AMD has a presence at the Embedded World today, and announced its higher performing , 3rd Generation AMD Embedded G-Series SoCs and the entry-level Embedded G-Series LX SoC. The AMD Embedded G-Series LX SoC is pin compatible to the previous generation G-Series SoC devices. The two other 3rd Generation AMD Embedded G-Series SoCs, codenamed "Prairie Falcon" and "Brown Falcon," also introduce pin compatibility for G-Series processors while they offer higher performance.

The new G-Series processors can be used in a broad range of platforms, from entry-level to mainstream gaming, digital signage, imaging, and industrial control.

The Embedded G-Series models include "Excavator" x86 CPU cores and 3rd generation Graphics Core Next (GCN) graphics with support for OpenGL ES, OpenCL, DirectX 12, and EGL.

The two families of G-Series are split in the I-Family and the J-Family:

• The I-Family use two Excavator cores and 4 GCN compute units (256 SPs) with dual channel DDR3/4 memory and 12-15W using a configurable TDP. It supports dual channel DDR3/4-1600 memory with ECC
• The J-Family in contrast are lower power, using half as many GCN compute units (128 SPs), with single channel DDR3/4 but with the capacity to enable 10-bit h.265 decode. It has single channel DDR3/4-1866 and no ECC support.
  

3rd Generation AMD Embedded G-Series SoC Family key features and specifications:

• Up to 2 "Excavator" x86 cores
• AMD Radeon R6E graphics (up to 4CUs) with support for
• DirectX 12
• 4K x 2K H.265 decode (10-bit compatibility on select devices) & multi-format encode & decode
• Multiple display technology - HDMI 2.0, DP 1.2, eDP 1.4
• 6~15W Thermal Design Power (TDP)
• Dual channel 64-bit DDR4 or DDR3 memory with error correction code
• Integrated AMD Secure Processor
• 10-year planned longevity
• Integrated Controller Hub supports:
  • PCIe Gen 3 1x4, PCIe Gen2/3 4x1
  • 2 USB3, 2 USB2 ports
  • 2 SATA 2.0/3.0 ports

The new G-Series LX model is a dual core Jaguar part with one compute unit (64 SPs) and aimed at a 6-15W TDP window, supporting AMD Secure and a single channel of DDR3. AMD’s is aiming at ARM's offerings in terms of price but with x86 compatibility and a wider support program with that 10-year longevity.

The Embedded G-Series LX SoC supports DirectX 11.2, OpenGL 4.3, and OpenCL 1.2. It is suited for applications including retail point-of-sale terminals, digital signage, arcade gaming, and industrial control. The AMD Embedded G-Series LX SoC uses the same FT3b socket as its predecessor codenamed "Steppe Eagle" and provides a higher-performance migration path for AMD's Geode customers.

G-Series LX key features and specifications:

• 2 "Jaguar" x86 cores
• AMD Radeon R1E GCU graphics (1CU)
• Multi-format encode & decode
• 6~15W TDP
• Single-channel 64-bit DDR3
• AMD Secure Processor
• Support for up to two display interfaces via HDMI 1.4, DisplayPort 1.2, Embedded DisplayPort 1.4
• Industrial temperature - extended temperature SKUs
• Support for DirectX 11.2
• Integrated Controller Hub supports:
  • PCIe Gen 2 4x1
  • 2 USB3, 4 USB2 ports
  • 2 SATA 2.0/3.0 ports

The first 3rd Generation AMD Embedded G-Series SoCs are available now with additional offerings planned in the first and second quarter of this year. The first AMD Embedded G-Series LX products are expected to be available in March.