www.cedar-trail.co.uk
Thursday 03 May 2012
The Intel ‘Cedar Trail’ platform is the 3rd generation of Intel Atom processors and chipsets designed for use in embedded applications. The ‘Cedar Trail’ platform is based on Intel’s 32nm process technology, incorporates several new features such as Intel Wireless Display, Full 1080p HD video playback, an integrated graphics controller and an integrated graphics processor.
Much like previous generation Intel Atom platforms, the ‘Cedar Trail’ platform has been designed to provide a lower thermal design power (TDP) and greater power management features over traditional desktop solutions, such as Intel Deeper Sleep and Intel SpeedStep Technology. In addition, the Intel ‘Cedar Trail’ platform will be available for up to seven years as part of Intel’s Embedded Lifecycle Roadmap. Combining such excellent features and long term availability, Intel Cedar Trail processors make an ideal platform for embedded computing, industrial process control and automation applications.
Integrated Graphics Processor
The ‘Cedar Trail’ series also includes an updated graphics processors integrated directly into the CPU. The D2500 features the GMA-3600 clocked at 400MHz and the D2550 includes the higher rated GMA-3650 clocked at an impressive 640MHz. Both graphics processors support DirectX 10.1 and OpenGL 3.0 and also feature a new video decoding engine which is capable of high definition video playback supporting formats such as MPEG4 Part2, VC-1, WMV9 and H.264.
Memory Controller
The integrated 64-bit single-channel DDR3-800/1066MHz memory controller supports up to two SODIMM memory modules with a maximum capacity of 4GB. The processors themselves both support 64-bit architecture and SSE2, SSE3 and SSSE3 instruction set extensions.
Chipset and I/O Support
The ‘Cedar Trail’ platform utilise the same NM10 Express chipset found with previous generation Atoms, the Intel NM10 Express. The NM10 Express chipset includes a range of features ideal embedded applications including support for up to 8 high-speed USB2.0 ports (up to 480Mb/s per port), up to 4 PCI-Express x 1 ports (500Mb/s per channel) and up to two SATA2.0 ports (3Gb/s per channel).
There are currently five ‘Cedar Trail’ processors available, with two being on the long term roadmap. Here is a table to compare key specifications of each processor.
|
Model |
Clock Speed |
Cores/
Threads |
Cache |
Memory |
TDP |
Long Term Roadmap? |
|
D2500 |
1.86GHz |
2/2 |
1024KB |
Up to 4GB DDR3-800/1066 |
10W |
Yes |
|
D2550 |
1.86GHz |
2/4 |
1024KB |
Up to 4GB DDR3-800/1066 |
10W |
Yes |
|
D2700 |
2.13GHz |
2/4 |
1024KB |
Up to 4GB DDR3-800/1066 |
10W |
No |
|
N2600 |
1.60GHz |
2/4 |
1024KB |
Up to 4GB DDR3 |
3.5W |
No |
|
N2800 |
1.86GHz |
2/4 |
1024KB |
Up to 4GB DDR3 |
6.5W |
No |
Features and Benefits of the Cedar Trail platform
There are a number of key advantages to the ‘Cedar Trail’ platform. Here is a selection of features and their benefits.
|
Feature |
Benefit |
|
Small scale Intel 32nm form factor |
More functionality packed into a smaller die, providing a greater level of efficiency whilst maintaining a smaller footprint. |
|
Low thermal design power |
Lower heat output allows for passive fanless cooling, providing greater flexibility for industrial computing applications. |
|
Integrated Graphics and Memory Controller |
Integrated GPU and Memory Controllers provide enhanced performance and system responsiveness and reduce the total bill of materials for board designers. |
|
Intel SpeedStep Technology |
Allows the processor to scale its performance and save power when required. |
Associated tags: Atom, Automation, Cedar Trail, Chipset, D2500, Embedded, Fanless, I/O, Intel, Modules, PCI-Express, Process Control, Processor
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