Thaindian News

Bangalore, March 3 (IANS) World’s leading chipmaker Intel designed the smallest processor with tiny transistors for low-cost personal computers (PCs) and mobile internet devices (MIDs), the company said here Monday. Known as Intel Atom processor, the new chip is built on a micro-architecture for small devices and low power. Its design can support multiple threads for better performance and quick system response.

“Measuring less than 25 square millimetres, the Atom processor for PCs and Centrino for MIDs are embedded with about 47 million transistors. Previously codenamed Silverthrone and Diamondville, the chips are rolled out on 45 nanometre with hi-k metal gate technology,” Intel said in a statement released here.

According Sean Maloney, vice-president of Intel, the new chip was the smallest one with the world’s smallest transistors.

“This small wonder is a fundamental new shift in design. It’s small, but powerful to enable a big internet experience on mobile devices. We believe it will unleash a fresh round of innovation in the semiconductor industry,” Maloney affirmed.

With personal computing going mobile and the industry developing new classes of products to connect the next generation with internet, the Atom processor offers customers ability to innovate the new low-power design.

In addition to the MID opportunity, Intel believes demand for a new category of low-cost, internet-centric mobile computing devices dubbed “netbooks” and basic internet-centric desktop PCs dubbed “nettops,” will grow substantially. The Atom processor is designed to meet these new market segments.

“The Atom processor has the potential for revenue opportunities in consumer electronic devices, embedded applications and thin clients,” the company said.