Intel has unveiled a family of system-on-a-chip processors for embedded designs capable of connecting to the Internet. Based on the same architecture as Intel's PC processors, the chips could drive new types of device capable of running PC software as well as Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs).

The first of Intel's SoC products is the EP80579, which combines a Pentium M processor core with a memory controller, I/O controller and other functions onto a single chip. Future products will be based around the Atom processor introduced earlier this year for so-called 'Netbook' mini laptop designs, Intel said.

A diagram distributed by Intel shows that the EP80579 includes much of the I/O of a standard PC, including a PCI Express controller, Serial ATA, USB and serial ports, and at least one Ethernet MAC.

The chip thus needs few extra components to build a fully functioning system, which means it is likely to find its way into future thin client terminals and other devices such as VPN appliances. The EP80579 will be available at clock speeds from 600MHz to 1.2GHz, and consume from 11 to 21 watts, according to Intel.

Intel also has an eye on the market for consumer electronics, and SoC products aimed at these devices will be called Canmore and Sodaville, and will appear later in 2008 and in 2009, respectively. The first SoC for MIDs, due in 2010, will be called Lincroft and based on the Atom processor. It will use ten times less idle power than today's chips for this segment, Intel said.