Information on the Next Intel XScale Processors

Intel has disclosed a few broad technical details of its next-generation of Intel XScale based processors to be used in mobile phones, PDAs and other wireless devices. The upcoming processors, code named "Bulverde," will add several new features that will help devices to capture higher quality pictures, improve battery life and multimedia performance.

Bulverde is a key component of the Intel Personal Internet Client Architecture (PCA), the company's development blueprint for designing wireless devices that combine voice communications and Internet access capabilities.

Improved Camera Action
The ability to send and receive digital pictures or video clips has been one of the hottest developments in the cell phone and PDA segments worldwide. Intel has developed Quick Capture Technology, an interface that allows imaging devices to connect to a cell phone or PDA, to improve image quality and reduce the overall cost of adding digital image capabilities for mobile devices.

Intel Quick Capture Technology provides the ability to get live video and high-quality still images from a wide range of camera sensors in current and future camera-enabled mobile handsets and PDAs. Intel Quick Capture Technology consists of three primary modes of operation: Quick View mode (providing low power, real time previews), Quick Shot mode (providing high resolution image capture up to four megapixels) and Quick Video mode (providing full-motion, high-quality video capture).

Power Efficiency
First available in the Bulverde processor, Intel will also offer Wireless Intel SpeedStep Technology, a technology which dynamically adjusts the power and performance of the processor based on CPU demand. This can result in a significant decrease in power consumption for wireless handheld devices.

Wireless Intel SpeedStep Technology advances the capabilities of Intel Dynamic Voltage Management, a function already built into the Intel XScale microarchitecture, by incorporating three new low-power states: deep idle, standby and deep sleep. The technology is able to change both voltage and frequency on-the-fly by intelligently switching the processor into the various low power modes, saving additional power while still providing the necessary performance to run rich applications.

Advanced Multimedia Capability
Intel Wireless MMX technology, announced last year, is an advanced set of multimedia instructions that will help bring desktop-like multimedia performance to Bulverde-based clients while minimizing the power needed to run rich applications. Intel Wireless MMX technology builds on the Intel MMX technology originally introduced in the Intel Pentium processor family, enabling software developers to quickly make their applications such as 2D and 3D gaming, streaming MPEG4 video, wireless encryption/decryption, and voice recognition available for Intel-based cell phones and PDAs.

"Cell phone and wireless PDA capabilities are moving well beyond just making a call or organizing personal information," said Hans Geyer, Intel vice president and general manager of its PCA Components Group. "The ability to send and receive pictures, play rich 3D games or download ring tones, video clips and music are growing in popularity. To support the ongoing adoption of data services and applications, the underlying technology must be able to deliver enhanced multimedia capabilities and lower power."

Intel says, additional details surrounding Bulverde are expected to be available in the first half of 2004.