AMD to license X86 Technology to China

[zippyjuan]

http://www.xbitlabs.com/news/cpu/display/20051024100011.html

AMD Licenses x86 Processor Technology to Chinese Government.
AMD to Allow Chinese Fabs to Produce Athlon-Like Chips

Category: CPU

by Anton Shilov

[ 10/24/2005 | 10:00 AM ]


Advanced Micro Devices on Monday said it had reached an agreement with the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) and Peking University to license the company’s x86 Geode microprocessor design technology that will enable Chinese development of low-power and embedded computer solutions for consumer and commercial markets.

Sunnyvale, California-based chipmaker said that MOST will facilitate discussions between AMD and Chinese companies receiving access to x86 technology licenses. AMD will earn revenue from licensing the AMD Geode processor to commercial entities designated by Peking University and MOST. Additionally, AMD will have access to intellectual property derived from the licensed technology and options to invest in businesses that emerge from development of AMD Geode processor-based technology in China.

Potentially, such an agreement can mean significant boost to AMD’s revenues. However, it is unclear how Chinese companies are going to produce processors, as the country lacks advanced semiconductor manufacturing facilities. One of the options could be asking certain contract manufacturers, such as ST Microelectronics.

The AMD Geode processor technology is one of the highest-performing processors that U.S. Department of Commerce technology export requirements allow without a license, explained AMD. Currently AMD Geode processors utilize architecture widely known as K7 that powered AMD Athlon and AMD Athlon XP microprocessors. But while the latter operate at speeds up to 2.20GHz, the Geode chips work at frequencies below 1.40GHz.

AMD also formally opened its new Greater China Headquarters in the Zhongguancun Science Park. Frequently referred to as China’s Silicon Valley, Zhongguancun is home to a several Chinese information technology companies, research institutes, and colleges and universities.

In addition, AMD executives will sign an agreement with the Chinese Ministry of Education to donate approximately $750 000 during the next three years to extend the deployment of information technology supporting primary education in underdeveloped areas of middle and western China.

[shocky123]

Sweeet!!! Now some of the ultra-poor farmers that dont even have reliable electricity or medical services can also use Windows :) Nah, I dont mean to be disrespectful/rude or anything, (and I wont claim to be any expert, or even to have any real knowledge of China...) but much of the country is still waaay underdeveloped, maybe evenso for computers. Granted I'm sure this will help some of the more developed areas of the country. I'm not sure this will benefit the lower income families in China. On the other hand, the Geode is a fairly decent chip, and is quite(from what I've heard) efficient, so if there's an AMD revolution there, they wont have to worry about power usage.. ..continues rambling about nothing terribly important.. ~Kyle

[zippyjuan]

AMD Clarifies Geode Licensing to China.
No AMD Athlon-Like Chips from the Chinese

Category: CPU

by Anton Shilov

[ 10/25/2005 | 08:13 AM ]


Advanced Micro Devices explained X-bit labs some peculiarities of the licensing deal with the Chinese government. Apparently, the firm will not license its core known as the K7, which resembles Geode NX processor family. This clarifies that the deal is limited to Geode architecture, which has nothing to do with AMD’s K7 and K8 architectures.

“While both are x86-based processors, the AMD Athlon XP and AMD Geode processors employ different architectures. Of particular note, the AMD Athlon XP processor is superscalar while the AMD Geode processor employs single pipeline architecture,” said David B. Schlosser, a spokesman for AMD.

“The processors were engineered by different developers and AMD added the AMD Geode processor to its portfolio through the acquisition of another company. However, because both processors are full, unrestricted implementation of an x86 instruction set CPU, they will run essentially the same software,” Mr. Schlosser added.

AMD said that Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) will facilitate discussions between AMD and Chinese companies receiving access to x86 Geode technology licenses. AMD will earn revenue from licensing the AMD Geode processor to commercial entities designated by Peking University and MOST. Additionally, AMD will have access to intellectual property derived from the licensed technology and options to invest in businesses that emerge from development of AMD Geode processor-based technology in China.

Potentially, such an agreement can mean significant boost to AMD’s revenues. However, it is unclear how Chinese companies are going to produce processors, as the country lacks advanced semiconductor manufacturing facilities. One of the options could be asking certain contract manufacturers, such as ST Microelectronics. AMD declined to comment on production capabilities of Chinese chipmaker.