HOME

TheInfoList



OR:

Geode was a series of x86-compatible
system-on-a-chip A system on a chip or system-on-chip (SoC ; pl. ''SoCs'' ) is an integrated circuit that integrates most or all components of a computer or other electronic system. These components almost always include a central processing unit (CPU), memory ...
microprocessor A microprocessor is a computer processor where the data processing logic and control is included on a single integrated circuit, or a small number of integrated circuits. The microprocessor contains the arithmetic, logic, and control circ ...
s and I/O companions produced by AMD, targeted at the
embedded computing An embedded system is a computer system—a combination of a computer processor, computer memory, and input/output peripheral devices—that has a dedicated function within a larger mechanical or electronic system. It is ''embedded'' a ...
market. The series was originally launched by
National Semiconductor National Semiconductor was an American semiconductor manufacturer which specialized in analog devices and subsystems, formerly with headquarters in Santa Clara, California. The company produced power management integrated circuits, display dr ...
as the Geode family in 1999. The original Geode processor core itself is derived from the
Cyrix Cyrix Corporation was a microprocessor developer that was founded in 1988 in Richardson, Texas, as a specialist supplier of floating point units for 286 and 386 microprocessors. The company was founded by Tom Brightman and Jerry Rogers. In ...
MediaGX platform, which was acquired in National's merger with Cyrix in 1997. AMD bought the Geode business from National in August 2003 to augment its existing line of embedded x86 processor products. AMD expanded the Geode series to two classes of processor: the MediaGX-derived Geode GX and LX, and the modern
Athlon Athlon is the brand name applied to a series of x86-compatible microprocessors designed and manufactured by Advanced Micro Devices (AMD). The original Athlon (now called Athlon Classic) was the first seventh-generation x86 processor and the fi ...
-derived Geode NX. Geode processors are optimized for low power consumption and low cost while still remaining compatible with software written for the x86 platform. The MediaGX-derived processors lack modern features such as SSE and a large on-die
L1 cache A CPU cache is a hardware cache used by the central processing unit (CPU) of a computer to reduce the average cost (time or energy) to access data from the main memory. A cache is a smaller, faster memory, located closer to a processor core, whic ...
but these are offered on the more recent Athlon-derived Geode NX. Geode processors tightly integrate some of the functions normally provided by a separate chipset, such as the northbridge. Whilst the processor family is best suited for
thin client In computer networking, a thin client is a simple (low-performance) computer that has been optimized for establishing a remote connection with a server-based computing environment. They are sometimes known as ''network computers'', or in th ...
, set top box and
embedded computing An embedded system is a computer system—a combination of a computer processor, computer memory, and input/output peripheral devices—that has a dedicated function within a larger mechanical or electronic system. It is ''embedded'' a ...
applications, it can be found in unusual applications such as the Nao robot and the Win Enterprise IP-PBX. The One Laptop per Child project used the GX series Geode processor in OLPC XO-1 prototypes, but moved to the Geode LX for production. The Linutop (rebranded Artec
ThinCan ThinCan is the name for a thin client manufactured by Estonian electronic design start-up Artec Group. The ThinCan remained relatively unknown outside Estonia until 2006, when a recent ThinCan iteration was selected as the hardware base for the ...
DBE61C or rebranded FIC ION603A) is also based on the Geode LX. 3Com Audrey was powered by a 200 MHz Geode GX1. The SCxxxx range of Geode devices are a single-chip version, comparable to the SiS 552, VIA CoreFusion or Intel's Tolapai, which integrate the CPU, memory controller, graphics and I/O devices into one package. Single processor boards based on these processors are manufactured by Artec Group, PC Engines (
WRAP Wrap, WRAP or Wrapped may refer to: Storage and preservation * Gift wrap or wrap paper, used to enclose a present * Overwrap, a wrapping of items in a package or a wrapping over packages * Plastic wrap, a thin, clear, flexible plastic used to ...
), Soekris, and Win Enterprises. AMD discontinued all Geode processors in 2019.


Features

CPU features table


National Semiconductor Geode


Geode GXm

Rebranded Cyrix MediaGXm. Returns "CyrixInstead" on CPUID. * 0.35 μm four-layer metal CMOS *
MMX MMX may refer to: * 2010, in Roman numerals Science and technology * MMX (instruction set), a single-instruction, multiple-data instruction set designed by Intel * MMX Mineração, a Brazilian mining company * Martian Moons eXploration, a Japane ...
instructions * Core speed: 180, 200, 233, 266 MHz * 3.3 V I/O, 2.9 V core * 16 KB four-way set associative write-back unified (I&D) L1 cache, 2 or 4 KB of which can be reserved as I/O scratchpad RAM for use by the integrated graphics core (e.g. for bitblits) * 30-33 MHz PCI bus interconnect with CPU bus * 64-bit
SDRAM Synchronous dynamic random-access memory (synchronous dynamic RAM or SDRAM) is any DRAM where the operation of its external pin interface is coordinated by an externally supplied clock signal. DRAM integrated circuits (ICs) produced from the ...
interface * Fully static design * CS5530 companion chip (implements sound and video functions) * VSA architecture * 1280×1024×8 or 1024×768×16 display


Geode GXLV

* Die-shrunk GXm * 0.25 μm four-layer metal CMOS * Core speed: 166, 180, 200, 233, 266 MHz * 3.3 V I/O, 2.2, 2.5, 2.9 V core * Typical power: 1.0 W at 2.2 V/166 MHz, 2.5 W at 2.9 V/266 MHz


Geode GX1

* Die-shrunk GXLV * 0.18 μm four-layer metal CMOS * Core speed: 200, 233, 266, 300, 333 MHz * 3.3 V I/O, 1.8, 2.0, 2.2 V core * Typical power: 0.8 W at 1.8 V/200 MHz, 1.4 W at 2.2 V/333 MHz * 64-bit
SDRAM Synchronous dynamic random-access memory (synchronous dynamic RAM or SDRAM) is any DRAM where the operation of its external pin interface is coordinated by an externally supplied clock signal. DRAM integrated circuits (ICs) produced from the ...
interface, up to 111 MHz * CS5530A companion chip * 60 Hz VGA refresh rate National Semiconductor/AMD SC1100 is based on the Geode GX1 core and the CS5530 support chip.


Geode GX2

Announced by National Semiconductor Corporation October, 2001 at Microprocessor Forum. First demonstration at
COMPUTEX COMPUTEX Taipei, or Taipei International Information Technology Show (), is a computer expo held annually in Taipei, Taiwan. Since the early 2000s, it is one of the largest computer and technology trade shows in the world. The last COMPUTEX was ...
Taiwan, June, 2002. * 0.15 μm process technology *
MMX MMX may refer to: * 2010, in Roman numerals Science and technology * MMX (instruction set), a single-instruction, multiple-data instruction set designed by Intel * MMX Mineração, a Brazilian mining company * Martian Moons eXploration, a Japane ...
and
3DNow! 3DNow! is a deprecated extension to the x86 instruction set developed by Advanced Micro Devices (AMD). It adds single instruction multiple data (SIMD) instructions to the base x86 instruction set, enabling it to perform vector processing of fl ...
instructions * 16 KB Instruction and 16 KB Data L1 cache * GeodeLink architecture, 6  GB/s on-chip bandwidth, up to 2 GB/s memory bandwidth * Integrated 64-bit PC133 SDRAM and DDR266 controller * Clockrate: 266, 333, and 400 MHz * 33 MHz PCI bus interconnect with CPU bus * 3 PCI masters supported * 1600×1200 24-bit display with video scaling * CRT DACs and an UMA DSTN/TFT controller. * Geode CS5535 or CS5536 companion chip


Geode SCxx00 Series

Developed by National Tel Aviv (NSTA) based on IP from Longmont and other sources. Applications: * The SC3200 was used in the Tatung TWN-5213 CU.


AMD Geode

In 2002, AMD introduced the Geode GX series, which was a re-branding of the National Semiconductor GX2. This was quickly followed by the Geode LX, running up to 667 MHz. LX brought many improvements, such as higher speed DDR, a re-designed instruction pipe, and a more powerful display controller. The upgrade from the CS5535 I/O Companion to the CS5536 brought higher speed USB. Geode GX and LX processors are typically found in devices such as thin clients and industrial control systems. However, they have come under competitive pressure from
VIA Via or VIA may refer to the following: Science and technology * MOS Technology 6522, Versatile Interface Adapter * ''Via'' (moth), a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae * Via (electronics), a through-connection * VIA Technologies, a Taiwa ...
on the x86 side, and ARM processors from various vendors taking much of the low-end business. Because of the relative performance, albeit higher PPW, of the GX and LX core design, AMD introduced the Geode NX, which is an embedded version of the
Athlon Athlon is the brand name applied to a series of x86-compatible microprocessors designed and manufactured by Advanced Micro Devices (AMD). The original Athlon (now called Athlon Classic) was the first seventh-generation x86 processor and the fi ...
processor, K7. Geode NX uses the Thoroughbred core and is quite similar to the Athlon XP-M that use this core. The Geode NX includes 256 KB of level 2 cache, and runs fanless at up to 1 GHz in the NX1500@6 W version. The NX2001 part runs at 1.8 GHz, the NX1750 part runs at 1.4 GHz, and the NX1250 runs at 667 MHz. The Geode NX, with its strong FPU, is particularly suited for embedded devices with graphical performance requirements, such as information kiosks and
casino A casino is a facility for certain types of gambling. Casinos are often built near or combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shopping, cruise ships, and other tourist attractions. Some casinos are also known for hosting live enterta ...
gaming machines, such as video slots. However, it was reported that the specific design team for Geode processors in
Longmont, Colorado The City of Longmont is a List of cities and towns in Colorado#Home rule municipality, home rule municipality located in Boulder County, Colorado, Boulder and Weld County, Colorado, Weld List of counties in Colorado, counties, Colorado, United St ...
, has been closed, and 75 employees are being relocated to the new development facility in
Fort Collins, Colorado Fort Collins is a home rule municipality that is the county seat and the most populous municipality of Larimer County, Colorado, United States. The city population was 169,810 at the 2020 census, an increase of 17.94% since 2010. Fort Collin ...
. It is expected that the Geode line of processors will be updated less frequently due to the closure of the Geode design center. In 2009, comments by AMD indicated that there are no plans for any future micro architecture upgrades to the processor and that there will be no successor; however, the processors will still be available with the planned availability of the Geode LX extending through 2015. In 2016 AMD updated the product roadmap announcing extension of last time buy and shipment for the LX series to 2019. In early 2018 hardware manufacturer congatec announced an agreement with AMD for a further extension of availability of congatec's Geode based platforms.


Geode GX


Geode LX

Features: * Low power. * Full x86 compatibility. * Processor functional blocks: ** CPU Core ** GeodeLink Control Processor ** GeodeLink Interface Units ** GeodeLink Memory Controller ** Graphics Processor ** Display Controller ** Video Processor ** Video Input Port ** GeodeLink PCI Bridge ** Security Block *** 128-Bit
Advanced Encryption Standard The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), also known by its original name Rijndael (), is a specification for the encryption of electronic data established by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in 2001. AES is a variant ...
(AES) - (CBC/ECB) *** True Random Number Generator Specification: * Processor frequency up to 600 MHz (LX900), 500 MHz (LX800) and 433 MHz (LX700). * Power management: ACPI, lower power, wakeup on SMI/INTR. * 64K Instruction / 64K Data L1 cache and 128K L2 cache * Split Instruction/Data cache/ TLB. * DDR Memory 400 MHz (LX 800), 333 MHz (LX 700) * Integrated FPU with
MMX MMX may refer to: * 2010, in Roman numerals Science and technology * MMX (instruction set), a single-instruction, multiple-data instruction set designed by Intel * MMX Mineração, a Brazilian mining company * Martian Moons eXploration, a Japane ...
and
3DNow! 3DNow! is a deprecated extension to the x86 instruction set developed by Advanced Micro Devices (AMD). It adds single instruction multiple data (SIMD) instructions to the base x86 instruction set, enabling it to perform vector processing of fl ...
* 9 GB/s internal GeodeLink Interface Unit (GLIU) * Simultaneous, high-res CRT and TFT (High and standard definition). VESA 1.1 and 2.0 VIP/VDA support * Manufactured at a 0.13 micrometre process * 481-terminal PBGA (Plastic
Ball grid array A ball grid array (BGA) is a type of surface-mount packaging (a chip carrier) used for integrated circuits. BGA packages are used to permanently mount devices such as microprocessors. A BGA can provide more interconnection pins than can be pu ...
) * GeodeLink active hardware power management Applications: * OLPC XO-1


Geode NX

Features: * 7th generation core (based on Mobile Athlon XP-M). * Power management: AMD PowerNow!, ACPI 1.0b and ACPI 2.0. * 3DNow!, MMX and SSE instruction sets * 0.13 μm (130 nm) fabrication process * Pin compatibility between all NX family processors. * OS support: Linux, Windows CE, MS Windows XP. * Compatible with Socket A motherboards


Geode NX 2001

In 2007, there was a ''Geode NX 2001'' model on sale, which in fact was a relabelled Athlon XP 2200+ Thoroughbred. The processors, with part numbers AANXA2001FKC3G or ANXA2001FKC3D, their specifications are 1.8 GHz clock speed, and 1.65 volt core operating voltage. The power consumption is 62.8 Watt. There are no official references to this processor except officials explaining that the batch of CPUs were "being shipped to specific customers", though it is clear it is a desktop Athlon XP CPU core instead of the Mobile Athlon XP-M derived Thoroughbred cores of the other Geode NX CPUs, and thus doesn't feature embedded application specific thermal envelope, power consumption and power management features. This kind of "badge engineering" of a particular CPU to accommodate a request for a desktop class chip from an OEM which merely wants to maintain brand recognition and association with the GeodeNX CPUs in its products, but the actual end-product application doesn't necessitate the advanced power and thermal optimization of the GeodeNX CPU's, is understandable, as re-labeling a part in a product catalog, is practically free and the processors do share the same CPU socket ( Socket A).Fab51.com information
, retrieved January 22, 2008


Chipsets for Geode

#NSC Geode CS5530A Southbridge for Geode GX1. #NSC/AMD Geode CS5535 Southbridge for Geode GX(2) and Geode LX (USB 1.1). Integrates four USB ports, one ATA-66 UDMA controller, one Infrared communication port, one AC'97 controller, one SMBUS controller, one LPC port, as well as GPIO, Power Management, and legacy functional blocks. #AMD Geode CS5536 Southbridge for Geode GX and Geode LX (USB 2.0). Power consumption: 1.9 W (433 MHz) and 2.4 W (500 MHz). This chipset is also used on PowerPC board (Amy'05). #Geode NX processors are "100 percent socket and chipset compatible" with AMD's Socket A Athlon XP processors: SIS741CX Northbridge and SIS 964 Southbridge, VIA KM400 Northbridge and VIA VT8235 Southbridge, VIA KM400A Northbridge and VIA VT8237R Southbridge and other Socket A chipsets.


See also

*
ALIX ''Alix'', or ''The Adventures of Alix'', is a Franco-Belgian comics series drawn in the ligne claire style by Jacques Martin (comics), Jacques Martin. The stories revolve around a young Gallo-Roman man named Alix in the late Roman Republic. Al ...
*
Cyrix Cx5x86 The Cyrix 5x86 was a line of x86 microprocessors designed by Cyrix and released on June 5 of 1995. Cyrix, being a fabless company, had the chips manufactured by IBM. The line came out about 5 months before the more famous Cyrix 6x86. The Cyri ...
*
Wireless Router Application Platform {{Short description, Single board computer format The Wireless Router Application Platform (WRAP) is a format of single board computer defined by Swiss company PC Engines. This is specially designed for wireless router, firewall, load balancer, ...
– WRAP * 3Com Audrey *
Koolu Koolu was a Canadian company started by Andrew Greig and Jon "maddog" Hall, which aim is to provide low-power computer appliances powered by free- and open-source software. It is now defunct. Their main product was the "Works Everywhere Applian ...
* Linutop *
Netbook Netbook was a commonly used term that identified a product class of small and inexpensive laptops which were sold from 2007 to around 2013. These machines were designed primarily as cost-effective tools for consumers to access the Inte ...
* MediaGX * Soekris * Sony eVilla *
ThinCan ThinCan is the name for a thin client manufactured by Estonian electronic design start-up Artec Group. The ThinCan remained relatively unknown outside Estonia until 2006, when a recent ThinCan iteration was selected as the hardware base for the ...
* Virgin Webplayer *
PC/104 PC/104 (or PC104) is a family of embedded computer standards which define both form factors and computer buses by the PC/104 Consortium. Its name derives from the 104 pins on the interboard connector (ISA) in the original PC/104 specification ...
*
Intel Atom Intel Atom is the brand name for a line of IA-32 and x86-64 instruction set ultra-low-voltage processors by Intel Corporation designed to reduce electric consumption and power dissipation in comparison with ordinary processors of the Intel Co ...
* VIA Nano


References


External links


AMD pages for GeodeAMD Geode LX Processors Data Book
* ttps://web.archive.org/web/20041205083656/http://www.national.com/appinfo/solutions/ National Semiconductor press release: Geode sold to AMDbr>CPU-INFO: Cyrix MediaGX, indepth processor history

Quixant QX-10 Geode NX Motherboard for gaming applicationsSoekris Engineering
sells embedded boards with Geode processors

another embedded board with Geode LX processor

the smallest Computer On Module based on Geode LX
Fit-PC
full-featured end-user product based on the CM-iGLX PC-on-module above
Artec Group
manufactures products based on the Geode such as the
ThinCan ThinCan is the name for a thin client manufactured by Estonian electronic design start-up Artec Group. The ThinCan remained relatively unknown outside Estonia until 2006, when a recent ThinCan iteration was selected as the hardware base for the ...
.
Troika NG
PowerPC board using CS5536.


Linux on Geode


DEvoSL - DSL on Evo T20 HowToCompaq Evo T20 NotesInstalling Linux onto the IBM Netvista N2200Linux on CASIO Cassiopeia FivaLinux with Cyrix MediaGXm, NSC/AMD Geode GXLinux Development on the Pepper Pad 3


* ttp://code.google.com/p/puspus Pus-pusis a compact Debian-based distribution to run onto the IBM Netvista N2200
Zeroshell router/firewall appliance


NetBSD on Geode


Wasabi Systems
Certified NetBSD port and NAS software {{DEFAULTSORT:Geode AMD x86 microprocessors Embedded microprocessors National Semiconductor microprocessors