ARM-powered multi-core chip to reshape laptop market

September 14, 2010 // Phil Ling

Nufront, a Chinese high-tech company formed by Silicon Valley veterans, and ARM have announced the availability of Nufront's first Computer System Chip NuSmart 2816,  a 40nm system-on-chip that integrates a full computer system including a dual-core Cortex-A9 MPCore  implementation at 2GHz. Nufront is targeting ultra-thin laptop and All-in-One desktop markets, as well as netbook and tablet markets.

Nufront claims the 2816 is the world's first chip to integrate a 2GHz dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 processor, a multi-core 2D/3D graphics processor, 64bit DDR2/3-1066 memory controller, 1080p multi-format video engine, SATA2 controller, USB2, Ethernet, together with general I/O controllers. By leveraging the multi-layer hybrid interconnection technology, multi-level fine grain power management technology and advanced 40nm manufacture process, NuSmart 2816 is said to be very energy efficient; consuming less than two watts when running at 1.6GHz.

“We are seeing the computing landscape evolve with capabilities emerging from new and different areas,” said Tudor Brown, president, ARM. “Nufront is an excellent example of the pioneering approach to addressing existing computing markets with innovative products.”

“The closed computing market is entering a new era after 30 years of unidirectional evolution, driven by SoC technology and the virtual IDM industry model, which have been well developed in the open mobile market resulting in high power efficiency and versatile user experience,” said Vince Zhou, general manager, Nufront System Chip Division. “The innovative NuSmart™ 2816 Computer System Chip is the first in the world to combine the high performance capability of the traditional PC market and the high power efficiency of the mobile market at a competitive price. We believe this solution will bring a totally different user experience to customers and will reshape the mainstream computing market.”

A long-term partner of ARM for future collaboration on next generation processor technology in China, Nufront is now the first Chinese company using the most advanced 40nm process for chip design and manufacturing. Nufront is working on open source platforms like Ubuntu and Android, as well as with Microsoft.

First products powered by Nufront NuSmart 2816 are expected to be shown at CES 2011 in Las Vegas. Nufront is also planning to deliver several other NuSmart series computer system chips in 2011, one of which is under development now.

To learn more about Nufront visit: www.nufront.com

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