News and New Products

AMD adds low-power processors to longevity program

By Jeff Berman, News Editor -- EDN, 9/19/2005

AMD has announced that it is adding two low-power AMD64 processors to its AMD64 Longevity Program for high-end embedded technologies.

In the Longevity Program, launched in March, AMD promises to make its high-end processors available for a period of five years so that embedded system engineers and designers can use them in embedded products that have long life cycles.

The two low-power AMD64 processors added to the program are based on the company's mobile product platform. Engineers requested the addition of the devices because the processors suit embedded products that need low power, 32- and 64-bit functionality, a small board footprint, and low pin count, according to the company.

"There are many systems where an AMD64 mobile processor has enough I/O performance, because we have HyperTransport and memory bandwidth for various applications," said David Rich, AMD's director for 64-bit embedded markets.

The processors will be used in network-attached storage boxes, blade servers for networking and telecommunications applications, digital imaging applications, and military and industrial-control systems, according to AMD.

"While some companies are actually excited to get a faster part every year to upgrade their system, the more typical embedded company wants to have long-term availability of a part," Rich said. "So what we are doing is taking a standard road map for standard parts that make sense for our customers."

The two low-power AMD64 processors will be available as part of the AMD64 Longevity Program starting in the fourth quarter.