Qualcomm drops ARM for premium CPU

Qualcomm is dropping ARM for its next top-of-the-range mobile processor.

β€œWith the 810 (Snapdragon 810) we made a conscious decision to use licensed cores to accommodate the accelerated shift to 64 bit,” says Qualcomm CEO Steve Mollenkopf, β€œour next premium processor will use our own 64 bit custom CPU architecture as well as the most advanced process node.”Qualcomm drops ARM for premium CPUThe new processor will be, says Mollenkopf β€œa device that returns to our internally developed CPU with integrated modem” made on β€œthe latest node”.

As Qualcomm expects to sample the new processor in late H2 2015, then β€œthe latest node” could mean TSMC’s 16nm finfet process – an as yet unproven process.

For the 810, Qualcomm used an SOC design by ARM. For its next Snapdragon Qualcomm will utilise its ARM architecture licence to design its own SOC.

Qualcomm has lost the processor slot in Samsung’s next premium Galaxy phone the S6. β€œWe now expect that our Snapdragon 810 processor will not be in the upcoming design cycle of a large customer’s flagship device,” says Mollenkopf.

There have been reports of the 810 overheating. A recent research note from J.P. Morgan said: β€œFor the Snapdragon 810 we believe the issues are related to the implementation of new 64-bit ARM cores (A57) which is causing overheating when accelerating above 1.2-1.4 Ghz frequencies.” All that Mollenkopf will say about it is β€œthe device is working the way that we expected it work.”

 

For more detail: Qualcomm drops ARM for premium CPU


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Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.

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