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Forward-looking: Intel is bringing its 18A process node to space with two Starfire chips designed for onboard AI processing and computing in harsh environments. Intel lists two SoC variants: one optimized for low-power applications and another focused on higher performance. If everything goes smoothly, the company expects to deliver samples in the third quarter.
Starfire features an eight-core CPU built on the 18A node, with each chip combining four performance cores and four low-power efficiency cores. The two models operate at different clock speeds, with the low-power version prioritizing efficiency and the performance model targeting higher compute capability.
Performance cores run at 1.0 GHz on the low power model while the efficiency cores operate at 850 MHz, keeping the entire package within a 10W TDP. The performance version increases clock speeds, with the four performance cores running at 3.1 GHz and the efficiency cores reaching 2.1 GHz. It carries a 35 W TDP for systems capable of supporting higher power consumption.
