Intel Plans to License Hybrid Chips That Combine ARM, RISC-V, and x86
What is x86 Architecture and its difference between x64?
Have you ever come across x86 and x64 but do not know what they mean? No worries, as this blog will cover everything you need to know about x86 and its architecture together with x64 and their differences between each other.
What is x86 Architecture?
x86 is a family of instruction set architectures (ISA) for computer processors initially developed by Intel. They refer to the way a computer processor (CPU) handles information.
What is an instruction set architecture?
It is an abstract model of a computer that is also referred to as computer architecture. It is part of a computer that pertains to programming which specifies the behaviour of machine code. The instruction set is the language that a computer’s brain is designed to understand which provides commands to the computer processor and tells it what to do.
Back to the x86…
The x86 is developed based on the Intel 8086 microprocessor and its 8088 variant where it started out as a 16-bit instruction set for 16-bit processors where many additions and extensions have been added to the x86 where it grew to 32-bit instruction sets over the years with almost entirely full backward compatibility.
The bit in both 32-bit and 16-bit is shorthand for a number. For example, for 32-bit, the number will contain 32 bits which are binary digits that are either 0 or 1. For a 32-bit number, it will look like something like this 10101010101010101010101010101010.
Today, the term x86 is used generally to refer to any 32-bit processor compatible with the x86 instruction set. x86 microprocessor is capable of running almost any type of computer from laptops, servers, desktops, notebooks to supercomputers.
What is x64?
Similar to the x86, the x64 is also a family of instruction set architectures (ISA) for computer processors. However, x64 refers to a 64-bit CPU and operating system instead of the 32-bit system which the x86 stands for.
But why does x64 refers to a 64-bit system while x86 refers to a 32-bit system?
That was the question I asked myself too at first. However, this is because as when the processor was first being created, it was called 8086. The 8086 was well designed and popular which can understand 16-bit machine language at first. It was later improved and expanded the size of 8086 instructions to a 32-bit machine language. As they improve the architecture, they kept 86 at the end of the model number, the 8086. This line of processors was then known as the x86 architecture.
On the other hand, x64 is the architecture name for the extension to the x86 instruction set that enables 64-bit code. When it was initially developed, it was named as x86-64. However, people thought that the name was too length where it was later shortened to the current x64.
What is the difference between x86 and x64?
As you guys can already tell, the obvious difference will be the amount of bit of each operating system. x86 refers to a 32-bit CPU and operating system while x64 refers to a 64-bit CPU and operating system.
Does having more amount of bits in each operating system have any benefits?
Of course! This is one of the main reasons the number of bits keeps increasing over the years from 16-bits to 64-bits currently. As mentioned above, the bits are shorthand for a number that can only be 1 or 0. This causes the 32-bit CPUs not to be able to use a lot of RAM as 1 and 0, the total number of combinations is only 2^32 which equals to 4,294,967,295. This means the 32-bit processor has 4.29 billion memory locations each storing one byte of data which equates to approx. 4GB of memory which the 32-bit processor can access without workarounds in software to address more.
Today, 4GB is enough for basic tasks but if you wish to run multiple programs and other more heavy load tasks, 4GB is not sufficient. In addition, with a 64-bit system, it will be more efficient as it can process data in 64-bit chunks compared to 32-bit chunks. Your 64-bit system can also run 32-bit programs as they are backwards compatible. But, it doesn’t work the other way where a 32-bit computer cannot run 64-bit programs.
Example of x86 Single Board Computer (SBC)
ODYSSEY – X86J4125 redefines the SBC (Single Board Computer) with pre-installed Windows 10 Enterprise and Arduino Coprocessor onboard, enabling IoT (Internet of Things) easier than before.
With the fast development of IoT, more and more Edge Computing devices are connected to the Internet. Nowadays, a computer is not just a big rectangular black box under the desk, or a small portable device working on your knees. Computers are devices lying everywhere that doing calculating, communicating, and data storing. Based on this definition, we would like to introduce our brand new product – ODYSSEY – X86J4125.
ODYSSEY is a series of SBC (Single Board Computer), allowing you to build Edge Computing applications with ease. The ODYSSEY – X86J4125, which is based on Intel Celeron J4125, is a Quad-Core 2.0GHz CPU that bursts up to 2.7GHz. It has all the great features that a standard Computer needs, including an 8GB LPDDR4 RAM, 64GB eMMC Storage(optional), onboard Wi-Fi/BLE, Dual Gigabyte Ethernet Ports, Audio Input and Output, USB Ports, HDMI, SATA Connectors, PCIe, etc.
With simple connections to Mouse, Keyboard and Monitor to ODYSSEY – X86J4125, you will get a Desktop Mini PC right away. With eMMC versions, you even have the Windows 10 Enterprise pre-installed!
What can you do with the Odyssey other than building a mini PC?
With ODYSSEY – X86J4105, you can build your own NAS (Network-Attached Storage), your high-performance Virtual Router, or a 4G LTE Gateway in your IoT applications. There is an onboard ATSAMD21 Core, an ARM Cortex-M0+ MCU that allows you to program Arduino on the x86 platform. The Raspberry Pi compatible 40-Pin allows you to use hundreds of Pi HATs in the market. All of these features providing endless possibilities of using the ODYSSEY – X86J4105.
The ODYSSEY – X86J4105 is more than just a computer, with the Arduino Co-processor onboard, it can be used to connect with sensors, gyroscope, and much more. You can also use the ODYSSEY for your robotics projects, media centre, server cluster, IoT Gateway, router, etc. Why don’t you start exploring your IoT journey with the ODYSSEY today!
All the different between the ODYSSEY – X86J4125800 and X86J4125864
The differences between ODYSSEY – X86J4125800 :
ODYSSEY Model eMMc TELEC eMMc Storage Pre- Win10 X86J4125800 With TELEC ✔ X86J4125800
You can see that we have two versions of X86J4125800, The one with TELEC, the other one doesn’t. But the key features are the same. Here are the key features:
Intel® Celeron® J4125 , Quad-Core 2.0-2.7GHz
, Quad-Core 2.0-2.7GHz Dual-Band Frequency 2.4GHz/5GHz WiFi
Intel® UHD Graphics 600
Dual Gigabit Ethernet
Integrated Arduino Coprocessor ATSAMD21 ARM® Cortex®-M0+
Raspberry Pi 40-Pin Compatible
2 x M.2 PCIe (B Key and M Key)
Support Windows 10 & Linux OS
Compatible with Grove Ecosystem
This version of ODYSSEY is without on-board eMMc storage and pre-installed Windows 10. If you don’t have a good way to activate win10 by yourself, we recommend you buy the version of Win10 Enterprise Activated.
For the ODYSSEY – X86J4125864, We have lots of versions, like some of them are activated and with TELEC, some of them are not activated but with TELEC.
The differences between ODYSSEY – X86J4125864 :
ODYSSEY Model eMMc TELEC eMMc Storage Pre – Win 10 Activated X86J4125864 with TELEC and activated ✔ ✔ 64GB ✔ ✔ X86J4125864 with activated ✔ 64GB ✔ ✔ X86J4125864 with TELEC ✔ ✔ 64GB ✔ X86J4125864 ✔ 64GB ✔
And ODYSSEY – X86J4125864 also have the same key feature:
Intel® Celeron® J4125 , Quad-Core 2.0-2.7GHz
, Quad-Core 2.0-2.7GHz Dual-Band Frequency 2.4GHz/5GHz WiFi
Intel® UHD Graphics 600
Dual Gigabit Ethernet
Integrated Arduino Coprocessor ATSAMD21 ARM® Cortex®-M0+
Raspberry Pi 40-Pin Compatible
2 x M.2 PCIe (B Key and M Key)
Support Windows 10 & Linux OS
Compatible with Grove Ecosystem
This version of ODYSSEY – X86J4125864 has 64GB onboard eMMc storage and pre-installed Windows 10 Enterprise.
About the Odyssey Blue
If you think the appearance of ODYSSEY – X86J4125800 or X86J4125864 is too simple? we also have a version that adds a re_computer case. Odyssey Blue J4125 is a powerful mini PC with super low power consumption. It’s a perfect device for industrial and commercial applications. You can use it as office equipment or a compact gaming PC. The compact design makes it easy to keep your desk clean and neat. With 4k HD video output, you can easily build your own home entertainment with ODYSSEY Blue. We increased the memory to 128GB(not on-board). Odyssey Blue has two versions. The one with TELEC and the other one doesn’t
The difference between the two versions of Odyssey Blue:
ODYSSEY Model TELEC SSD Pre – Win 10 Activated Odyssey Blue with TELEC ✔ 128GB ✔ Odyssey Blue 128GB ✔
And here is the key feature for Odyssey Blue:
Intel® Celeron® J4125 , Quad-Core 2.0-2.7GHz
, Quad-Core 2.0-2.7GHz Dual-Band Frequency 2.4GHz/5GHz WiFi
Intel® UHD Graphics 600
Dual Gigabit Ethernet
Integrated Arduino Coprocessor ATSAMD21 ARM® Cortex®-M0+
Raspberry Pi 40-Pin Compatible
2 x M.2 PCIe (B Key and M Key)
Support Windows 10 & Linux OS
Compatible with Grove Ecosystem
No onboard eMMC but equipped with 128g SSD
Packed with re_computer case
Pre-installed Windows 10 (Unactivated)
How to determine if your Windows OS is 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64)?
Now you know what is the difference between x86 architecture and x64 bit architecture how do you check whether your computer is an x86 or x64 system?
Well, Here is how to check if your computer is running a 32-bit system or 64-bit system for Windows OS with just one step
All you need to do is:
Press the Windows Key + X to open the power user menu and click on system.
Scroll down and you should be able to see your system type under device specifications
Summary
And that’s all on the differences between x86 and x64! Hope that you have learnt more about each of their architecture and how you can determine whether your windows OS is x86 or x64!
Network Encyclopedia
Definition of x86 Platform in Network Encyclopedia.
What is x86 platform?
x86 is a computer platform whose processor is based on the Intel 386 architecture microprocessor. The x86, or Intel, platform is one of the two processor platforms supported by Microsoft Windows NT and above (the other being the Alpha platform) and the only processor platform supported by Microsoft Windows 2000. Intel-based systems have essentially caught up with Alpha in terms of speed and functionality and are used for everything from mobile laptop computers to desktop workstations to high-performance symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) servers.
x86 Platform – List of CPU
The x86 family is based on the 386 processor and includes the 486, Pentium, Pentium Pro, Pentium II, and Pentium III processors. Intel processors are based on the CISC (complex instruction set computing) architecture, which uses a large set of basic processor instructions to simplify code compilation. The CISC architecture differs from the RISC (reduced instruction set computing) architecture of the Alpha platform, which uses fewer processor instructions and offers better performance.
Basic properties of the architecture
The x86 architecture is a variable instruction length, primarily “CISC” design with emphasis on backward compatibility. The instruction set is not typical CISC, however, but basically an extended version of the simple eight-bit 8008 and 8080 architectures. Byte-addressing is enabled and words are stored in memory with little-endian byte order. Memory access to unaligned addresses is allowed for all valid word sizes. The largest native size for integer arithmetic and memory addresses (or offsets) is 16, 32 or 64 bits depending on architecture generation (newer processors include direct support for smaller integers as well). Multiple scalar values can be handled simultaneously via the SIMD unit present in later generations, as described below. Immediate addressing offsets and immediate data may be expressed as 8-bit quantities for the frequently occurring cases or contexts where a -128..127 range is enough. Typical instructions are therefore 2 or 3 bytes in length (although some are much longer, and some are single-byte).
To further conserve encoding space, most registers are expressed in opcodes using three or four bits, the latter via an opcode prefix in 64-bit mode, while at most one operand to an instruction can be a memory location.[m] However, this memory operand may also be the destination (or a combined source and destination), while the other operand, the source, can be either register or immediate. Among other factors, this contributes to a code size that rivals eight-bit machines and enables efficient use of instruction cache memory. The relatively small number of general registers (also inherited from its 8-bit ancestors) has made register-relative addressing (using small immediate offsets) an important method of accessing operands, especially on the stack. Much work has therefore been invested in making such accesses as fast as register accesses, a one-cycle instruction throughput, in most circumstances where the accessed data is available in the top-level cache.
x86 floating point unit
Early x86 processors could be extended with floating-point hardware in the form of a series of floating point numerical co-processors with names like 8087, 80287 and 80387, abbreviated x87. This was also known as the NPX (Numeric Processor eXtension), an apt name since the coprocessors, while used mainly for floating-point calculations, also performed integer operations on both binary and decimal formats. With very few exceptions, the 80486 and subsequent x86 processors then integrated this x87 functionality on chip which made the x87 instructions a de facto integral part of the x86 instruction set.
Intel Plans to License Hybrid Chips That Combine ARM, RISC-V, and x86
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When Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger returned last year, he unveiled plans for a new IDM (Integrated Device Manufacturer) 2.0 strategy. Instead of only building its own CPUs, Intel wants to manufacture chips for companies across the planet. It’s made major recent investments in the RISC-V ecosystem and pledged to license x86 designs to customers.
In the future, Intel will license both hard and soft versions of various CPU cores to its customers. A “soft” core is a CPU core implemented in programmable logic, often in an FPGA. A “hard” core is a CPU core that’s implemented in physical silicon. The conventional chips sold by AMD and Intel are hard cores.
Intel is referring to the chiplet design we referenced last week as a “chiplet chassis” and envisions a chiplet design in which x86, ARM, and RISC-V all co-exist on the same physical silicon. According to Bob Brennan, Intel’s VP of customer solutions engineering at Intel Foundry Services (IFS), Intel believes there will be a long-term market for these type of products, with each IP devoted to a particular type of best-fit workload.
“In the chiplet chassis, we expect there will be demand for Arm and RISC-V, depending on which customer it is, and will support both,” Brennan told the Register. “We have not fully developed our strategy, but the concept is similar in that we want to enable the ecosystem of IP around our products.”
Intel’s Hybrid Future
Intel and x86 are practically synonymous with one another, even though Intel has built multiple non-x86 CPUs throughout its history. IFS’ declarations of support for RISC-V and ARM emphasize that the company is charting a new course for itself.
Intel envisions a world in which chip designers deploy differently optimized microarchitectures for different tasks. In this scenario, a vendor might use multiple RISC-V cores as dedicated I/O accelerators but with an x86 server CPU core and an ARM security processor. Another vendor might build a low-power x86 CPU with an even lower-power RISC-V AI accelerator. Esperanto, one of Intel’s recently-announced RISC-V partners, discussed such an accelerator at Hot Chips last year.
Over the last year, Intel has launched multiple hybrid x86 CPUs with low-power and high-power cores sharing the same silicon. The idea of marrying x86, ARM, and RISC-V silicon in the same package and connecting the cores via chiplets is a more advanced iteration of the same concept.
Intel’s vision is a significant departure from the status quo. Historically, companies have not built SoCs that mixed and matched microarchitectures in this way. The argument here is that mixing and matching CPU ISAs and connecting hardware via chiplets is conceptually similar to the way GPU computing has augmented and expanded workloads that were once the sole province of CPUs.
Long-term trends in the semiconductor industry may encourage this kind of consolidation. Chip density continues to scale, making it cheaper to build more advanced functions into the same area. Specialized accelerators that only light up occasionally draw less power than an array of constantly active generalist cores.
Enabling Assumptions
Intel’s argument rests on the idea that customers have use cases where multiple ISA’s make sense. This is an untested hypothesis. Intel has not yet announced any customers with plans to build a chip that supports x86, ARM, and/or RISC-V in the same package.
There’s a connection between Intel’s aggressive foundry expansion and its plans to support multi-ISA manufacturing. Intel institutionally believes that its control of CPU manufacturing is vital to its own long-term success and profitability. Supporting multiple ISAs gives Intel the best chance of winning business from the widest range of customers.
IFS wants to position itself as the foundry of choice for customers on the cutting edge, with packaging, lithography, and integration options not available elsewhere. In order to sell ISA integration as a specific feature, Intel needs to build a chiplet ecosystem that supports it.
Intel plans to introduce multi-ISA technology on two nodes. First, there’s Intel 16 (formerly known as Intel 22FFL). It’s a relaxed 14nm node originally intended for Intel customers during its first foundry push. Intel will also bring this capability to market when it offers what it now calls Intel 3. As far as Intel’s old nomenclature, Intel 3 is roughly where we’d expect a hypothetical Intel 7nm+ to be. Offering a mixture of mature and cutting-edge nodes allows IFS to market its services to a broader clientele with a wider range of use cases and products.
Intel’s long-term success may depend on whether its customers embrace the idea of multi-ISA devices. It’s certainly not the conventional way of doing things, but the idea may align with long-term semiconductor integration trends.
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