Intel Adds Pentium II-Low Power To Platform Solutions Program

Intel Corp. today announced that it has added the Intel Pentium II processor-Low Power and free system software, development kit, and boards available from third party vendors to its platform solutions. These processors are targeted at an emerging class of dedicated-function applications, called applied computing, that are typically connected to other systems via a network or through the Internet. Examples of these embedded applications include communications systems, transaction terminals such as point-of-sale systems (POS) or ATMs, and industrial PCs used in a variety of functions. One source has estimated that 64% of embedded systems may include Web browser/server technology by the year 2000, up from 30% today.

"An exploding need for connectivity in the high-performance market segment of non-PC applications is driving the transition to standards-based building blocks," said Tom Franz, general manager and vice president of Intel's Embedded Microcomputer Division. "The Pentium II processor-Low Power gives designers a proven architecture complemented by the industry's broadest range of operating systems, peripherals, development tools and board products."

Intel will provide the Pentium II processor-Low Power at 266 and 333 MHz in new surface-mount, ball grid array packages. These products are appropriate for lower profile non-PC applications. A Pentium II processor-Low Power module will give designers a quick time-to-market option by providing complete high-speed design integrated into a single unit with the processors.

Originally developed for mobile PCs, the Pentium II processor-Low Power operates at about 8.8 w typical and 11.8 w max power at 333 MHz compared to 23.7 w max for a similar desktop processor. Modules combine the processor, the "northbridge" of the 440BX chipset (already supported by Intel for embedded life cycles), 256 K or 512 K on-chip L2 cache and voltage regulation. Modules measure approximately 2.5 in. x 4 in. x .39 in. A third Celeron processor also has been added to the product line. The 433 MHz processor joins the 300 and 366 MHz Intel Celeron processors announced for non-PC applications earlier this year.