Intrinsity

Intrinsity

Intrinsity logo

Intrinsity was a company known for its high-performance, low-power microprocessor designs. Founded in 1997 and based in Austin, Texas, Intrinsity specialized in developing semiconductor technology that enhanced the speed and efficiency of processors. The company was particularly noted for its work in dynamic logic and circuit design, which allowed for faster processing speeds while maintaining low power consumption.

History

Intrinsity was established by a group of engineers with a vision to push the boundaries of processor speed and efficiency. The company quickly gained a reputation for its innovative approach to circuit design, particularly in the realm of dynamic logic. This approach allowed Intrinsity to create processors that were not only faster but also more power-efficient than many of their contemporaries.

In 2010, Intrinsity was acquired by Apple Inc., a move that underscored the value of its technology in the competitive field of mobile computing. The acquisition allowed Apple to integrate Intrinsity's technology into its own products, enhancing the performance of devices such as the iPhone and iPad.

Technology

Intrinsity's core technology revolved around the use of dynamic logic in circuit design. This technique involves the use of clocked logic gates that can perform operations more quickly than traditional static logic gates. By optimizing the timing and power usage of these gates, Intrinsity was able to achieve significant improvements in processor speed and efficiency.

The company's technology was particularly well-suited for applications in mobile devices, where power efficiency is as critical as performance. Intrinsity's designs allowed for the creation of processors that could handle complex tasks quickly without draining battery life, making them ideal for use in smartphones and tablets.

Products

Intrinsity developed several notable products during its independent operation. These included high-performance microprocessor designs that were used in a variety of applications, from consumer electronics to specialized computing environments. The company's technology was also licensed to other semiconductor manufacturers, allowing its innovations to reach a broader market.

Acquisition by Apple

In April 2010, Apple Inc. acquired Intrinsity, integrating its technology into Apple's own processor designs. This acquisition was part of Apple's strategy to enhance the performance of its mobile devices, leveraging Intrinsity's expertise in high-speed, low-power processor design. The integration of Intrinsity's technology contributed to the development of Apple's A-series chips, which power devices such as the iPhone and iPad.

Related pages

• Microprocessor
• Dynamic logic
• Apple Inc.
• Semiconductor