AMD Launches APU for Embeded 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.