Intel gave the first demonstration of the upcoming "Moorestown" platform for Mobile Internet Devices (MID) today at the Intel Developer Forum in Taiwan.
In his keynote today at the Intel Developer Forum in Taiwan, Intel executive Anand Chandrasekher discussed how technology innovation and strong industry collaboration have driven the digital economy over the past 40 years, and the universal impact that the Internet and mobile Web has had in people's lives. "Technology innovation is the catalyst for new user experiences, industry collaborations and business models that together will shape the next 40 years," said Chandrasekher. "As the next billion people connect to and experience the Internet, significant opportunities lie in the power of technology and the development of purpose-built devices that deliver more targeted computing needs and experiences."
Chandrasekher cited the Intel Atom processor, the upcoming "Nehalem" processor, and the Intel "Moorestown" platform scheduled for the 2009-2010 timeframe as prime examples of innovation. Also highlighted was the progress Intel is making in the Mobile Internet Devices (MID) market segment with the world's first working "Moorestown" platform demonstration.
Moorestown comprises of an SOC, codenamed "Lincroft," which integrates the 45nm processor, graphics, memory controller and video encode/decode onto a single chip and an I/O hub codenamed "Langwell", which supports a range of I/O ports to connect with wireless, storage, and display components in addition to incorporating several board level functions. Chandrasekher stated that Intel is on track to reduce Moorestown platform idle power by more than 10x compared to the first-generation MIDs based on the Intel Atom processor.
Chandrasekher said that Moorestown will be a catalyst for exciting and innovative developments that will extend the full Internet experience into the smartphone space with the Communication MID. He indicated that Moorestown platforms will support a range of wireless technologies including 3G, WiMAX, WiFi, GPS, Bluetooth and mobile TV. Additionally, Chandrasekher announced a collaboration with Ericsson for HSPA data modules optimized for the Moorestown platform. He also announced that Option is extending its collaboration for HSPA modules to the Moorestown platform. These 3G modules come in 25x30x2.x mm small size and they are optimized for Moorestown power requirements.
Digital enterprise
Kirk Skaugen, general manager of Intel's Server Platforms Group, provided details of next-generation high-end desktops powered by the Intel Core i7 processor, launching next month. These high-end desktops will provide outstanding performance for gaming and content creation applications, accordimg to Intel. Skaugen also shared that the 2009 Intel vPro technology-based business clients codenamed "Piketown" for desktops and "Calpella" for notebooks will be powered by future Nehalem processors.
The upcoming Nehalem microarchitecture spans a range of products. First segments will include the Intel Core i7 processor and a variant designed for the efficient performance server segments codenamed "Nehalem-EP." A derivative designed for the expandable server market segment ("Nehalem-EX") as well as other desktop and mobile versions ("Havendale," "Lynnfield," "Auburndale" and "Clarksfield") will be in production beginning in the second half of 2009.
Nehalem Archtecture
Intel's Steve Pawlowski provided an in-depth look into the architecture design of the Nehalem processor. The Nehalem processor platform triples the memory bandwidth of previous Intel platforms, and Intel?s Hyper-Threading Technology allows multiple threads to run simultaneously, improving response time and delivering 8-threaded performance capability on 4 cores, according to Intel.
Intel?s Turbo Boost Technology accelerates performance to match workloads. A sophisticated on-die power control unit enables Turbo Boost by automatically adjusting the clock speed for both single-threaded applications as well as multi-threaded ones. In addition, new "power gate" transistors based on Intel?s 45nm Hi-k manufacturing process totally switch off idle processor cores to further cut power leakage. The Nehalem processor also has the latest Intel power saving technologies, allowing desktops to go into sleep states formerly reserved for notebooks.