Intel Atom Processor Platform

As you may have noticed, IMPULSE has recently been promoting the Intel Atom platform. In October we launched a newsletter covering the latest products with the Intel D510 Dual Core Atom microprocessor.


But what makes Intel Atom so special? 

The atom is a low powered microprocessor designed by Intel for the cost and power sensitive embedded market. The 45nm chips are the smallest of the current Intel microprocessor range yet feature all of the common instruction sets required in the embedded market including MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, x86 and x64.

The current Atom processors are categorised into two code-names, Diamondville and Pineview. Diamondville contain the single core N200, 200 and dual core 300 series microprocessors and Pineview contain the single core N400, D400 and dual core D500 series microprocessors. Each Atom microprocessor uses very little power with a Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 2.5W to 13W.

Along with the small package size and low power consumption, Intel supports the Atom series with a long life roadmap making them the ideal solution for embedded projects. Impulse’s product range feature two main Atom processors, the Atom N270 and the Atom D510.

The 32bit N270 was launched in 2008 and was intended for the embedded market. It has a clock speed of 1.6GHz, 533MHz FSB, 512KB L2 Cache and has a TDP of 2.5W.

The D510 microprocessor was launched a year later in 2009 and features integrated graphics support and 64bit processing. The D510 is dual core and has a clock speed of 1.66GHz, 1MB L2 Cache and can support up to 4GB of DDR2 memory.


Benefits of the Intel Atom


The Intel Atom platform offers several benefits over previous mobile and embedded microprocessors.

Efficient integration – The new Intel Atom microprocessor integrates the graphics, display, and memory controller with the microprocessor. This integration results in platform BOM savings, improved performance, package area and power reduction.

Low thermal design power - Low thermal design power enables smaller, sleeker systems due to the lower cooling requirements. This also leads to lower energy consumption and provides beneficial operational savings.

Longer lifetime – Intel's 7-year extended lifecycle support for embedded microprocessors and chipsets protects your development investment.


Systems at Impulse

Impulse has a variety of Intel Atom based platforms available. Recently we launched several new products to the market.

The GENE-LN05 is a 3.5” SubCompact board from AAEON that includes 7 x USB2.0, 6 x COM, 1 x parallel and 1 x 8-bit digital I/O. It also has ample storage solutions available with 2 x SATA2 and 1 x CompactFlash socket.

IEI Technology recently bought out the IBX-300B, a low powered digital security and surveillance system. It is also integrated with the Intel Atom D510 microprocessor and supports up to 8 composite video channels (NTSC/PAL/SECAM) via two DB9 sockets.


Custom Windows Embedded Operating Systems
IMPULSE has a team of Microsoft Certified Technology Specialists available to develop a tailored and optimised Windows Embedded Operating System for your Intel Atom based platform. For more information on custom Windows Embedded Imaging then feel free to contact us.

If you have a project that requires a low cost, low powered solution with extended lifetime availability then the Intel Atom platform maybe to best solution. IMPULSE’s team of technical account managers have extensive experience with the Intel Atom platform and will be able to provide the ideal solution for your embedded requirements. For more information, please contact our sales team on +44(0)1782 337800 or alternatively email sales@impulse-corp.co.uk