii of the foundation.

AMD unveils Phenom II architecture for newer gaming focus

AMD was the start of the conference with the official debut of the Phenom II, his first major processor 45 nanometers. The upgrade is based on the same basis "Shanghai" Opteron recent architecture and offers a speed of about 20 percent during the last best pulse 2.6GHz chip through changes associated with an optimized design with more detailed instructions processed per clock cycle, 4 MB cache extra total, and support for DDR3 memory at 1333MHz Intel competing systems. The design is now much more tolerant of the high clock speed and will continue to 3 GHz in stock trim.

Reflecting a new focus Thursday AMD is a new grouping, the usefulness of a simplified overclocking with its highest-end model, en tout a large number of options for higher speeds. The chip is capable of so much 4GHz based on the fan, the company claims. Exotic overclocking using liquid nitrogen to the system to 6GHz or more; Core i7 and material support from the older generations can not reach this point, because they physically limited by a cold bug "that prevents them fall below a certain temperature, according AMD representative Simon Solotko.

When asked why the system is Intel 3.2GHz despite room for faster clock speeds, the official statement that the need for the chip to run at regular specifications without problems. Yet it is widely seen by some observers that the move is a deliberate attempt to avoid any race clock Intel, which saw the two companies ramp rates up to their limit.

The design is also reported that more than 30 to 40 percent more power at peak load. despite its 125W ceiling, and the plan to work with a 790GX chipset motherboard (mainboard) as part of a platform combined nicknamed "Dragon". The new Union is not only a 3.6GHz or faster, faster Hyper Transport (interface) bus, but also for better integration of images that can be used in a way to stop the Hybrid CrossFire video dedicated to saving energy with lighter loads.

Taking design is compatible and works on many games in the series 780-use of DDR2 memory simply by applying a firmware update. AMD claims that users have the option to upgrade to new models and get 790GX performance DDR3 architecture and other changes without replacing the transformer.

AMD's first Phenom II chip is available today and the introduction of a 2.8GHz Phenom X4 II 920 to $ 235 in large lots for PC makers. The flagship model of 3Ghz 940 is locked for overclocking and costs $ 275 in similar quantities. Retail kits are likely to cost more.

The introduction of vital importance for AMD, which has difficulties to maintain its competitiveness with Intel and had to abandon its forecast for this year by 25 percent that Intel maintains a current leyden performance in both desktops and laptops. Phenom II should not only AMD's competitiveness in the implementation, but also to win on price, according Solotko a typical mother for the new equipment Gigabyte or any of its rivals will cost about $ 140, about half of the minimum cost of entry for a Core i7 motherboard(Mainboard).

Solotko rejects notions that Intel Hyperthreading, which can sometimes make use of two program threads on a single core, is always the best for the games it supports, rather than the platform in conjunction with the focus on the effectiveness of the core chips, and the use of the latest video cards support general computing, need to be in general.

"Throwing threads games will not solve the problem," he said, referring to Intel technology.

Pocket-size Linux PC offers GPS and GPRS

The AarLogic C10 / 3, a map on a PC running Linux on an area of only 104mm x 63mm, was introduced by Round Solutions. A quad-band GPRS and GPS module SiRF3 are also on board and USB interfaces, RS232 and Ethernet components. An SD card reader allows the expansion without the problem of 4 MB of RAM that comes as standard.

The heart of the PC is two ARM processors, which is responsible for a share, for the GSM component, and other executable applications for embedded Linux. The module processor, including the GSM component, is also available for purchase separately. Despite its small size - about the size of a box of matches - 160-pin offers a wide range of connectivity options. In addition to keyboards, digital cameras and playback devices, as well as Wireless LAN, Bluetooth and GPS units, says the company.

According to Harald Naumann, technical director of the Round Solutions, the new platform is ideal for the extension of self-surveillance and monitoring systems, which are capable of much more than simple transfer of data Because of the Linux Intelligence "-" In combination with a camera and environmental sensors, applications for recognition of complex shapes, for example, can be performed directly on the board. As the geographical coordinates are transmitted wirelessly, the Board of Directors is reserved for mobile use. "

Atmel - ARM-based embedded micros supported Linux kernel

Availability of the latest Linux mainline release for its 400MHz ARM926EJ-S -based AT91SAM9G20 embedded microprocessor, and for other members of the AT91SAM9 family, has been announced by Atmel. The short time interval between product availability and publication in the official Linux kernel is due to the well-established Linux support for AT91SAM9 MPUs, and peripheral re-use across the product family, says the company.

A Linux distribution based on Linux v2.6.27 is available from Atmel's AT91SAM Linux online portal. It includes the complete Linux v2.6.27 kernel, the Linux patch for the AT91SAM9G20-EK, device drivers, pre-built demonstrations and the Angstrom / OpenEmbedded building environment. The AT91SAM Linux portal is a gateway to a wide and growing community that provides Linux self-support for Atmel's entire ARM9-based range of embedded 32-bit microprocessors.

Alfredo Vadillo, Atmel's managing director for ARM microcontrollers, said: "The availability of our development of the latest Linux kernel, for the AT91SAM9 MPUs, demonstrates our commitment to support the strong market demand for Linux on AT91SAM9 product family."

Complementary products and support are available through TimeSys, including an embedded Linux ReadyKit for the entire AT91SAM9 series including the AT91SAM9G20. The ReadyKit comprises a pre-built Linux kernel, device drivers, a GNU-based cross toolchain, a glibc-based root filesystem complete with selected development libraries, 14 days of technical support and access to a wide range of support documentation.

The 400 MHz AT91SAM9G20 features Atmel's market-leading peripheral DMA (direct memory access) and distributed memory architecture that, together with the 6-layer bus matrix, enables multiple simultaneous data transfers between memories, peripherals and external interfaces without consuming CPU clock cycles. The external bus interface (EBI) is clocked at 133 MHz for high-speed transfers to off-chip memories. This architecture gives the device the high internal and external data bandwidth required by many embedded networked applications.

Networking and communications requirements are met by an Ethernet 10/100 Base T MAC, seven USARTs, 12M bps USB Full Speed Dual Host and Device ports, dual SPI, SSC and Two-Wire Interface (TWI). Linux device drivers are available for all these peripherals. Image sensing requirements are met by a fully integrated Image Sensor Interface (ISI).

Vicor
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', BALLOON, true, ABOVE, true)" title="">POWER consumption in full-power operating mode at 400MHz with all peripherals turned on is only 80mW. The AT91SAM9G20 also features four reduced-power modes, including Backup Mode where the main power supply is off and the device power consumption is sufficiently low (9uW) for an extended period of operation under battery supply, says the company.

Tags: Atmel, ARM, Processor, Embedded, Linux

Development kit for Freescale i.MX27 processor

A hardware reference platform for the Freescale i.MX27 processor has been announced by Strategic Test. The Development Kit-5 is supplied with both Linux 2.6 and Microsoft Embedded Windows CE 5.0 and 6.0. The Kit allows early users of the processor to rapidly climb the steep learning curve that can be associated with the a new microprocessor. The core of the Kit-5, the TX27 SODIMM module, can be directly designed into new systems, enabling fast time to market. Other features provided by the Kit-5 carrier board include: Socket for TX27 SODIMM - All pins from SODIMM brought out to header Harwin
Harwin for connectors,Datamate Connectors,Military Connectors,High Reliability Connectors...
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', BALLOON, true, ABOVE, true)" title="CONNECTORS">CONNECTORS - UCB1400 CODEC and touchscreen controller - Two SD card sockets - VGA via D-SUB 15 pin connector - LCD 40-pin header - 10/100 Mbps Ethernet connector - USB 2.0 connectors - Two RS232 headers - JTAG interface - 5V from USB or via screw terminal. The TX27 module contains the 400 MHz i.MX27 processor, 64 MB mobile DDR-SDRAM (128 MB option), 128 MB NAND Flash memory, 10/100 Ethernet MAC, USB 2.0 Host/OSG, LCD controller, MPEG4 H.263/H.264 hardware CODEC for D1 video and a camera interface, says the company.

Tags: Freescale, Processor, Embedded, Linux, Windows CE

ARM - Fabless business environment helps growth of ASIC design houses

The emergence of a fabless business environment has helped the growth of design houses who influence IP selection. ARM is engaging with these design houses with a new, innovative partnership model enabling a complete turnkey SoC service using ARM technology. Taiwanese SoC design solution provider Socle Technology Corporation is the first member of this program, says the company.

ARM has announced the ARM IP Portfolio Program, an innovative business and engagement model for companies offering custom ASIC design services. The initiative provides access to a comprehensive range of ARM IP and an opportunity for closer cooperation on new business opportunities.

Under the terms of the ARM IP Portfolio Program, selected companies can license a package of ARM technology (including processor, graphics, fabric & physical IP), which can be applied according to customer requirements. Immediate access accelerates time to market and provides the flexibility to adapt as requirements change from initial design through to manufacture. Compatibility between fully optimized ARM technologies also reduces risk and increases the likelihood of creating a competitive and compelling final solution.

Socle Technology has licensed the ARM11 processor family, the Mali-200 and Mali-55 cores for advanced 3D consumer graphics, CoreSight technology for advanced debug and trace capability and a full range of configurable AMBA PrimeCell peripherals (including interconnect, dynamic and static memory controllers, DMA controllers, and Level 2 Cache Controllers). Each item of IP also includes ARM support and maintenance as a condition of the license, says the company.

"At Socle, we are committed to working closely together with other industry leaders to deliver high-quality, low-Vicor
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', BALLOON, true, ABOVE, true)" title="POWER">POWER, energy-efficient solutions to our customer base," said David Lyou, president and CEO, Socle Technology Corporation. "Socle's SoC design platforms, SoC-ImP and µPlatform, with rapid access to ARM technology and Chartered's advanced foundry process will further enable us to provide higher-performance, more reliable and predictable design and development solutions to our OEM customers, and improve faster time-to-market for their digital devices."

Chartered, one of the world's leading dedicated semiconductor foundries, has invested in Socle as the major shareholder, with an eye to closer design collaboration and to provide a one-stop-shop ASIC solution in advanced process nodes.

Philip Lu, president, ARM Taiwan, said: "Socle Technology is well known as a leading provider of ARM technology-based embedded platform design solutions and our partnership with them is the first in our new, innovative business model which sees ARM engage in a strategic partnership with this important community. The ARM IP Portfolio Program will enable ARM, in collaboration with its Partners, to meet the requirements of the rapidly changing and fragmented supply chain with the widest possible application of optimized ARM technology."

Socle is a member of the ARM Approved Design Center program, a world-wide partnership of service companies certified to deliver expert design services around ARM IP. The ARM Approved Design Center program is part of the ARM Connected Community.

Tags: ARM, Processor, Embedded

AMD pushes out three more triple-core chips

Chip maker targets gamers and digital content creators with desktop processors
Advanced Micro Devices Inc. today unveiled more triple-core processors, adding to several models released earlier this year.

The announcement comes amid Internet rumors that the chip maker may be announcing plans to spin off its manufacturing operations as soon as next week.

John Lau, senior semiconductor analyst and managing director of Jefferies & Co., said last week that AMD is looking to spin off its fabrication plants into a separate company funded by a Middle East consortium. The company, according to Lau, will handle AMD's manufacturing but will also be free to build chips for other companies.

An AMD spokesman last week said that the company would not respond to rumors.

Today, however, the AMD is focused on announcing its new desktop processors: the Phenom X3 8750 Black Edition, with a Clock Multiplier Control and tunable performance; and the energy-efficient Phenom X3 8450e and Phenom X3 8250e.

The chip maker noted in an e-mail to Computerworld that the chips are aimed at the gaming community and at digital content creators.

Dan Olds, principal analyst at Gabriel Consulting Group Inc., noted that while AMD's technology is still well behind that of rival Intel Corp., the triple cores are a welcome addition to the chips being offered.

"They do fill a slot in the market, providing a balance of price vs. power," Olds added. "They'll be speedy enough to handle demanding games and applications, but at a reasonable price."

AMD released its first triple-core chip in March, with three more available a month later. AMD released another one last month.