Intel today demonstrated for the first time a fast digital signal processor (DSP) chip designed jointly with Analog Devices that will play a key role in its strategy for wireless devices. The company employs 3,500 people in Dublin.
The MSA (micro signal architecture) silicon is capable of operating at speeds of up to 400 MHz, more than twice as fast as other DSPs for wireless handheld devices, Intel said in a statement.
The new DSP design, along with XScale processors for handsets, due for launch by the end of the year, and its flash memory products, comprise the architecture Intel plans for advanced wireless devices such as third generation, or 3G, mobile phones offering high-speed data transmission.
Today's DSP demonstration, at 340 MHz, reproduced a recorded voice message from the companies' joint development centre in Austin, Texas.
Although the high-speed service could eventually include such features as streaming video, CD-quality audio and advanced security, its growth will depend heavily on what sort of applications - such as games or data services - will be on offer.