Ted,
Scrumbia: In my original note I was referring to very low cost embedded cores which occupy about 10% of the silicon area, but perform more than 50% as fast as top of the line desktop processors.
Your re: Scumbria, assuming this statement is true, why don't Intel and AMD go this route as opposed to coming up with an Athlon or a cumine?
I know Scrumbia already replied to your post but I thought you may need little bit more insight into the processor nomenclature. Here is my attempt at explaining these things in laymen terms -
Processors are called with different names depending on the segments they are targeted for or depending on their intended use.
o A processor is called a "Microprocessor" (ex: Athlon, Coppermine, etc.,) when it's targeted for a segment consisting of general purpose and versatile applications commanding higher prices. Typical market segments for these are PCs, workstations, etc., where the users can through at them different applications at their will like spreadsheets, word processing, CAD programs, and what not.
o When a processor is targeted at the segments that use them for a specific or fixed application, then you apply the term Embedded processor to it. Many of the current Microprocessors, will eventually get marketed (with lowered manufacturing costs) into the embedded processor market at lower prices($10-$50), after they loose their luster in the PC market (EX: K6 3XXMHz listed in the post by Jim) Processors are also designed from the get go for the embedded markets.
o Microcontrollers - These are processors too, but they are designed from ground up to be low cost, low processing power. They contain additional circuitry on them for easier interface with the real world, with few to no external components(to minimize the total costs). These are primarily used in fixed applications requiring less processing power at a lower cost. Usually they go for 10cents a piece to $5. Typical applications for these devices are keyboard interfaces in appliances, toys, etc.
Now, here is a link to a nice article that explains the subtle differences among these different creatures of same genus with a neat analogy -
ebnonline.com
Regards, Goutama |