The AMD Embedded G-Series platform being introduced tonight is the world's first Accelerated Processing Unit (APU) for embedded systems. AMD has had quite a bit of history of supporting x86 based embedded systems. Starting with the Geode processor in 2003 (obtained from National Semiconductors and used in the OLPC project), AMD went on to introduce AMD64 technology into the embedded markets with the AMD Opteron processors in 2005. In 2007, the addition of graphics and other chipset options by AMD enabled comprehensive embedded solutions. In 2009, AMD introduced BGA (Ball Grid Array) packaging to meet customer demand.

At CES 2011, they gave us a sneak peek into the Embedded G-Series platform based on Brazos. AMD has increased performance and features in every generation while bringing down the power, area and price barriers for x86 in the embedded market.

The embedded market space is dominated by SoCs based on RISC processors such as ARM and MIPS. For most power sensitive embedded applications, PowerPC and x86 based solutions do not make the cut. x86, in particular, has been the dark horse due to the excessive power consumption for systems based on that architecture. Process shrinks have helped lower the power consumption numbers. However, we are still a few nodes away from when the x86 based solutions can really compete with RISC based solutions on the power front.

In the meantime, solutions like what we are seeing from AMD today integrate premium graphics capabilities within power envelops similar to what x86 used to consume in the previous generation—so you get CPU+GPU instead of just a CPU. RISC based embedded solutions may still be winning on the power front; however, for applications where slightly higher power consumption is not a concern, the x86 threat from the AMD embedded G-Series platform can become a cause for concern. MIPS is usually popular in such applications (set top boxes, digital signage etc.) and they will be facing credible opposition with AMD's integrated graphics capabilities.

The embedded market is huge and growing, and needs innovative, complete system platforms. These systems are compute intensive and have high performance graphics requirements, which make the embedded market a key part of AMD's strategy to drive revenue growth. There is an ongoing push for decreased power, smaller size and higher capability systems at lower price points. The strong visual element and growing need for quality graphics in many embedded markets such as set top boxes make it the ideal time for the AMD APU to get introduced into this space.

AMD's solutions (integrated CPU + GPU) are ideal for thin clients, medical imaging, point of sale and kiosk systems, gaming machines, digital signage and single board computing systems. These APUs integrate a multi-core CPU and a GPU sub-system on the same die to give a general-purpose, programmable scalar and vector processor core with heterogeneous capabilities.

The AMD Embedded G-Series Platform consists of an APU and a Fusion Controller Hub. The features are as below:

APU

• 2 x86 CPU Cores (40nm “Bobcat” core – 1 MB L2, 64-bit FPU)
• C6 and power gating
• Array of SIMD Engines [ DX11 graphics performance, Industry leading 3D and graphics processing ]
• 3rd Generation Unified Video Decoder [ H.264, VC1, DivX/Xvid ]
• DDR3 800-1066, 2 DIMMs, 64 bit channel
• BGA package

AMD Fusion Controller Hub for display and I/O

• Two dedicated digital display interfaces [ Configurable externally as  HDMI, DVI, and/or Display Port, and as single link LVDS for internal panels ]
• Integrated VGA
• 5x8 PCIe®
• “Hudson” Fusion Controller Hub

With the introduction of the G-Series, AMD is showing a strong commitment to the x86 embedded market. AMD claims that it is the world's first and only APU for embedded systems. AMD Fusion can bring a new generation of differentiated, small form factor embedded systems that consume less power, yet deliver improved performance and features. The GPU component can deliver an outstanding visual experience compared to other x86 based embedded systems.

We are reproducing the different SKUs available for the APU as well as the platform controller hub (PCH) from AMD's official site below (click to enlarge):

Given ATI's strong GPU background, there is no doubt that the graphics in the G-Series will turn out to be much better than the embedded solution from Intel and VIA. However, we do have some concerns about the capability of the UVD engine in the platform. While the marketing slides indicated that Blu-Ray titles can be smoothly played back, it also had another entry indicating that 1080p video playback support availability was only in the 18W processors and higher. We were also not provided with the difference between the embedded G-Series and the desktop Brazos platform that Anand had covered earlier. It looks likely that the GPU capabilities (SIMD engine) are not the same, with the embedded solution having half the number of stream processors. However, we are awaiting confirmation on this. Expect an update in this section as soon as we hear back from AMD.

The AMD Embedded G-Series solution is very exciting for many embedded markets. AMD let us in on the fact that the Microsoft Surface 2.0 demonstrated in the 2011 CES Microsoft Keynote was in fact powered by the AMD Embedded G-Series. Some digital signage solutions from MediaVue and thin clients from Wyse are also based on this new platform. There are also a large number of partners and customers lined up, ready to launch products based on the AMD Embedded G-Series over the next few quarters.

AMD is putting up this solution against the Embedded Atom series models from Intel, promising better footprint (lesser number of balls to route). AMD doesn't really have any credible competitor to stand up against Intel SoCs such as the CE4100 / CE4200. We believe that the AMD APU would be a wonderful base for a SoC solution in that market segment. However, the additional Hudson hub makes it difficult to get small form factor systems.

In the near future, we can look forward to some exciting embedded systems where the AMD Embedded G-Series can make a real difference with its graphics prowess.