AMD G-Series SOC integrates CPU, GPU and I ... - ICC Media GmbH

COVER STORYAMD G-Series SOC integrates CPU,GPU and I/O controller onto a single dieBy Craig Bryant, AMD Embedded SolutionsWith the introduction ofthe G-Series SOC, AMD hascompleted the process ofevolution from CPU, chipsetand dedicated graphicsvia APU and controller hubto a single fully-integratedx86 building block. Whatbenefits can developersexpect from the newG-Series SOC platform? With the introduction of the AMD EmbeddedG-Series in 2011, a low-power CPU and adiscrete-class GPU was combined into a singleAccelerated Processing Unit (APU). The AMDEmbedded G-Series APU resulted in a spaceefficienttwo-chip solution – comprising theAPU and a companion I/O controller hub –that offered high multimedia and parallel processingperformance on a low-power platform.With the introduction of the new AMD EmbeddedG-Series SOC platform, AMD hasbuilt on the strength of the G-Series processorarchitecture and is completing the evolutionby reducing the two-chip architecture of theG-Series APU to a single chip. At the sametime it delivers multimedia and heterogeneousprocessing capabilities that promise superiorperformance-per-watt in the low-power x86-capable microprocessor class of products whenrunning multiple industry standard benchmarks.Additionally, it supports enterpriseclasserror-correction code (ECC) memory.The new AMD G-Series SOCs are available indual- and quad-core variants. Featuring thenext-generation Jaguar-CPU core with 28 nmtechnology and an enhanced integrated RadeonGPU core with frequency increase and instructionsper cycle (IPC) improvement, G-SeriesSOCs deliver up to a 113% CPU performanceimprovement compared to G-Series APUs, anda 125% CPU improvement versus Intel Atomwhen running multiple industry-standard compute-intensivebenchmarks. New features includeenhanced Universal Video Decode (UVD) hardwareacceleration (H.264, VC-1, MPEG 2 andmore) and new video encode capabilities withenhanced clock gating and C6 deep powerdowncapabilities that lower overall power consumption.G-Series SOCs also support remotewireless display capabilities with minimal latency.Another new feature is the ECC support, which,up until now, has been limited to power-hungryprocessor platforms. However, the evolution ofa new class of ultra energy-efficient, computeintensivex86 IT infrastructure and precisioncontrol systems makes ECC an increasingly importantrequirement. The ability of the G-SeriesSOC platform to support enterprise-class ECCmemory distinguishes it as an excellent fit forapplications requiring high levels of data integritywithout compromising energy efficiency.The integrated GPU supports DirectX 11.1,OpenGL 4.2 and OpenCL 1.2, enabling highspeedparallel processing and high-performancegraphics processing that provides up to 20%improvement over G-Series APUs and 5x improvementversus Intel Atom. Support for thesecomputing frameworks affords a host of softwaredevelopment options with advanced graphicsAPIs, while extending application lifetime therebyhelping to minimize software developmentcosts and maximize ROI. OpenCL-enabledCPU/GPU parallel processing can be especiallybeneficial to high-precision applications suchas industrial control and automation, securityand surveillance, and communications infrastructure,allowing OpenCL APIs to access theintegrated GPU with 256 GFLOPs per clockcompute power. Meanwhile, seamless DirectX11 and OpenGL support complements theAMD G-Series SOC DisplayPort 1.2-enableddual independent display capability, providinghigh-resolution multi-display support for graphics-drivenapplications spanning digital signage,digital gaming, thin client and human machineinterface (HMI). On the mechanical side, theFigure 1. A complete system on a single chip:the AMD Embedded G-Series SOC platformintegrates CPU, GPU and I/O controller ona single die.May 2013 6