Intel adds four Atoms to embedded line-up

INTEL HAS ADDED FOUR NEW MEMBERS to the Atom Z500 series in an attempt to push the processors into devices other than netbooks.

Aiming at embedded in-car systems as well interactive kiosks and other industrial applications, the ultra-low power chips which run at between 1.1 GHz and 1.6 GHz, draw tiny amounts of power and are about the size of a thumbnail.

Built on a Intel's existing 45nm process, the chips are designed to rub shoulders with those designed by Brit chip shop ARM which currently dominates the low-power processor market.

The company has also released its Media Phone Reference Design – including schematics and validated software stacks – to developers.

The chips will be shipping in commercial quantities in the second quarter of 2009 but pricing has not yet been announced. µ