Intel Licenses Atom x86 Core RTL to Startup RosaicLabs for Custom Processor Development

Intel's Licensing Shift

Intel has reportedly licensed its Atom processor technology to RosaicLabs, a startup co-founded by venture capitalist Amarjit Gill and Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan. This move is notable as Intel largely ceased licensing its x86 cores and instruction set architecture (ISA) after the 1980s to avoid creating competitors. The new agreement provides RosaicLabs with access to an Atom-class core, allowing them to develop custom processors.

Access to RTL Code

Under the terms of the agreement, Intel will provide RosaicLabs with Register-Transfer Level (RTL) code for the Atom processor core. This enables the startup to design and build its own custom system-on-chip (SoC) solutions. RosaicLabs will have the flexibility to manufacture these SoCs at Intel Foundry or other fabrication facilities.

RosaicLabs' Background and Ambitions

RosaicLabs was incorporated in May and is currently operating in stealth mode, with no public website or LinkedIn profile. The company is reportedly seeking a $10 million seed funding round. While its specific market focus remains unknown, the licensing deal suggests Intel may be targeting niche markets that it does not currently address directly with its own products.

Atom Core Evolution

The specific Atom-class core licensed to RosaicLabs has not been disclosed. Historically, Atom cores were designed for low-power devices, a segment Intel largely exited years ago. However, modern low-power x86 architectures, such as Crestmont, Skymont, and Darkmont, are used in various applications including telecom, embedded CPUs, efficiency cores for client CPUs, and cloud-optimized Xeon processors. Skymont and Darkmont cores feature advanced architectures with wide decode and out-of-order execution capabilities, balancing performance and energy efficiency.