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As part of its expanded offerings for embedded market segments, Intel is shipping quad- and dual-core processors based on its high-k, metal gate transistor formula and manufactured on its 45nm process.

The new processors, which include the quad-core Xeon processor 5400 series and dual-core Xeon processor 5200 series are coupled with Intel's power-optimized 5100 memory controller hub (MCH) chipset, to create what the company said are the first 45nm CPU platforms for thermally constrained bladed applications.

And when using Intel's 5000P chipset, the company said the 45nm processors are meant to allow full-performance and memory-intensive applications such as storage, routers, security, and medical solutions, as well as communications applications such as IP multimedia subsystems (IMS).

In terms of the manufacturing technology that the processors are manufactured with, Intel highlighted that its hafnium-based, high-k metal gate transistor formula reduces power consumption, increases switching speed and increases transistor density over Intel's 65nm manufacturing technology.

The 45nm CPU-based platforms, based on the Intel 5100 MCH chipset, are aimed at 200-watt maximum power envelope specifications such as AdvancedTCA and also for NEBS Level-3 requirements.

"We're acutely aware of the performance demands and power consumption concerns of our customers and reached a remarkable 67% more compute performance-per-watt when we validated the Intel 5100 MCH chipset-based 45nm quad-core platform," Doug Davis, VP and general manager of Intel's embedded and communications group, said in a statement today.

"In addition, the 45nm quad-core processors also allow for a 22% performance gain over previous-generation platforms within the same thermal profile, making it an excellent choice for compute-intensive applications such as IMS and platforms for storage, routers and security," he added.

Ericsson said it will introduce its quad-core Intel Xeon processor-based IMS/Core network nodes and application servers to allow operators and service providers to host more subscribers in a smaller footprint, in order to lower total cost of ownership and environmental impact.

Magnus Furustam, VP and head of Ericsson's product area core and IMS, said the processing headroom will also allow the next generation of IMS services, and to accelerate this innovation, Ericsson and Intel are promoting the benefits of IMS to the communications developer community globally.

From a support basis, Intel is offering extended lifecycle support for seven years for the dual-core Xeon processor 5200 series (E5240, E5220, L5238) and the quad-core Xeon processor 5400 series (E5440 and L5408), representing a two-year increase from the previous minimum support of 5 years.

Also yesterday, Intel detailed its new carrier grade server TIGH2U building block for increased choice for customers that require power efficiency and improved compute performance for high-end communication applications.

There are also enhancements to its carrier grade server TIGW1U, IP network server NSW1U and IP network server NSC2U that includes support for the company's quad-core Xeon processor 5400 series. These are aimed at telco and network applications in harsh environments with NEBS Level-3 requirements that demand high performance, energy efficiency and high I/O throughput.

The 45nm processors with extended lifecycle support are available today, and pricing ranges from $321 to $690. The dual-core Intel Xeon processor L5238 at 35 watts will be available in April, while the Intel 5100 MCH chipset is available immediately, starting at $76.

Ann Steffora Mutschler, Senior Editor - Electronic News