What are the details behind the smart microprocessor architecture?
The smart microprocessor architecture, as used in the Crusoe Processor, relies on software to perform a carefully selected set of functions that are performed in today’s hardware-based processors. This repartitioning of functionality allows for a great deal of flexibility in offering solutions that are more tailored to specific market segments The Crusoe processor takes advantage of a key benefit in this repartitioning: the significant reduction in the number of transistors needed to perform a task. This reduction results in a power consumption as low as 10 to 20 milliwatts while users run everyday PC applications like email and Internet browsing. For heavy-duty multimedia applications like DVD, the processor typically consumes just 1 – 2 watts. It also leads to a very small die size that is economical to build.
