Intel, Microsoft and CirrusLogic, a fabless semiconductor company that makes analog, mixed-signal and audio DSPs, have collaborated on a new laptop reference design to showcase the upcoming Lunar Lake mobile CPUs. The goal is to achieve a "cool, quiet, high-performance" laptop while pushing the limits of efficiency, thickness, and acoustics.
The reference design uses three key components from CirrusLogic - the CP9314 power converter chip, the CS42L43 audio codec and the CS35L56 amplifier. CP9314 is the most critical component. The advanced power conversion technology it uses significantly improves LunarLake's power efficiency. This results in laptops that are thinner, lighter, quieter and have longer battery life.
Codec and amplifier chips also play a role, delivering high-quality audio and enabling next-generation features like spatial audio. These CirrusLogic components are designed to highlight LunarLake's capabilities in efficiency, performance and immersive experiences in a thin and light form factor.
While details about the Lunar Lake CPUs themselves are still scarce, they are expected to be available later this year, likely in the second half of the year. Intel is counting on Lunar Lake to help it regain leadership in mobile computing efficiency, an area it has lacked confidence since Apple launched its M-series SoCs with longer battery life.
With Microsoft and Cirrus Logic's expert collaboration on peripheral hardware and software, Lunar Lake could lead to a new generation of cool, quiet, and powerful laptops.