If you want 4K multimedia features like HDMI 2.0 and 4K H.265 video decoding @ 60 fps at a reasonable price point, ARM is basically the only game in town with Rockchip RK3229 and Amlogic S905 TV boxes in the low end segment ($30 to $40) and on the other side of the spectrum SoCs such as Nvidia Tegra X1 used in the Shield Android TV box for around $200. But AMD has now added the J family to its G-series embedded processor with two x86 cores, AMD Radeon GCN core, and multimedia capabilities including HDMI 2.0 and 4K HEVC decoding, with the processors targeting thin clients, IP set-top boxes and TVs, casino gaming, industrial control and automation, digital signage, and communications networks.
Key features of AMD G-Series J family processors:
- 2x “Excavator” x86 cores with 1MB shared L2 cache
- AMD Radeon R5E graphics (up to 3CUs) with support for DirectX 12
- Single channel 64-bit DDR4 or DDR3 memory
- 4Kx2K H.265 decode capability with 10-bit compatibility and multi format encode and decode
- Support for up to two display interfaces via HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.2, Embedded DisplayPort 1.4
- 1.0-compliant Heterogeneous System Architecture
- AMD Secure Processor
- High performance, integrated Controller Hub supports:
- PCIe Gen 3 1×4, PCIe Gen2/3 4×1
- 2x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0 ports
- 2x SATA 2.0/3.0 ports
There are apparently three models, but AMD did not manage to find a name in time for the press release, and could not decide the features for the third one…
Anyway, there are at least two models (currently unnamed) ranging from 8 to 10W (target) TDP @ 1.8/2.2 GHz, and 10-15W TDP @ 2.4/2.8GHz.
AMD Embedded G-Series J family is pin-to-pin and software compatible with AMD Embedded R-Series, and are said to be available now with additional SKUs planed in Q1 or Q2 of this year. Since the SoC targerts the embedded market, J family processor will be available for at least 10 years. The company also launched the slightly higher end I family, and entry-level LX series processors based on “Jaguar” cores. You may find more information on AMD G-Series product page.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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