Mobile processors
- 1. MOBILE PROCESSORS NAME- BHAGYADA HIRDE. 8TH SEMESTER ELECTRONICAND COMMUNICATION
- 2. CONTENTS 1.INTRODUCTION 2.MOBILE PROCESSOR 3.HISTORY OF MICROPROCESSOR 4.QUALCOMM SNAPDRAGON 5.APPLE MOBILE PROCESSOR 6.INTEL ATOM 7.NVIDIA TEGRA 8.MEDIATEK 9.HISILICON
- 3. INTRODUCTION Today’s smartphoneand mobile processors are very powerful, so powerful that it is almost as powerful as a desktop computer. Processors are now coming up with more cores. Initially it was Single core, and then came Dual core; we now have Quad core, Hexa core and even Octa core. Most processors are 64 bit now as against 32 bit when it started initially. The processing speed has reached up to 3.0 - 3.5 GHz. The ability to includeGPU (Graphic Processing Unit) inside mobile processors has enabled devices to churn out the best graphics picture, 3D capability, Virtual Reality capability and 4k recording. The improved processor technology also made today’s modern mobile devices more power efficient. In this article we will learn different processor used in mobile, tablet, and laptops.
- 4. MOBILE PROCESSOR Let’s first see what a mobile processor is. A mobile does not always mean processor for mobile phones; a mobile processor is found in mobile computers and cellphones. A CPU chip is designed for portablecomputers, it is typically housed in a smaller chip package, but more importantly, in orderto run cooler, it uses lower voltages than its desktop counterpart and has more sleep mode capability. A mobile processor can be throttled down to different power levels or sections of the chip can be turned off entirely when not in use. Further, the clock frequency may be stepped down under low processor loads. This stepping down conserves power and prolongs battery life.
- 5. HISTORY OF MICROPROCESSOR The first use of the term "microprocessor" is attributedto Viatron ComputerSystems describing the custom integrated circuit used in their System 21 small computersystem announcedin 1968.Intel introducedthe first commercial microprocessor, the 4-bit Intel 4004 in 1971, followed by its 8-bit microprocessor 8008 in 1972. During the 1960s, computer processors were constructedout of small and medium-scale ICs each containingfrom tens of transistors to a few hundred.The first microprocessors emerged in the early 1970s, and were used for electroniccalculators, using binary-coded decimal (BCD) arithmetic on 4-bit words. Other embedded uses of 4-bit and 8- bit microprocessors, such as terminals, printers, various kinds of automation etc., followed soon after. Affordable 8-bit microprocessors with 16-bit addressing also led to the first general-purpose microcomputers from the mid-1970s on. Since the early 1970s, the increase in capacity of microprocessors has followed Moore's law; this originally suggested that the numberof componentsthat can be fitted onto a chip doublesevery year. With present technology, it is actuallyevery two years, and as such Moore later changed the period to two years. Let us see different mobile processors available in today’s market.
- 6. QUALCOMM SNAPDRAGON Qualcomm Technologies is a US based company. Qualcomm first became a known brand when they introduced CDMA technology in the market. Qualcomm is actively involved in technology related to semiconductordesigning for mobile devices, tracking devices, satellite phones, Virtual Reality, wireless charging, communications etc. Qualcomm is now known for its Snapdragon brand which is responsiblefor releasing mobile processors and LTE modems. Snapdragon’sfirst claim to fame in processor market was when it released the first 1 GHz processor, when the average speed of most smartphones was only 512 MHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processors are popularwith all mobile and tablet manufacturers except Apple.
- 7. Qualcomm Snapdragon processors are known for its performance. The processor handlesmultitasking very well and can handleheavy and intensive processing which is especially good for gaming. The presence of inbuilt Adreno graphics matches the performance of processor. Snapdragon processors also produceless heat compared to otherprocessors. Generally Snapdragon processors are costlier than otherprocessors. Starting from 2005, Snapdragon went through a lot of series – S1, S2, S3, S4, S200, S400, S600, and S800. The processor is going through S800 series as of 2016 end. S800 series already released S800, S801, S805, S808, S810, S820, and S821. Most Qualcomm processors in medium to high end phonemarket is either a S820 or 821. After 821, Qualcomm released 835 series which was released in early quarterof 2017. 835 series offer significant changes over 821. The chip size is 10 nanometercompared to 14 nanometer in S821. The new processor is 27% faster in performance consume 40% less power and reduced size by 30%. The new chip is also equipped with Quick Charge 4.0 which can give enough power to your battery to last a day with just 5-10 minute charging. Some of Snapdragon 821 devices are Google Pixel, Google Pixel XL, Asus Zenfone, OnePlus 3T, Xiaomi Mi 5s, Xiaomi Mi 5s Plus, and LeEco Le Pro3. Some of Snapdragon 835 devices are Samsung Galaxy S8, OnePlus 4/5, Sony Xperia XZ, Pixel 2, and HTC 11.
- 8. APPLE MOBILE PROCESSOR Apple does not manufacture any microprocessors. Instead, they make contractswith processor manufacturing companies mainly Samsung and TSMC for making custom built processors that suits their design and performance expectations. For e.g., A9 14nm processor was built by Samsung, while the A9 16nmversion was built by TSMC. Apple A series is designed for processors to be used on iPhone, iPad, iPad Touch and Apple TV. Some of the processors in the series are A4, A5, A5X, A6, A6X, A7, A8, A8X, A9, A9X and A10. Apple A10 Fusion is the latest processorwhich is used in iPhone7 and iPhone 7 Plus. A10 is a Quad Core built on 16 nm FinFET process capableof runningat 2.4GHz speeds and a Hexa Core PowerVR GPU. Compared to its predecessorA9, A10 is twice faster
- 9. and improve graphics processing by 50%. The processor is manufactured by TSMC. Apple S series is designed for processors to be used on Apple Watch. Some of the processes in the series are Apple S1, Apple S1P and Apple S2. The current version Apple S2 is a dual core processorwith built in GPS used in AppleWatch Series 2. The processor is manufactured by Samsung under contract from Apple. Apple W series is used in headphonesfor wireless audio connectivity. The series is currentlyin Apple W1 which is used in wireless headphonesand Air Pods. Apple T series is designed to use in Touch ID sensors in MacBook Pro. The only version released till now is Apple T1.
- 10. INTEL ATOM AND CORE M PROCESSORS Intel is an American multinationalcompany synonymous with PC and microprocessors. Atom is the brand name given for the low power consuming and low cost 32 and 64 bit chips manufactured for using in smartphones and tablet devices. Intel processors are based on X86 architecturewhich is powerful than ARM, but consume more power compared to ARM architecture.Latest versions of Intel processors did improve the power consumption aspect bringing it down to less than 5 watts which is ideal for all mobile devices. Though Atom processors in the beginning supportedonly Windows, it now supportsall major mobile operatingsystems. Intel Atom processors are currentlyin Atom X5 and X7 series. These chips are 64 bit Quad core processors in 14 nanometersize with speeds up to 1.6 GHz that can be scaled up to 2.4 GHz.
- 11. Intel also released Intel Core M microprocessors which are ultra-low- voltage designed for ultra-thin notebooks, mobile devices and 2 in 1 convertibles. The processor consumes less 4.5 watts or less power making it ideal for long batterylife. These are dual core processors with speeds around 1.5 GHz which can be scaled to 3.2 GHz speeds. Intel Core M processors offer 40% boost in CPU and graphics performance than previous versions. Intel Atom processors are supported by all manufacturers. The latest Atom processor is mainly used in tablet manufacturers from Microsoft Surface, Asus, Dell, Lenovo, and HP. As of 2016, Asus ZenFoneseries is the only smartphoneusing Atom processor. Core M processors are used in 12-inch Apple MacBook and HP Chrome book.
- 12. NVIDIA TEGRA Nvidia Corporationis an American based company technology company which specializes in making processing units for graphics, gaming units and mobile devices. Nvidia develops chips for smartphones, tablets and mobile devices under the brand Tegra. Tegra processors are built on 64 bit ARM architecture. Tegra till now have gone through Tegra 1, Tegra 3, Tegra 4, Tegra 4i, Tegra K1, and Tegra X 1. As of end of 2016, Tegra X1 is currentlythe most advanced Tegra chip in the market. The process is Quad Core with 256 GPU cores capableof 4K video capabilities. The chips are built on 20 nm technology. The processor is currentlyused in Nvidia SHIELD Android TV. Tegra processors used in smartphoneand tablet markets are mainly Tegra 4, Tegra 4i and Tegra K1. • Tegra 4 is used by Asus Transformer PAD, HP Slatebook, Toshiba Excite, Xiaomi Mi3, and XOLO Play Tegra Note.
- 13. • Tegra 4i is used by Blackphone. • Tegra K1 is used by Nvidia Shield Tablet, Google Nexus 9, Acer Chromebook13 and 14, Navi Big Tab. Nvidia have announcedTegra P1 and Nvidia Xavier for release by 2017. First one is going to be Hexa core and the latterOcta core. Both will be built on 16 nm technology. Pros and Cons of Nvidia Tegra processors Nvidia Tegra is considered the best when it comes to mobile gaming. The Graphics processing is among the best among all mobile processors. For mobile gaming, Tegra is the best. Tegra have a poor record with heat generation and battery performance. Hopefully, that should improve with the upcoming models. Tegra processors are costlier than otherprocessors.
- 14. MEDIATEK MediaTek is a Taiwanese semiconductorcompany providing chips for mobile devices, HDTV’s and other electronicdevices. MediaTek processors are built on 64 bit ARM architecture. The latest MediaTek processor supportsup to 3 GHz speed. They come in variety of cores such as Dual Core (2 core), Quad Core (4 core), Hexa Core (6 core) and Deca Core (10 core). The latest processors from MediaTek are Helio X20 and Helio X25 which are used in smartphones and tablets. MediaTek processors are mostly popularwith Chinese manufacturer. Xiaomi, Meizu, LeEco Le, Yu etc. use them on Smartphones. Acer, Asus, Lenovo, Amazon Fire HD, QMobile are some of the manufacturers that use the processors in their tablets. The company will be releasing Helio X30 and Helio X27 which will be available in market by first quarterof 2017. They use 10 nm and 20 nm respectively. Both are deca core with 2 dual core and a single dual core built inside the processor.
- 15. Pros and Cons of MediaTek processors Latest processors from MediaTek come with lot of cores. When combined with enough RAM, you can expect easy multi-tasking with good processing power. The PowerVR GPU of MediaTek is betterthan most of the processors. MediaTek produceless heat than Qualcomm and other processors. MediaTek processors are cheaper and so is the best option for budget devices with good performance.
- 16. HISILICON HiSilicon is a Chinese company specializing in semiconductor technology. The company is owned by Huawei. The company creates chips based on ARM architecture. The company is the largest domestic integrated circuit designer in China. Some of the processors released by HiSilicon are K3V1, K3V2, K3V2E, Kirin 620, Kirin 650, Kirin 910, Kirin 920, Kirin 930, and Kirin 950 and soon to be released Kirin 960. Some of the devices with Kirin 950 are Honor 8, Huawei mate 8, Huawei MediaPad M3. Kirin 960 is the model to be released in the series. It is built on 64-bit ARM architectureon 16 nm FinFET technology. The processor is Quad core capableof going up to 2.4GHz. This is also the first processor with Mali-G71 MP8 GPU which is rumored to power soon to be released Galaxy S8. The GPU is rumored to be 180% faster than its predecessor.
- 17. The processor made great improvement in making sure the batterylast longer. There is also a lot of improvement in high LTE download and upload speeds. The processor is rumored to be powerful than Apple A10 Fusion or Snapdragon 820 and 821. Huawei P10 and Huawei Mate 9 with Kirin 960 will be released anytime by end of 2016 or the first quarterof 2017.
- 18. SAMSUNG EXYNOS Exynos is a brand of Samsung Electronicswhich makes processors based on ARM architecture. Some of the processors in the series are Exynos 7 Dual, Exynos 7420, Exynos 7 Octa 7580, and Exynos 7 Octa 7870. Exynos 7420 Octa which is a 14nm, octa-coreprocessor is used in Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 edge. After Samsung Galaxy S6, Samsung decided to use both Exynos and Qualcomm models for their smartphone. Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge used both Exynos 8 Octa 8890 and Snapdragon 820. The type of processor used was decided by the model number and the place from where it is bought. Exynos 8 Octa 8890 is 14nmocta core processor. Exynos 8 Octa 8895 is the latest from Exynos. The processoris equipped with Octa Core on 64-bit ARM architecturewith Mali GPU. The processor is capableof runningat 2.3 GHz speed with supportfor
- 19. 3D gaming, 4K UHD resolution support.The chips are 10 nm technologies. The processor is used in Galaxy S8 and S8+ processor. (Some models of S8 and S8+ use Snapdragon 835 processor).