| Tiny Via ULV mobile processor targets UMPCs |
Mar. 10, 2006
 Via is shipping an ultra-low-voltage processor claimed to have the highest performance-per-Watt, smallest packaging, and fastest cryptographic engine of any available x86-compatible processor. The "C7-M ULV" supports clock speeds from 1GHz to 1.5GHz, with power requirements between 3.5 and 7.5 Watts. It measures 21mm square, and targets UMPCs (ultra mobile PCs) and other compact, portable devices.
The C7-M ULV is the newest member of Via's C7 processor family, launched in May of last year. The C7 chips are based on Via's relatively new "C5J Esther" core, which features support for SSE2 and SSE3 instructions for better 3D performance, a full-speed FPU (floating point unit), 16 pipeline stages, 128KB each of L1 and L2 cache, and Via's standards-based cryptography hardware, said to offer the fastest performance on US government-approved security algorithms of any available x86 processor. The C7 chips are being fabricated by IBM on 90-nanometer SOI (silicon-on-insulator) processor technology.
Via's C7-M ULV roadmap includes five models supporting clock speeds between 1GHz and 1.5GHz, with TDPs (thermal design power, or maximum power dissipation) between 3.5 and 7.5 Watts. All announced models feature a 400MHz FSB (front-side bus).
| Model | Speed | TDP (Max) |
|---|
| 775 | 1.5GHz | 7.5W |
|---|
| 772 | 1.2GHz | 5W |
|---|
| 771 | 1.2GHz | 7W |
|---|
| 770 | 1.0GHz | 5W |
|---|
| 779 | 1.0GHz | 3.5W |
|---|
Via claims its C7-M ULV chip offers higher performance-per-Watt, while consuming less power under idle, compared with other available x86 chips. Idle power requirements are as low as 100mW (0.1 Watts) for some C7-M ULV models, it says.
The C7-M ULV uses less power than similar Intel Pentium M chips, Via claims
(Source: Via)
 | | (Click to enlarge) |
Additionally, Via calls the C7-M ULV the "smallest CPU package on the market," presumably among x86-compatible chips. The C7-M ULV's "nanoBGA2" packaging "drastically reduces" weight, size, and thickness, the company says. It measures 21mm x 21mm.
Microsoft's GM of mobile platforms, UMPC visionary Otto Berkes, stated, "The C7-M ULV processor is enabling the production of smaller form factors that [maintain] the functionality benefits of a full-sized Windows-based PC."
 Masatoshi Takahashi, CEO of PBJ, Inc., which used a C7-M ULV chip in its "SmartCaddie" UMPC (pictured at right, expected to launch here on Mar. 13), stated, "The processor's amazingly low power consumption and cool operation [enabled us] to achieve a unique form factor design."
Via's deputy directory of CPU marketing, Epan Wu, stated, "The C7-M ULV delivers the performance needed to put a full PC into the palm of your hand."
Two-chip "Ultra Mobile Platform"
Via previewed a single-chip core logic companion to the C7-M targeting UMPC designs at CeBIT in Hannover, the Germany this week. The VX700, slated for production within several months, integrates the functions of Via's two-chip VN800/VT8237 northbridge/southbridge combo, plus other mobile-oriented functions. The VX700 also supports Intel's ULV Pentium M and Celeron M ULV.
Besides providing the functions of the VN800 and VT8237, the LX700 also adds several mobile device-oriented features, according to Via. These include a built-in LVDS LCD display interface and a TV encoder that "fully supports" HDTV formats, plus Via's Chromotion Video Engine, said to support high quality video playback. Graphics capabilities of the VX700 will include 2D/3D graphics acceleration, MPEG2 support, and dual monitor outputs. A future VX700-M will add MPEG4 and High Definition Audio support, along with Windows Media 9 acceleration, according to Colin Brix, an international marketing specialist for Via's chipset platform group.
Availability
The C7-M chips are available now, at clock speeds from 1GHz to 1.5GHz, Via says. Additionally, the chips are being demonstrated this week in "an exciting range of ultra-compact, ultra-portable devices" showcased at the CeBIT tradeshow in Germany this week, according to the company.
Related Stories:
(Click here for further information)
|
|
|
FUEL Database on MontaVista Linux
Whether building a mobile handset, a car navigation system, a package tracking device, or a home entertainment console, developers need capable software systems, including an operating system, development tools, and supporting libraries, to gain maximum benefit from their hardware platform and to meet aggressive time-to-market goals.
Breaking New Ground: The Evolution of Linux Clustering
With a platform comprising a complete Linux distribution, enhanced for clustering, and tailored for HPC, Penguin Computing¿s Scyld Software provides the building blocks for organizations from enterprises to workgroups to deploy, manage, and maintain Linux clusters, regardless of their size.
Data Monitoring with NightStar LX
Unlike ordinary debuggers, NightStar LX doesn¿t leave you stranded in the dark. It¿s more than just a debugger, it¿s a whole suite of integrated diagnostic tools designed for time-critical Linux applications to reduce test time, increase productivity and lower costs. You can debug, monitor, analyze and tune with minimal intrusion, so you see real execution behavior. And that¿s positively illuminating.
Virtualizing Service Provider Networks with Vyatta
This paper highlights Vyatta's unique ability to virtualize networking functions using Vyatta's secure routing software in service provider environments.
High Availability Messaging Solution Using AXIGEN, Heartbeat and DRBD
This white paper discusses a high-availability messaging solution relying on the AXIGEN Mail Server, Heartbeat and DRBD. Solution architecture and implementation, as well as benefits of using AXIGEN for this setup are all presented in detail.
Understanding the Financial Benefits of Open Source
Will open source pay off? Open source is becoming standard within enterprises, often because of cost savings. Find out how much of a financial impact it can have on your organization. Get this methodology and calculator now, compliments of JBoss.
Embedded Hardware and OS Technology Empower PC-Based Platforms
The modern embedded computer is the jack of all trades appearing in many forms.
Data Management for Real-Time Distributed Systems
This paper provides an overview of the network-centric computing model, data distribution services, and distributed data management. It then describes how the SkyBoard integration and synchronization service, coupled with an implementation of the OMG¿s Data Distribution Service (DDS) standard, can be used to create an efficient data distribution, storage, and retrieval system.
7 Advantages of D2D Backup
For decades, tape has been the backup medium of choice. But, now, disk-to-disk (D2D) backup is gaining in favor. Learn why you should make the move in this whitepaper.
|
|
|
|
|
news feed