Geode (processor)
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Geode is a series of x86-compatible microprocessors produced by AMD targeted at the embedded computing market.
The series was originally launched by National Semiconductor as the Geode family in 1999. The Geode processor core itself is derived from the Cyrix MediaGX processor, which was acquired in National's merger with Cyrix in 1997. AMD bought the Geode business from National in August 2003 to augment its existing line of embedded x86 processor products.
Geode processors are optimized for low power consumption and low cost while still remaining x86 native. The earlier processors lacked many of the SIMD instructions such as MMX and SSE. However, they are present in more recent processors. Geode processors integrate some of the functions normally provided by a separate chipset, such as the Northbridge. The processor family is best suited for thin client, set top box and embedded computing applications. The One Laptop Per Child project originally intended to use a GX series Geode processor in the $100 Laptop; but has since moved to the Geode LX.
The SCxxxx range of Geode devices are a single-chip version, comparable to the SiS 552, which integrate the CPU, memory controller, graphics and I/O devices into one package.
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[edit] AMD Geode
In 2002, AMD introduced the Geode GX series, which was a complete re-design from GX1. Clock speeds also increased from around 300 MHz to 400 MHz. This was quickly followed by the Geode LX, now running up to 500 MHz. Further improvements were made, such as higher speed USB, DDR memory support, and more powerful display controllers.
Geode GX and LX processors are typically found in devices such as thin clients and industrial control systems. However they have come under competitive pressure from VIA on the x86 side, and ARM and XScale taking much of the low-end business.
Because of the relatively poor performance of the GX and LX core design, AMD introduced the Geode NX, which is an embedded version of the highly-successful Athlon processor, K7. Geode NX uses the Thoroughbred core, with 256KB of Level 2 cache, and runs fanless at up to 1 GHz in the NX1500@6W version. The NX1750 part runs at 1.4 GHz, and the NX1250 runs at 667 MHz.
The Geode NX, with its strong FPU, is particularly suited for embedded devices with graphical performance requirements, such as information kiosks and casino gaming machines, such as video slots.
These processors are named after geodes.
[edit] Geode GX1
- 0.18μ CMOS
- 200 - 333MHz
- 1.6 - 2.2V core
- 16K L1 cache
- 0.8W - 1.2W typ.
- SDRAM memory 111MHz
- CS5530A companion chip
- 85Hz VGA refresh rate
- IDE, I/O
[edit] Geode LX
- LX 900@1.5W: clock speed: 667 MHz, with power consumption: 2.6 watts. (TDP 5.1 W)
- LX 800@0.9W: clock speed: 500 MHz, with power consumption: 1.8 watts. (TDP 3.6 W)
- LX 700@0.8W: clock speed: 433 MHz, with power consumption: 1.3 watts. (TDP 3.1 W)
Feature:
- Low power.
- Full compatibility with x86, Linux, Windows.
- Processor functional blocks:
- CPU Core
- GeodeLink™ Control Processor
- GeodeLink Interface Units
- GeodeLink Memory Controller
- Graphics Processor
- Display Controller
- Video Processor
- Video Input Port
- GeodeLink PCI Bridge
- Security Block
- 128-Bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) - (CBC/ECB)
- True Random Number Generator
Specification:
- Processor frequency up to 667MHz (LX900), 500 MHz (LX800) and 433 MHz (LX700).
- Power management: ACPI, lower power, wakeup on SMI/INTR.
- 64K I/64K D L1 cache and 128K L2 cache
- Split I/D cache/TLB (Translation Look-Aside Buffer)
- DDR Memory 400MHz (LX 800), 333MHz (LX 700)
- Integrated FPU with MMX® and 3DNow!™
- 9 GB/s internal GeodeLink™ Interface Unit (GLIU)
- Simultaneous, high-res CRT and TFT (High and standard definition). VESA 1.1 and 2.0 VIP/VDA support
- 0.13 micron process
- 481-terminal PBGA (Plastic Ball Grid Array)
- GeodeLink active hardware power management
[edit] Geode NX
- NX 1250@6W: Clock speed: 667 MHz, power consumption: 9 watts.
- NX 1500@6W: Clock speed: 1 GHz, power consumption: 9 watts.
- NX 1750@14W: Clock speed: 1.4 GHz, power consumption: 25 watts.
Feature:
- 7th generation core (based on Mobile Athlon).
- Power management: AMD PowerNow!™, ACPI 1.0b and ACPI 2.0.
- 128KB L1 cache.
- 256KB L2 cache with hardware data prefetch
- 133MHz Front Side Bus (FSB)
- 3DNow!™, MMX® and SSE instruction sets
- 0.13µm fabrication process
- Pin compatibility between all NX family processors.
- OS support: Linux, Windows CE, MS Windows XP.
[edit] Chipsets for Geode
- AMD Geode CS5330A Southbridge for Geode GX1.
- AMD Geode CS5535 Southbridge for Geode GX and Geode LX.
- AMD Geode CS5536 Southbridge for Geode GX and Geode LX. Power consumption: 1.9W (433MHz) and 2.4W (500MHz). This chipset is also used on PowerPC board (Samantha).
- Geode NX processors are "100 percent socket and chipset compatible" with AMD's "Socket A" Athlon XP processors: SIS741CX Northbridge and SIS 964 Southbridge, VIA KM400 Northbridge and VIA VT8235 Southbridge, VIA KN400A Northbridge and VIA VT8237R Southbridge.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- AMD pages for Geode
- National Semiconductor press release: Cyrix -> VIA, MediaGX -> Geode
- National Semiconductor press release: Geode sold to AMD
- CPU-INFO: Cyrix MediaGX, indepth processor history
- Voltage and P State information for Geode NX
- Quixant QX-10 Geode NX Motherboard for gaming applications
- Soekris Engineering sells embedded boards with Geode processors
- PC Engines WRAP another embedded board with Geode processor
- CM-iGLX the smallest Computer On Module based on Geode LX
[edit] Linux on Geode
- Installing Linux on Geode-based Single-Board Computers
- Linux on Compaq EVO T20 HOWTO
- Compaq Evo T20 Notes
- Installing Linux onto the IBM Netvista N2200
- Linux on CASIO Cassiopeia Fiva
- Linux with Cyrix MediaGXm, NSC/AMD Geode GX
- Linutop Linux based diskless computer
- Linux Development on the Pepper Pad 3
[edit] NetBSD on Geode
- Wasabi Systems Certified NetBSD port and NAS software
