Perhaps, ATI Technologies, graphics product group of Advanced Micro Devices and former designer of chipsets that are now sold under AMD brand-name, was not keen on development of high-end core-logic sets with innovative functionality. However, with the new SB700, which development began long ago, AMD will be in position to target systems with rich functionality.

AMD’s new SB700 will support a number of innovations previously not available from AMD and other developers of chipsets. The main highlights of the SB700 I/O controller is support for consumer infrared port, TPM (trust platform module) support as well as HyperFlash technology. Infrared support will help the new platforms from AMD, such as code-named RS780, to become more popular among consumers and multimedia enthusiasts, whereas support of TPM and HyperFlash (a technology similar to Intel NAND) are likely to be welcome by business and enterprise customers.

AMD SB700 will support 6 Serial ATA-300 ports with RAID capabilities, external-Serial ATA, Parallel ATA/flash controller, high-definition audio controller, 12 USB 2.0 and 2 USB 1.1 ports, PCI interface and so on.

AMD SB700 production is scheduled to begin in late-2007 or early-2008, in time with AMD’s latest code-named RS780 chipset with built-in DirectX 10-class graphics.

Officials for AMD did not comment on the news-story.