Intel Launching Multi-Network Chips, Solid State Drives, Low-Power Chips for Mobile Devices

Intel is following hard on the heels of Qualcomm’s Gobi software defined radio (SDR) platform by unveiling a new test chip for mobile devices, according to a report in this week’s Wireless Watch. Intel is also promising an upgrade to its existing dual-core mobile chips plus other innovations, such as solid state drives (SSD), which will be geared to portable and mobile devices.

Intel’s test chip for SDR currently handles Wi-Fi, WiMAX and DVB-H mobile TV on one chip. Gobi, which Qualcomm previously launched, supports the mobile phone networks W-CDMA and EV-DO plus Wi-Fi, with the potential to add LTE, WiMAX and mobile TV in the future.

Intel’s solid state drive for handheld devices is the thumbnail-sized Z-P140, available in 2GB or 4GB models and weighing a mere 0.6 grams. Using an Intel controller, up to four of the devices can be linked for a maximum of 16GB. The drives can be used in any device that supports a PATA (parallel advanced technology attachment) interface.

Intel plans to release SSDs in mid-2008 that could be used as hard disk drive replacements in notebooks. The drives would be available in 1.8-inch or 2.5-inch models.

For the ultra mobile PC market, Intel said it is on track to deliver its first generation low power platform, codenamed Menlow, in the first half of next year. This will contain a microprocessor codenamed Silverthorne and a chipset called Poulsbo.

Intel still plans to ship next year an integrated Wi-Fi/WiMAX chipset that will be available as an option for its next-generation Centrino platform, codenamed Montevina.