Intel gives early Moorestown details at IDF

Intel at its Developer Forum in Shanghai has provided early details of the Moorestown architecture that will likely find its way into smartphones and handhelds. A successor to today's Atom, Moorestown will include both a separate processor, codenamed Lincroft, as well as a new version of the System Controller Hub known for now as Langwell. Unlike the current Atom design, which splits graphics off to the Hub, the Lincroft chip will build its own video hardware directly into the main processor. The design should both improve visual performance but also reduce the size of Langwell to less than the size of a US quarter, according to Intel.

Langwell itself will also receive new support designed to improve its own size and performance. Instead of relying on separate modules for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and other wireless technology, Langwell will talk directly to a unified wireless module known as Evans Peak. It should merge Bluetooth, GPS, and Wi-Fi into a single chipset with the option of WiMAX on the same chip. 3G cellular data and mobile TV tuners can also be added separately.

The new controller circuitry will also include a built-in controller for solid-state drives and a fully integrated power mangement system.

Intel continues to expect a release for the Moorestown platform sometime in 2009 and will manufacture it on today's existing 45 nanometer manufacturing process. More details will be available at the company's fall Developer Forum.

The smaller size will shrink the overall size of Mobile Internet Devices and micro notebooks and is widely rumored to be a candidate for a new generation of iPhones that would see a significant jump in speed over the ARM processors in today's models. [via Notebook Italia]