The µforCE reference design, unveiled today at the Embedded Systems Conference East in Boston, MA, will enable OEM's to rapidly evaluate AMD's ÉlanSC400 for quick time-to-market Windows CE-based solutions.

The ÉlanSC400 microcontroller combines AMD's proven 486 core with a comprehensive set of mobile application specific peripherals into a single-chip PC/AT compatible microcontroller. In combination with Windows CE, the ÉlanSC400 delivers superior mobile processing muscle with ultra-low power consumption.

The µforCE reference design is a small form factor demonstration system designed for the Windows CE operating system. The system consists of five main components: a small form factor LCD, a matrix keyboard, an AC-DC wall adapter power supply, a NiMH battery pack, and the system board. High performance, small size, low cost, and low power consumption are the key features of the µforCE.

"An increasing number of designers are looking at x86 embedded solutions, and we are enthusiastic about AMD's ÉlanSC400 and its capabilities," said Ray Kanemori, senior manager for Microsoft embedded products. "We believe the combination of Windows CE and the new Élan product offers an attractive alternative for systems makers who are looking to enable smaller, more powerful dedicated systems."

Microsoft's Windows CE development platform helps engineers working with the ÉlanSC400 microcontroller streamline their design efforts, speeding time to market and minimizing support costs while providing a code compatible migration path to higher levels of performance. "Microsoft is the industry leader in tools and operating systems for embedded applications, and Windows CE further enhances that position," said Bob McConnell, vice president of AMD's Logic Products Division. "The Windows CE platform coupled with the power of our highly integrated Élan mobile processor will enable a new class of embedded devices."

AMD's ÉlanSC400 microcontroller is a highly integrated single-chip Systems in Silicon™ solution that combines high performance with low power and PC/AT compatibility. The processor is ideally suited for the emerging generation of ultra-small point of sale, data collection, internet browser, mobile terminal and smart phone mobile devices.

"The WindowsCE operating system delivers an intuitive, graphical user interface for windows-oriented handheld computing solutions," said David Loadman, chief technical officer, Telxon, Inc. "AMD's Élan family of integrated microcontrollers offers low-cost, energy efficient performance while reducing system size requirements. The combination of CE and Élan will enable us to accelerate the availability of Telxon's next generation user-friendly portable computing solutions."

"We are very pleased to provide support in Windows CE for the AMD ÉlanSC400 and the µforCE reference design. The Élan controller provides the multitude of x86 developers and OEMs a highly integrated 486-level solution specifically tailored to Windows CE applications," said William Baxter, president and CEO of bsquare Consulting, Inc.

In addition to power management, PC/AT and LCD graphics control features, the microcontroller integrates a number of common peripherals useful for mobile applications. These features include a serial port, parallel port, real-time clock (RTC), a dual PC card controller, and a matrix keyboard controller. An IrDA (Integrated Infrared) feature supports high-speed wireless communications.