News
Issue #2002 - 40 (October 2002)
(Updated Oct. 22, 2002)

TECHNOLOGY

Intel to Enhance Memory and Security in Mobile Processors

Source: News story written by Mala Nugehally, special to MobileInfo.Com

Driven by a need for greater memory in cell phones and handhelds, Intel just announced new flash memory parts and network processors that embed security features in the recently concluded Intel Developer Forum in Taipei. The new memory product for cell phones and handhelds combines memory and processing into a single chip. The new network processor embeds security functions and is expected to reduce the cost and improve the functioning of network equipment.

The 1.8-volt StrataFlash Wireless Memory, which is based on the 0.13 micron process technology is said to consume nearly 40 percent less power than currently available memory and hold twice the amount of data. Available in 8MB, 16MB and 32MB, its designed to be stacked so that manufacturers can provide more memory in less room on a device's circuit board. According to Hans Geyer, an Intel vice president in full support of this launch, StrataFlash is designed into devices slated to hit the market by the second quarter of next year. However, there is no word on its pricing yet. On its product roadmap for this year is a fully integrated product, codenamed Manitoba that includes memory, an XScale PXA processor and a digital signal processor. 

The new network processor, IXP 2850 is due in the second quarter of next year. According to Matt Campbell, Product Marketing Manager in Intel's communications division, the processor is designed to route information packets inside switches and telecommunications servers, and also perform intelligent functions such as encryption or decryption. Added to this the chip is expected to perform security functions at 10 gigabits per second, faster than current security co-processors. Given these capabilities the single Intel network processing chip is expected to power VPN servers The IXP 2850 includes two cryptography engines and will cost $725 in volume quantities when it emerges in the second quarter of 2003, while the development tool for the chip, the IXPA 2850, will cost $12,000. Intel is also expected to release a new software developer kit and new software for programming the chip. Considered to be a winning design, the IXPA 2850 is a single chip solution when compared to solutions from competitors that require multiple chips to do content processing.

[Source: ZDNet News] 

For more information: www.intel.com

MobileInfo Comments and Advisory: Intel is becoming a major silicon chip player for mobile devices, especially smart phones - a market where TI is very active. Competition will bring handset component prices down while increasing the performance specifications.. 

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