MediaTek and Broadcom have both unveiled new chips that integrate 4G LTE connectivity. First let’s look at MediaTek’s latest offering…
The new MediaTek MT6595 is touted as the world’s first 4G LTE octa-core smartphone SoC with ARM Cortex-A17 CPU. It combines four of these cores with four slower Cortex-A7 cores, while also including PowerVR Series6 GPU to the mix. Here are other highlights:
- Integrated 4G LTE Multi-Mode Modem Rel. 9, Category 4 FDD and TDD LTE with data rates up to 150Mbits/s downlink and 50Mbits/s uplink
- DC-HSPA+ (42Mbits/s), TD-SCDMA and EDGE for legacy 2G/3G networks
- 30+ 3GPP RF bands support to meet operator needs worldwide
- H.265 Ultra HD (4K2K) video record & playback
- Ultra HD video playback support for H.264 & VP9
- Supports 24-bit 192 kHz Hi-Fi quality audio codec with digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) to head phone >110dB SNR
- 20MP camera capability
- Supports up to WQXGA (2560 x 1600) displays
- MediaTek ClearMotion technology for smooth video playback at 60fps
- MediaTek MiraVision technology
- Supports WiFI 802.11ac
- Multi-GNSS positioning systems including GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo and QZSS
- Bluetooth LE and ANT+ for ultra-low power connectivity with fitness tracking devices
- Multi-standard inductive and resonant wireless charging functionality available
- Supported by MediaTek’s companion multimode wireless power receiver IC
The MT6595 platform will be commercially available by the first half of 2014, with devices boasting this chip coming in the second half of 2014.
As for Broadcom’s chip, the BCM23550 is a dual- or quad-core SoC aimed at sub-$300 LTE smartphones. Here are the highlights:
- Delivers 150Mbps Category 4 speeds on FDD-LTE and TD-LTE networks, 42Mbps 3G HSPA+ and 2G
- BCM2095 LTE RF transceiver enables FDD and TD LTE/3G/2G band support for worldwide roaming
- dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth smart, GPS and near field communication (NFC)
- VoLTE and HD voice support
- Pre-integrated with the Android KitKat operating system
- HD display, imaging and graphics
- Reduces LTE modem power consumption by up to 30 percent for extended hours of use
- Utilizes Broadcom’s pin-to-pin compatible dual-core M320 or upcoming quad-core M340 LTE SoC
- Design reuse between dual-core and quad-core basebands for developing multiple devices with the same platform design to cut the cost
- Certification for Category 4 (Cat 4) speeds in FDD-LTE and TD-LTE modes with seamless worldwide roaming capabilities.
The M320 SoC is ready for production and the upcoming quad-core M340 LTE SoC would be available to sample in the first half of 2014.
[Via: FoneArena]