Marvell launches 64-bit octa-core ARMADA Mobile PXA1936 SoC

Marvell may not be a massive player in the smartphone SoC market, but the company’s newly announced 64-bit ARMADA Mobile PXA1936 SoC signals big ambitions. The chip is aimed at the high-end mobile market, putting Qualcomm and Samsung squarely in Marvell’s sights. But does the SoC have what it takes?

The PXA1936 is an octo-core ARM Cortex A53 design, with each core clocked at 1.5GHz. This likely puts performance somewhere around Qualcomm’s recently released octo-core Snapdragon 615 SoC, although we have no idea about graphics performance yet. The chip is essentially a bulked up version of the quad-core 64-bit PXA1928 the company announced earlier in the year.

The SoC also includes some other high-end features, such as support for a 1080p display, 16MP camera, built in video encoding and decoding, and, of-course, any future 64-bit applications that make their way to Android. An energy efficient audio codec is also included, as are other power saving features and an enhanced security processor, but we will have to see if these prove to be major selling points.

The other big feature of this SoC is the modem’s support for 5 different wireless communication types. The 4G LTE modem supports TD-LTE, FDD-LTE, TD-SCDMA, WCDMA and GSM, making it a competitive option with other integrated modem chips, such as those from Qualcomm and MediaTek.

Marvell’s processor is expected to make an appearance in unspecified devices come early 2015, right before Qualcomm’s new high-end Cortex-A57 powered Snapdragon 808 and 810 SoCs arrive. The Marvell SoC matches some of the higher-end 64-bit SoCs available right now, but 2015 looks to be raising the bar a little out of the PXA1936’s reach.

[press]

Marvell Launches Octa-Core 64-bit 5-Mode 4G LTE ARMADA Mobile PXA1936 System-on-Chip for High Performance Smartphones and Tablets Globally

Marvell’s new 5-mode 4G LTE ARMADA mobile PXA1936 SoC features 8× ARM Cortex A53, advanced graphics and security functions, high performance image processing, and integrated sensor fusion capabilities

Santa Clara, California (November 17, 2014) – Marvell (Nasdaq: MRVL), a worldwide leader in providing complete silicon solutions from mobile communications to storage, Internet of Things (IoT), cloud infrastructure, digital entertainment and in-home content delivery and Kinoma® software enabling the “Smart Life and Smart Lifestyle,” today announced the highly integrated quad-core 64-bit ARMADA® Mobile PXA1908 platform, extending its award-winning ARMADA Mobile product family. Targeted for the fast growing 5-mode 4G LTE worldwide mass market, Marvell’s cost optimized mobile processor features ARM Cortex A53, efficient power management, integrated location and sensor technology, and field proven 5-mode 4G LTE modem technology. The PXA1908 mobile processor maintains complete software compatibility with the octa-core ARMADA Mobile PXA1936, enabling OEMs and ODMs to quickly and seamlessly launch a higher performing octa-core mobile phone. The ARMADA mobile PXA1908 supports today’s most popular cellular communications including: TD-LTE, FDD-LTE, TD-SCDMA, WCDMA and GSM.

“Built upon our worldwide leadership and proven track record in enabling high performance, low power, and affordable 4G LTE smartphones since last year, I believe our new ARMADA Mobile PXA1908 will further empower global mobile operators and tier-one OEMs to quickly expand the 4G LTE market to entry-level smartphones and greatly accelerate its deployment to the mass market around the world. With PXA1908’s field-proven 5-mode 4G LTE modem, high level of integration, low power consumption, cost effective architecture and the 64-bit quad-core processor supporting the latest Android operating system, I believe Marvell has once again raised the technology bar,” said Weili Dai, President and Co-Founder of Marvell. “I’m very thankful for our global teams of talented engineers for their innovation, invention and dedication to continually leading the industry and delivering best-in-class mobile solutions. At Marvell, it is our mission and passion to make the world a better place for all.”

The 64-bit quad-core 5-mode LTE system-on-chip (SoC) is designed to address the fast growing LTE market, enabling easy integration from 2G and 3G connectivity to 4G LTE. Marvell’s 64-bit family of mobile SoCs also pave the way for device makers to release 64-bit tablets and smartphones with the Android L operating system. Major smartphone vendors are expected to begin shipping products powered by Marvell’s PXA1908 globally in early 2015.

Key features of the Marvell ARMADA Mobile PXA1908 include:

Cost optimized quad-core Cortex A53, up to 1.2GHz clock speed
Improved image processing to support 8MP to 13MP camera
Advanced power management
Supports 720p display
Field proven DSDS software for 5-mode modem
To learn more about the Marvell PXA1908 processors, visit http://www.marvell.com/communication-processors/pxa1908.

About Marvell

Marvell (NASDAQ: MRVL) is a global leader in providing complete silicon solutions and Kinoma® software enabling the “Smart Life and Smart Lifestyle.” From mobile communications to storage, Internet of Things (IoT), cloud infrastructure, digital entertainment and in-home content delivery, Marvell’s diverse product portfolio aligns complete platform designs with industry-leading performance, security, reliability and efficiency. At the core of the world’s most powerful consumer, network and enterprise systems, Marvell empowers partners and their customers to always stand at the forefront of innovation, performance and mass appeal. By providing people around the world with mobility and ease of access to services adding value to their social, private and work lives, Marvell is committed to enhancing the human experience.

As used in this release, the term “Marvell” refers to Marvell Technology Group Ltd. and its subsidiaries. For more information, please visit www.Marvell.com.

###

Marvell, the M logo, ARMADA, Kinoma are registered trademarks of Marvell and/or its affiliates. Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.
[/press]