Intel Corp. has announced four unique versions of Atom processors and two new system controller hub additions to the company’s “embedded” business division product line-up. The new products for the Intel Atom processor Z500-series include industrial-temperature options, as well as different package-size choices better suited for in-car infotainment devices, media phones, eco-technologies and other industrial-strength applications.

“With the addition of these new products, we can bring the benefits of Intel processors to new applications, devices and customers who develop products used in unconstrained thermal environments with low-power in mind. Meeting the needs of embedded environments and new market segments will play a large role in delivering the connectivity and functionality necessary as the number of devices connecting to the embedded Internet,” said Doug Davis, vice president of digital enterprise group and general manager of embedded and communications group at Intel.

The Intel Atom processor is the company’s smallest microprocessor. Intel offers an extended 7-year lifecycle for those areas that require longer product refresh cycles such as automotive in-vehicle infotainment (IVI). This is not the first time when Intel proposes Atom processors for the car infotainment market.

In addition to in-car applications, the Intel Atom Z500-series processor series also targets an emerging category of Internet-based communications devices Intel calls “media phones” that provide one-touch access to lifestyle applications such as e-mail, text messaging, weather information, freely-distributed flash-based online videos, horoscopes, digital photo albums and so on.

To help accelerate this emerging device category, Intel today introduced an Intel media phone reference design that will facilitate development of hardware solutions to market. The hardware development platform includes schematics and validated software stacks.

Intel did not disclose exact details regarding its new Atom Z500-series processors as well as specialized system controller hubs (SCHs), but said that the new products would be available in the second quarter.

Tags: Intel