MediaTek launches world's first commercialized quad-core SoC

CHINA: MediaTek Inc., a leading fabless semiconductor company for wireless communications and digital multimedia solutions, announced the launch of the MT6589, the world’s first commercialized quad-core System on a Chip (SoC), available for mid to high-end Android smartphones and tablets worldwide.

The quad-core SoC integrates MediaTek’s advanced multi-mode UMTS Rel. 8/HSPA+/TD-SCDMA modem, a power-efficient quad-core Cortex-A7 CPU subsystem from ARM, PowerVR series5XT GPU from Imagination Technologies, and is delivered in 28nm process technology.

As a leader in dual-SIM technology, the MT6589 is also the world’s first HSPA+ smartphone platform supporting dual-SIM, dual-active functionality to address increasing multi-SIM demand around the world.  The integration of these compelling features makes the MT6589 a universal platform that delivers premium multimedia capabilities with extremely low power consumption for an outstanding user experience.

It also enables handset makers to reduce time to market, simplify product development and manage product differentiation in a more cost effective way, for any market worldwide.

“The ARM Cortex-A7 is the most power-efficient applications processor ever developed by ARM. We are pleased MediaTek is the first company to combine a quad-core Cortex-A7 and leading edge 28nm manufacturing with TrustZone® for system-level security. The MT6589 system-on-chip brings the performance and features associated with high-end mobile devices to mass-market smartphones and tablets,” said Laurence Bryant, director of mobile solutions, ARM.

The MediaTek MT6589 quad-core solution supports 1080p 30fps/30fps low-power video playback and recording, a 13MP Camera with Integrated ISP, up to FHD (1920x1080) LCD displays, and enhanced picture processing for DTV-grade image quality.  In addition, the MT6589 also supports MediaTek’s “Cool 3D” suite, which includes support for stereo 3D cameras and displays, real-time 2D-to-3D conversion and an optimal 3D user interface.

Leveraging MediaTek’s established 3D technologies from the DTV and Digital Home markets, this suite helps create an optimal stereo 3D display with a custom-tailored 3D interface, providing an extremely flexible platform for product differentiation.

Tony King-Smith, VP Marketing, Imagination, said: “Today’s smart device users have very high expectations for graphic quality and performance. The MT6589 gives Imagination a great opportunity to show the abilities of the PowerVR Series5XT GPU, which delivers around twice the performance of previous generation devices while maintaining the lowest possible power and silicon area. We are delighted to contribute to this impressive, highly integrated solution, which demonstrates the benefits of our ongoing close strategic relationship with MediaTek.”

The MT6589 also supports Miracast technology for multi-screen content sharing and pre-integrates MediaTek’s leading 4-in-1 connectivity combo, which supports 802.11n Wi-Fi, BT4.0, GPS and FM.

Jeffrey Ju, GM of the smartphone business unit at MediaTek, said: “As the world’s first quad-core SoC, the MT6589 is a strong proof point of MediaTek’s growing global presence and ambition to drive the democratization of the smartphone and reshape the mid to high-end device market.

"Having built a solid reputation for quality and reliability over the last 15 years, we’ve created a one-of-a-kind achievement with the MT6589 platform—marrying blazing performance and flexibility with surprising affordability and simplicity.  It’s an innovative solution that accelerates product development, simplifies differentiation, and offers the best possible experience that mid to high-end smart device owners desire.”

“The demand for a smartphone SoC that can be delivered anywhere in the world has never been greater, which is why the MT6589 is so important to our business,” said Dr. Ji-Yang Wang, COO at TCL Communications Technology/Alcatel One Touch.

“As the first truly universal platform it is designed with the customer in mind to give us a crucial competitive edge. The MT6589 will make the life of our customers and partners easier, allowing them to bring the best possible experience to mid-to high-end users in multiple markets in the most timely and affordable manner, and most importantly, without compromising its performance.”

The MediaTek MT6589 is currently being incorporated into smart devices by MediaTek’s leading global customers, and the first models based on this new chipset are expected to ship commercially in Q1 2013.