Qualcomm has set its sights on networking devices with its Internet Processor (IPQ) platform. IPQ8062 and IPQ8064 are already in production and should find their way into commercial products by 1H 2014. Gateways and enterprise access points running on IPQ chips are expectedin the market by mid-2014. The IPQ platform is being released through Qualcomm Atheros.
“Just as Qualcomm helped propel the smartphone experience and ecosystem, we are now employing the company’s mobile DNA to enable the Smarthome as a platform to deliver an advanced class of content, applications, and services that can be enjoyed throughout the home,” Amir Faintuch, president of Qualcomm Atheros, said in a statement.
IPQ 8064 and 8062 have dual core packet processor engines with 2 Krait CPUs (8064 clocked at 1.4GHz yields upto 5Gbps; 8062 clocked at 1.0GHz yields 3Gbps), and two network engines at 730MHz. The dual-core Krait CPU can “manage advanced functions such as complex and demanding Internet-based applications and services,” while the new Atheros packet processor engine can offload network traffic by supporting “up to 5 Gbps of aggregate capacity across LTE, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, HomePlug powerline, hybrid wired/wireless, and Ethernet,” Qualcomm said.
“Qualcomm’s new Internet Processor gets them into a space that is emerging with home automation and control, but also could help them in the current home service provider space for content and monitoring, too. In fact, I expect those two markets to combine over the long haul. The company has all of the IP, investment capability, quality, and stellar carrier relationships which come into play here,” – Patrick Moorhead, principal analyst for Moor Insights & Strategy
Qualcomm has integrated security features on the embedded processor line with its Trustzone product. Power efficiency is achieved by leveraging 28nm processor architecture offering up to 70% greater performance-per-watt over other players in the market. Available I/O ports on the processors: 3 PCIe 1x lanes, 2 USB 3.0 ports, 1 SATA3 port, SDIO, and Gigabit Ethernet are some of the interfaces supported on IPQ.
“Qualcomm is bringing together its mobile and networking expertise in the Internet Processor to extend its portfolio and enable new capabilities for network platforms. With this new class of high-performance, energy-efficient, and agile processors for home gateways and enterprise access points, Qualcomm is again demonstrating its ability and commitment to elevate consumer experiences by driving innovation at the edge of the network,” Faintuch said.
Another Krait-based product, the Snapdragon 805 mobile processor, was also unveiled recently targetting tablets and smartphones. The 805 features an Adreno 420 graphics processor for Ultra HD (4K) video, images, and graphics.
