Transmeta expands target markets with new Crusoe SE processors for x86, fanless embedded applications

Embedded system developers can now take advantage of almost 1GHz of x86-compatible performance, with an integrated Northbridge, in a small package that does not require a cooling fan. The Crusoe SE product family is an exceptional solution for developers of today's high performance, x86 embedded systems and an excellent performance upgrade path for systems developed using lower-end SOC embedded technology.

Crusoe SE processors are designed and tested for long-term use in harsh environments, where a chip's temperature can reach as high as 100° C. Future versions of Crusoe SE processors will be available for extreme embedded applications that require even wider temperature ranges.

"The introduction of Crusoe SE processors for x86 embedded applications complements Transmeta's existing mobile business and meets two important company goals", stated Dr. Matthew R. Perry, president and CEO, Transmeta Corporation. "We are expanding target markets for Crusoe processors to new growth segments and geographic regions."

Crusoe SE processor specifications include:

• Crusoe SE parts available at 667 MHz, 800 MHz and 933 MHz, optimised for x86 embedded applications.
• Each processor available in a standard or low power version.
• Reduced operating temperatures enabling fanless system designs to minimise end product reliability challenges associated with fan-cooled systems.
• LongRun power and thermal management maximises embedded system performance while reducing power consumption and heat dissipation.
• Upgraded Code Morphing Software (CMS) enhanced to maximise real time performance while maintaining complete x86-compatibility.
• Integrated Northbridge reduces board space use allowing compact designs.
• Reliable operation twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week at full-rated speed and temperature to meet the high reliability requirements of mission critical embedded designs.
• Extended Crusoe SE availability programme to support long-term embedded product life cycles.
• Crusoe SE processors immediately available to customers.
• Pricing example: 667 MHz Crusoe SE less than $50 per unit in volume.

Embedded system developers face challenging business and technical requirements, as product operation and reliability specifications are complex and life cycles can last for many years. In addition to a dependable, long-term supply of strategic components such as Crusoe SE processors, these customers require a reliable structure of complementary companies to support a multitude of embedded system needs.

To that end, Transmeta is working closely with many partners to provide essential support services and products that benefit customers in the development of embedded applications. These include BIOS/firmware companies, embedded operating system companies, and silicon component suppliers. Through these partnerships, customers have available a wide platform of hardware and software that are pre-tested for use with Crusoe SE processors for easy development and fast time-to-market.

Crusoe SE processors' x86 compatibility means easy integration with the already established base of x86 BIOS software. Transmeta is collaborating with several leading embedded BIOS companies to offer attractive feature sets that are optimised for embedded applications, in addition to those in the traditional PC market.

The complete x86 compatibility and reduced power requirements of Crusoe SE processors enable embedded operating system companies to expand sales into new areas of the market. Transmeta has established close working relationships with market leaders across the embedded operating system space, offering easy out-of-the-box bring-up of multiple offerings.

Transmeta's customers provide innovative, embedded solutions based on the existing family of energy efficient Crusoe processors and several companies have already committed to designs based on the new Crusoe SE processors.