Transmeta offers processors for fanless, embedded applications

Santa Clara, CA—Transmeta Corp. launched Jan. 6 its new, energy-efficient Crusoe Special Embedded (SE) processors for x86 embedded applications, including industrial automation and scientific instrumentation.

By Control Engineering Staff January 6, 2003

Santa Clara, CA— Transmeta Corp. rts that Crusoe SE processors meet a growing requirement for combining x86-compatibility, high performance, power efficiency, low heat dissipation and chipset integration to create compact, passively cooled embedded systems.

Transmeta also unveiled its Embedded Partners Program for BIOS/firmware companies, embedded operating system firms and silicon component suppliers supporting customers developing embedded designs based on Crusoe SE processors.

Crusoe SE processors use LongRun, an advanced power management technology, to dynamically optimize processor frequency and voltage while monitoring chip temperature, keeping power use and heat at minimum levels. Embedded system developers can now take advantage of almost 1GHz of x86-compatible performance, with an integrated Northbridge, in a small package that does not require a cooling fan. Besides being a solution for x86 embedded systems, Crusoe SE also enables upgrades for systems developed using lower-end SOC embedded technology.

Crusoe SE processors are designed and tested for long-term use in harsh environments, where a chip’s temperature can reach as high as 100 °C. Future versions of Crusoe SE processors will be available for extreme embedded applications that require even wider temperature ranges.

Some of Crusoe SE processor’s specifications include:

  • Crusoe SE parts available at 667 MHz, 800 MHz and 933 MHz, optimized for x86 embedded applications;

  • Each processor available in a standard or low power version;

  • Reduced operating temperatures enabling fanless system designs to minimize end product reliability challenges associated with fan-cooled systems;

  • LongRun power and thermal management maximizes embedded system performance, while reducing power consumption and heat dissipation;

  • Upgraded Code Morphing Software (CMS) enhanced to maximize real-time performance while maintaining complete x86-compatibility;

  • Integrated Northbridge reduces board space use allowing compact designs;

  • Reliable operation twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week at full-rated speed and temperature to meet the high reliability requirements of mission critical embedded designs; and

  • Extended Crusoe SE availability program to support long-term embedded product life-cycles.

Control Engineering Daily News Desk
Jim Montague, news editor
jmontague@reedbusiness.com