Date: 20/10/2009

Marvell's ARM core based ARMADA application processors for smart phones

Marvell has launched ARM core based ARMADA family of processors supporting ARM instruction set. Armada is designed for smartphones, smartbooks, consumer and embedded devices, and displays.

The ARMADA family of application processors performs close to a PC and support for Adobe Flash technology and Blu-ray functionality.

Marvell says, it ships one billion chips per year, two-thirds of which include Marvell CPUs running the ARM instruction set, making Marvell the largest producer of ARM chips in the world.

"Launch of the ARMADA family represents a watershed event in mobile computing," said Ms. Weili Dai, Marvell's Cofounder and Vice President and General Manager of the Company's Consumer and Computing Business Unit. "The ARMADA family delivers to mobile devices what skeptics once doubted could be done: fast, PC-caliber processing, full Internet experience, rich media including HD quality video and 3D graphics - all in lightweight form factors with long battery life. There will always be a place for PCs, but the future of mobile computing - for smartbooks, e-readers, smart tablets and more - will by necessity get its DNA from smartphones, not PCs. Marvell's world-leading technology portfolio allows us to provide a complete platform solution not only for mobile computing, but also smartphones, gaming, printers, personal and home entertainment, and emerging consumer markets."

"The significance of the ARMADA line of processors is its unique scalability. ARMADA can be used to run everything from full-feature netbooks, smartphones to intelligent displays and blu-ray class devices," said Tim Bajarin, Principal Analyst with Creative Strategies. "Marvell's ARMADA line of processors delivers PC-power, full Internet experience, very low power consumption, and price points suitable for mass markets."

The various ARMADA family members include:
The ARMADA 100 series: Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs), connected consumer products, e-readers, and new personal information appliances.
The ARMADA 500 series: high-end smartbooks and tablets.
The ARMADA 600 series: high-end smart phones.
The ARMADA 1000 series: full-HD consumer devices.

Marvell is also soon introducing ARMADA 510 based on ARM v7 instruction set architecture compatible application processor. The ARMADA 510 is sampling to customers this quarter.

For more details visit www.marvell.com

Editorial Product Rating: Significant