Processor Family Sets Sights On Information Appliances

Designed exclusively for information appliances, the latest generation of the Geode processor family is said to set new standards for high performance and low power consumption. Information appliance applications for the Geode GX2 family include thin clients, digital set-top boxes, residential gateways, and personal Internet access devices. The GX2 is an x86-based integrated processor designed using 0.15-micron process technology, with the chipÕs GeodeLink architecture providing 6 GB/s of bandwidth, up to 2 GB/s memory bandwidth, advanced diagnostics, and active hardware power management. Power consumption is less than 1W in typical applications and just 3W for streaming media intensive apps. Packaged in a 388-pin BGA, the GX2 together with a companion chip is priced below $50 each in high volumes. NATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR CORP., Santa Clara, CA. (408) 721-5000.