AMD Introduces Embedded+ Architecture, Merging Processors and Adaptive SoCs

AMD has launched its latest architectural solution, AMD Embedded+, which combines AMD Ryzen Embedded processors with Versal adaptive SoCs on a single integrated board. This new platform aims to provide scalable and power-efficient solutions for original design manufacturer (ODM) partners, accelerating time-to-market for their products. The Embedded+ integrated compute platform, validated by AMD, helps ODM customers reduce qualification and build times, eliminating the need for additional hardware and R&D resources. By utilizing the Embedded+ architecture, ODM integration enables the development of designs with low power, small form factors, and long lifecycles for applications in medical, industrial, and automotive sectors.

Chetan Khona, senior director of Industrial, Vision, Healthcare and Sciences Markets at AMD, emphasized the importance of real-time decision-making in automated systems and the need for low Latency and deterministic response. With the Embedded+ platform, partner and customer data can be maximized while maintaining energy efficiency and performant computing. This allows ODMs to focus on addressing their specific customer and market needs.

What sets the Embedded+ architecture apart is its combination of AMD x86 compute with integrated graphics and programmable hardware for critical AI inferencing and sensor fusion applications. Adaptive computing excels in deterministic, low-latency processing, while AI Engines enhance high performance-per-watt inferencing. The Ryzen Embedded processors, equipped with high-performance “Zen” cores and Radeon graphics, offer world-class rendering and display options for an enhanced 4K multimedia experience. Additionally, they feature a built-in video codec for 4K H.264/H.265 encode decode.

The integration of low latency processing and high performance-per-watt inferencing allows for efficient execution of key tasks, such as real-time adaptive computing with flexible I/O, AI inferencing using AI Engines, and leveraging AMD Radeon graphics. This holistic solution combines the best aspects of each technology to deliver optimal performance.

To further enhance the versatility of the Embedded+ platform, system designers can choose from a range of ODM board products based on the architecture. This allows them to scale their product portfolios and tailor performance and power profiles to suit the specific target applications of their customers.

Sapphire Technology, a leading technology company, has already introduced the first ODM solution based on the Embedded+ architecture. The Sapphire Edge+ VPR-4616-MB is a low-power Mini-ITX form factor motherboard that leverages the Ryzen Embedded R2314 processor and Versal AI Edge VE2302 Adaptive SoC. With as low as 30W of power consumption, this solution offers a comprehensive suite of capabilities. Customers have the option to purchase the VPR-4616-MB as a standalone motherboard or as part of a complete system that includes memory, storage, power supply, and chassis.

Adrian Thompson, senior vice president of global marketing at Sapphire Technology, highlighted the benefits of working with a validated and reliable compute architecture. By doing so, resources can be directed towards enhancing other aspects of their products, resulting in shorter time-to-market and reduced R&D costs. Thompson sees Embedded+ as an excellent platform for building solutions with leading performance and features.

The Embedded+ qualified VPR-4616-MB from Sapphire Technology is available for purchase immediately upon its launch. This innovative solution brings together the power of AMD Ryzen Embedded processors and Versal adaptive SoCs to enable ODMs to deliver efficient and high-performing products that meet the demands of various industries.

Background Information

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About AMD: AMD, a large player in the semiconductor industry is known for its powerful processors and graphic solutions, AMD has consistently pushed the boundaries of performance, efficiency, and user experience. With a customer-centric approach, the company has cultivated a reputation for delivering high-performance solutions that cater to the needs of gamers, professionals, and general users. AMD's Ryzen series of processors have redefined the landscape of desktop and laptop computing, offering impressive multi-core performance and competitive pricing that has challenged the dominance of its competitors. Complementing its processor expertise, AMD's Radeon graphics cards have also earned accolades for their efficiency and exceptional graphical capabilities, making them a favored choice among gamers and content creators. The company's commitment to innovation and technology continues to shape the client computing landscape, providing users with powerful tools to fuel their digital endeavors.

  

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About Sapphire Technology: Sapphire is a well-established company in the VGA industry, known for its consistent performance and quality graphics products. Founded in 2001, the company has built a reputation for producing reliable graphics cards and components. Headquartered in Hong Kong, Sapphire has a global presence and has been a reliable player in the market for over two decades.

Technology Explained

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ITX: ITX (Information Technology eXtended) is a form factor for motherboards and other computer components. It is a small form factor that is designed to be more compact than traditional ATX motherboards. ITX motherboards are typically used in small form factor PCs, such as those used in home theater PCs, media centers, and other small form factor applications. ITX motherboards are also used in embedded systems, such as those used in industrial automation, medical equipment, and other embedded applications. ITX motherboards offer a number of advantages over traditional ATX motherboards, such as lower power consumption, smaller size, and improved cooling. Additionally, ITX motherboards are often more affordable than their ATX counterparts, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious consumers.

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Latency: Technology latency is the time it takes for a computer system to respond to a request. It is an important factor in the performance of computer systems, as it affects the speed and efficiency of data processing. In the computer industry, latency is a major factor in the performance of computer networks, storage systems, and other computer systems. Low latency is essential for applications that require fast response times, such as online gaming, streaming media, and real-time data processing. High latency can cause delays in data processing, resulting in slow response times and poor performance. To reduce latency, computer systems use various techniques such as caching, load balancing, and parallel processing. By reducing latency, computer systems can provide faster response times and improved performance.

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mini-ITX: The mini-ITX is a small form factor computer motherboard developed by VIA Technologies in 2001. It is designed to be a low-power, low-cost solution for embedded and small form factor applications. It is a 6.7-inch square motherboard that supports a wide range of processors, including Intel and AMD CPUs, as well as VIA's own C3 and C7 processors. The mini-ITX is used in a variety of applications, including home theater PCs, small form factor desktops, and embedded systems. It is also used in industrial applications, such as medical imaging, digital signage, and point-of-sale systems. The mini-ITX is a popular choice for computer enthusiasts who want to build their own small form factor PCs. It is also used in many commercial products, such as the Apple Mac mini and the Asus Eee PC.

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Radeon: AMD Radeon, a product line by Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), consists of graphics processing units (GPUs) recognized for their strong performance in gaming, content creation, and professional applications. Powered by innovative technologies like the RDNA architecture, Radeon GPUs deliver efficient and powerful graphics processing. The brand also supports features like FreeSync, enhancing visual fluidity and reducing screen tearing during gaming. Moreover, AMD Radeon GPUs embrace real-time ray tracing for heightened realism in lighting and reflections. With a balance between price and performance, Radeon competes with NVIDIA's GeForce graphics cards and remains a popular choice for a wide range of users.

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SoC: A System-on-Chip (SoC) is a highly integrated semiconductor device that encapsulates various electronic components, including processors, memory, input/output interfaces, and often specialized hardware components, all on a single chip. SoCs are designed to provide a complete computing system or subsystem within a single chip package, offering enhanced performance, power efficiency, and compactness. They are commonly used in a wide range of devices, from smartphones and tablets to embedded systems and IoT devices, streamlining hardware complexity and facilitating efficient integration of multiple functions onto a single chip.