Reproduced in full (with permission) here’s a very useful rundown of the keywords coming out of the Intel Atom ‘ecosystem’ and what they mean. I recently made a mistake in calling Diamondville a ‘platform’ so thanks to DavidC1 for calling me out on that one and redirecting me to this information. I know we should really be creating a Wiki on all this. I have a Wiki plugin for the portal which I’ll test out. Maybe between us all, we can get some nice info together. [more after the break…]
Intel Atom processor. The brand name for a family of low- power processors designed for a range of new market segments including mobile Internet devices and simple, low-cost Internet-focused machines such as netbooks and nettops (see definitions below). The Intel Atom processor will also be used in embedded and consumer electronics. The initial versions of the Intel Atom processor are code named “Silverthorne” and “Diamondville” (see below). The Intel Atom processor family is based on the core code named “Bonnell.” The Intel Atom processor is Intel’s smallest chip, built with the world’s smallest transistors. Contains 47 million transistors.
Silverthorne. The code name for one version of the Intel Atom processor, optimized first for low-power then for low-cost. Silverthorne is targeted for use in mobile Internet devices. Manufactured on Intel’s 45nm process technology.
Diamondville. The code name for another version of the Intel Atom processor, optimized first for low-cost then for low-power. Slightly larger packaging than Silverthorne so it can be used on less expensive 4-layer motherboards. Diamondville is targeted for low-cost platforms including nettops and netbooks. Manufactured on Intel’s 45nm process technology.
Mobile Internet device (MID). A small mobile device that delivers the full Internet in your pocket. Powered by the Intel Atom processor. The best Internet experience in your pocket is enabled by Intel® Centrino® Atomâ„¢ processor technology.
Intel Centrino Atom processor technology. The brand name for a low-power platform designed for mobile Internet devices. Intel Centrino Atom processor technology includes the Intel Atom processor, a low-power companion chip with integrated graphics, a wireless radio, and other features.
Menlow. Code name for the Intel Centrino Atom processor technology platform. Menlow includes the Silverthorne processor and the Poulsbo chipset.
Poulsbo. Code name for low-power chipset for mobile Internet devices. Used with Silverthorne in Intel Centrino Atom processor technology based machines. Part of the Menlow platform. Poulsbo includes 3D graphics, HD video playback (720p and 1080i content) and the memory controller.
Embedded Menlow. Similar to Menlow with the Silverthorne processor and the Poulsbo chipset, but runs embedded operating systems and includes embedded lifecycle support of at least seven years.
Moorestown. Code name for successor to the Menlow platform, scheduled for late 2009 or early 2010. For mobile Internet devices. Intel has publicly committed that Moorestown will have at least 10 times less idle power consumption than the previous-generation Menlow platform.
Netbook. A small, low-cost, mobile computing device designed for consuming content, rather than creating new content.
Nettop. A desktop version of the netbook.
Sodaville. Codename for System on a Chip (SoC) product for consumer electronics devices, arriving in 2009. Sodaville will be used in non-battery CE devices used for digital entertainment in the home. Sodaville will be based on the same low-power core found in Intel Atom processors.
