It is backwards‑compatible with previous Intel processors and software compatible with existing x86‑based CPUs such as the Intel Atom and Intel Core. It is 100% compatible with the Pentium instruction set and even runs PC compatible software.
Performance is enhanced with 16Kbytes of shared instruction and L1 data cache, improving code execution speeds by minimising the number of times the CPU needs to access external memory. 512Kbytes of on‑chip SRAM is also available.
The SoC boasts a variety of on-chip connectivity which includes a PCI Express interface, two 10/100‑Ethernet ports, USB 2.0 Enhanced Host Controller Interface (EHCI), USB 2.0 Open Host Controller Interface (OHCI), I2C, SPI, and a high speed UART with DMA.
The Intel Quark supports a variety of external memory interfaces including microSD, SDIO, and eMMC. An on-chip DDR3 memory controller allows easy access and control of external DRAM memory.