AMD is bringing its Zen architecture to the embedded chips space with the launch of two new processors: the AMD EPYC Embedded 3000 and Ryzen Embedded V1000.
Formerly code-named “Great Horned Owl,” AMD says the Ryzen V1000 chip is aimed at “medical imaging, industrial systems, digital gaming, and thin clients,” while the EPYC 3000 processor is designed for “new markets including networking, storage, and edge computing devices.”
In other words, these processors may be based on technology that’s similar to AMD’s Ryzen chips for desktop and notebook computers, but you probably won’t find the new chips in those types of systems.
For example, some of the first products expected to ship with the new processors include casino gaming systems, an ultrasound medical imaging system, and a module that can be used for medical, automation, or gaming purposes.
AMD does note that one upcoming product from Advantech is a mini-ITX embedded motherboard, so I suppose you could build a desktop PC around that. But you could also just opt for another Ryzen chip and motherboard for a more versatile solution.
AMD says the Ryzen Embedded V1000 processor will be available with up to 4 Zen CPU cores (and 8 threads) and up to 11 Vega GPU compute units for throughput up to 3.6 TFLOPs.
The chips support TDP ranges from 12 watts to 54 watts, enabling them to be used in low-power systems or higher-performance applications. Other features include support for 16 PCIe lanes, dual 10 GbE connections, and support for H.265 encoding and decoding, VP9 decoding, and 4K or 5K displays.
The EPYC Embedded 3000 chips, meanwhile, supports TPD ranges from 30 watts to 100 watts, come in 4-core to 16-core configurations, (with single-thread or multi-thread options), and support up to 64 PCIe lanes and up to 8 channels of 10 GbE.
12 Watt TDP is too high for fanless and tablet style PCs. I’m really hoping AMD will come out with something to replace Intel’s Atom processors. Intel has abandoned development on the low end, leaving OEMs with the option of using old Atom chips or expensive Y series chips. Like CampGareth pointed out, it’s a low profit segment, that’s why Intel abandoned it. So AMD might not be interested in developing for it.
Agreed, 8W’s roughly is the limit… but 4W is the comfortable range we’ve settled into with the high-end Atom processors and the ultra ultra low-voltage Core M processors.
Unless AMD provides a competitor to that, something that’s based on 14nm RyZen with 2 cores, 2 threads running between 1GHz – 2GHz.
If they build out boards fully utilizing those network interfaces these would be great options for low wattage routers.
From the AMD prress release
“SMACH Z
“The introduction of the SMACH Z handheld console will create new opportunities for portable gaming devices, enabling users to play AAA titles at HD framerates, delivering desktop-quality power and graphics in the palm of players’ hands,” said Daniel Fernandez, chief executive officer, SMACH. “By leveraging the new AMD Ryzen Embedded V1000 with superior graphics capabilities and mega processing power in our console, we are ready to revolutionize the on-the-go consumer gaming experience.””
If the SMACH Z actually comes out and with this SoC, I wouldn’t care how loud the fan is to keep it cool. It’d be a great device. I’d probably need to get an external battery pack though.
Chromebooks? Why doesn’t AMD try to compete there?
Power and cost basically. At the high end you have core M chips with their 3.5W TDP, the V1000 would need cutting down to reach those sort of levels so a new chip needs designing and producing, expensive stuff. At the low end you have cheap ARM cores with super low profit margins. AMD would need to design a new chip for that space too, though they’d probably use ARM cores as they have in the past for server chips. That’s still an expensive process, is it worth doing to chase a dollar per chip profit margin?