AMD extends lifetime of 5th generation EPYC embedded processors

AMD has introduced a new line of EPYC 64-bit x86 embedded processors utilizing its fifth generation Zen architecture, boasting an extended operational lifetime. Unlike the previous five-year lifespan, AMD is now targeting the EPYC Embedded 9005 Series CPUs to function for seven years, with seven years of product availability for embedded applications. This extended design lifetime is crucial for embedded systems operating in harsh conditions with mission-critical applications, aiming to reduce unplanned downtime, repairs, and costly system replacements.

The 9005 family, unveiled at the Embedded World exhibition in Nuremberg, Germany, includes purpose-built embedded features like NTB (Non-Transparent Bridging), DRAM flush, and dual SPI interfaces. It offers up to 192 Zen 5c cores and terabytes of DDR5 memory. The processor range spans from the 9015 with eight cores at 3.6GHz and 125W at the low end to the 9965 with 192 cores at 2.25GHz and 500W, supporting up to 160 PCIe Gen5 lanes with CXL 2.0 for high-end networking and storage applications.

The processors also support up to 6TB of DDR5 memory per socket for edge AI applications. The built-in Yocto Linux framework support simplifies embedded system deployments by enabling the creation of custom Linux distributions tailored for the customer system. Additionally, SPDK (Storage Performance Development Kit) and DPDK (Data Plane Development Kits) are included to enhance system performance.

The family introduces AMD Trusted I/O, a framework for securing virtualized I/O paths. It supports the PCI-SIG TDISP standard, authenticating the VM and the device, and establishing an encrypted connection to secure data in transit. NTB bridging enhances system redundancy and failover capabilities for networking and storage systems, allowing data exchange between two CPUs in active-active configurations via PCI Express.

The DRAM flush to embedded non-volatile memory (eNVM) feature helps prevent data loss in case of a power failure by transferring data from DRAM to non-volatile memory. Dual SPI serial peripheral interfaces enable customers to load a secure and proprietary bootloader for platform authentication, ensuring a trusted execution environment.

Salil Raje, senior vice president and general manager of Adaptive and Embedded Computing at AMD, stated, “AI-driven network traffic, exploding data storage requirements, and the expansion of industrial edge computing are driving the demand for higher compute performance in embedded platforms.” He emphasized that the 5th Gen AMD EPYC Embedded processors offer leadership performance and efficiency, along with long product lifecycles and enhanced system resiliency for continuous operations in demanding environments.

To cater to the extended product lifecycle and operational needs of embedded markets, AMD EPYC Embedded 9005 Series CPUs provide extended 7-year product manufacturing support. This helps system designers ensure long-term product availability, reducing redesign and qualification efforts. The processors are currently in the sampling phase with early access customers like IBM and Cisco, with production shipments expected to commence in the second quarter of 2025.

Lukasz Bromirski, Director of Product Management at Cisco, praised the AMD EPYC Embedded 9005 Series processor for delivering high compute performance, scalability up to 192 cores, and high memory and I/O bandwidth. Similarly, Matthew Geiser, Product Management at IBM Storage for Data, AI, and HPC, highlighted the benefits of the processors in providing redundant paths for high data availability and robust connectivity options for demanding enterprise AI workloads.

The AMD EPYC Embedded 9005 Series processors come in the SP5 socket form factor, compatible with the prior generation AMD EPYC Embedded 9004 Series, offering a straightforward upgrade path for customers.