Broadcom Gets Better at Multitasking with Quad-Core Processor for Cheap Devices
Broadcom pulled back the curtains on an industry-first HSPA+ processor that touts an ARM-based, quad-core CPU and supports a wide variety of connectivity technologies. The company said that the chip is designed for use in “high-performance, entry-level smartphones” running Android 4.2 Jelly Bean.
The Quad ARM Cortex A7 core processor leverages ARM’s Neon architecture to deliver 1.2GHz worth of horsepower. The chip packs Broadcom’s homegrown VideoCore IV multimedia technology, which optimizes the power requirements of graphic-rich applications to ensure that gamers get the most out of that performance.
The platform supplements VideoCore with “dual HD” functionality that lets users share high-definition content with Miracast-enabled devices, including phones and smart TVs. Another important feature of the new chip is its ability to provide up to 21 Mbps of HSPA+ downstream connectivity and 5.8 Mbps of upstream connectivity across a variety of protocols, including 5G WiFi, Broadcom’s near-field communications (NFC) technology, GPS/GLONASS, WLAN, MEMS, and Cell ID.
Rafael Sotomayor, vice president of marketing for Broadcom’s Mobile Platform Solutions unit, boasted that the “new quad-core solution allows OEMs to deliver the multi-tasking, graphics-rich capabilities required in today’s smartphones, while still appealing to consumers seeking superior performance at affordable prices.” He added that “by combining the performance benefits of a quad-core solution with high-end features like 5G WiFi, globally certified NFC technology, and advanced indoor positioning technology, the platform offers device manufacturers a flexible and cost-effective path to address the affordable smartphone segment.”
Broadcom secured a dominant position in the mobile market with its low power, low cost chips and leading-edge consumer networking devices. The company is putting its weight behind 4G LTE as part of a broad push to increase its lead over the competition.
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