NVIDIA processor
Latest in a long line of nvidia processors is the Tegra 3 (quad-core) and it is set to power the next generation of Android Tablet PC's. The Tegra 3 has 3 times the graphics performance of the Tegra 2, but probably more importantly to use Tablet PC lovers, it's 61% less power consumption.
The Tegra 3 (Kal-El) SoC (System on a Chip) is actually has four ARM A9 core, as well as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) with 12 cores, this in fact turns the Tegra 3 into a 5 core chip, umm, sort of.Of course NVIDIA has a strong heritage in graphics and invented the GPU in 1999, so when it comes to graphics they should know what they're doing.
The success of this chip will certainly help ARM go from strength to strength as they have already seen strong figures this year.
Tegra Specifications
| Tegra 2 | Tegra 3 | |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Dual-Core ARM Cortex A9 | Quad-Core ARM Cortex A9 |
| Max Frequency | Up to 1.2 GHz | Up to Single Core 1.4 GHz /Quad-Core 1.3 GHz |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB | 1 MB |
| L1 Cache (I/D) | (32KB / 32KB) per core | (32KB / 32KB) per core |
| Memory | ||
| Frequency | Up to DDR2-760 Up to LPDDR2-733 |
DDR3-L 1500 LPDDR2-1066 |
| Memory Size | Up to 1GB | Up to 2 GB |
| GPU | ||
| Architecture | ULP GeForce | ULP GeForce |
| 3D Performance Relative to Tegra 2* | Up to 1.3x | Up to 3x |
| Cores | 8 | 12 |
| 3D Stereo | No | Yes |
| Full Programmability | Yes | Yes |
| OpenGL ES Version | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| OpenVG | 1.1 | 1.1 |
| EGL | 1.4 | 1.4 |
| Video (1080p) | ||
| Decode | H.264 VC-1 AP MPEG2 MPEG-4 DivX 4/5 XviD HT H.263 Theora VP8 WMV Sorenson Spark Real Video VP6 |
H.264 (HP @ 40Mbps) VC-1 AP MPEG2 MPEG-4 DivX 4/5 XviD HT H.263 Theora VP8 WMV Sorenson Spark Real Video VP6 |
| Encode | H.264 MPEG4 H.263 VP8 |
H.264 MPEG4 H.263 VP8 |
| Video Teleconference (VTC) | H.264 MPEG4 H.263 VP8 |
H.264 MPEG4 H.263 VP8 |
| Audio | ||
| Decode | AAC-LC AAC+ eAAC+ MP3 MP3 VBR WAV/PCM AMR-NB AMR-WB BSAC MPEG-2 Audio Vorbis WMA 9 WMA Lossless WMA Pro G.729a * G.711 * QCELP * EVRC ** Through third party |
AAC-LC AAC+ eAAC+ MP3 MP3 VBR WAV/PCM AMR-NB AMR-WB BSAC MPEG-2 Audio Vorbis WMA 9 WMA Lossless WMA Pro G.729a * G.711 * QCELP * EVRC ** Through third party |
| Encode | AAC LC AAC+ eAAC+ PCM/WAV AMR-NB AMR-WB |
AAC LC AAC+ eAAC+ PCM/WAV AMR-NB AMR-WB |
| Imaging | ||
| Primary Camera | 12 MP | 32 MP |
| Secondary Camera | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Mpixel/s | 150 | 300 |
| Digital Zoom | Up to 16x | Up to 16x |
| JPEG Decoding/Encoding | 80MP/sec | 80MP/sec |
| Still Image Stabilitization | Yes | Yes |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Features | Auto Exposure Auto White Balance Auto Focus Lens Shading 9th order De-Mosaic Sharpening Programmable De-Noise |
Auto Exposure Auto White Balance Auto Focus Lens Shading 9th order De-Mosaic Sharpening Programmable De-Noise |
| MIPI CSI | Yes | Yes |
| Display | ||
| Display Controllers | 2 simultaneous | 2 simultaneous |
| HDMI | 1.3 (1920x1080) | 1.4a (1920x1080) |
| LCD | Up to 1680x1050 | 2048x1536 |
| CRT | Up to 1600x1200 | 1920x1200 |
| MIPI DSI | Yes | Yes |
| Package | ||
| Package | 12x12 PoP 23x23 BGA |
14x14 BGA 23x23 BGA |
| Process | 40 nm | 40 nm |
Table source :- http://www.nvidia.co.uk/object/tegra-processors-uk.html
Previous generation : Tegra 2
NVIDIA is a semiconductor vendor that has a license to make ARM processors (including the NVIDIA processor Tegra 2.)
The NVIDIA processor Tegra 2 is an ARM Cortex-A9 processor and was the first mobile dual-core CPU. In real terms this means it powers some of the fastest, smoothest tablet computers on the market, including the Motorola Xoom.
Below is a list of Key Features of the NVIDIA processor known as Tegra 2.
Key Features
- Dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 CPU — The world's first mobile dual-core CPU for faster Web browsing, snappier response time, and overall better performance. The Cortex-A9 is the first mobile CPU with out of order execution for more efficient processing, resulting in a better overall experience.
- Ultra-low power (ULP) GeForce GPU — Architected for low-power applications, the ULP GeForce GPU delivers outstanding mobile 3D game playability and a visually engaging, highly-responsive 3D user interface.
- 1080p Video Playback Processor — Watch 1080p HD movies stored on your mobile device on your HDTV without compromising battery life.
- 1080p Video Encode Processor — Runs video encode algorithms to deliver full 1080p HD video streams for video recording and conferencing capabilities.
- Image Signal Processor (ISP) — Take sharp brilliant pictures with support for up to 12 MP cameras. The integrated image signal processor (ISP) includes proprietary algorithms that enable image and video stabilization, face tracking, advanced trick modes, light balance, edge enhancement, and noise reduction to deliver real-time photo enhancement capabilities.
- Audio Processor — Handles signal audio processing to deliver days of continuous 128kbps mp3 audio playback on a single battery charge.
- ARM7 Processor — Supports system management functions and several proprietary battery life extending features.
- High-Definition Digital Display Output — Tegra supports HDMI allowing you to connect to a full 1080p HDTV or other display and view your content on the big screen. 5.1 surround sound support fills your room with a theater-like experience.
- OpenGL® ES 2.0 Optimizations and Support — Ensures robust compatibility and performance for OpenGL applications.
- Global Power Management System — Numerous hardware monitors distributed across the Tegra architecture collect data on activity levels, frequency, temperature, and incoming request patterns. The data is used to determine the optimal operating condition to ensure that the processors are always running at the lowest possible power level while still delivering maximum performance when needed.
"Key Features" Source: nvidia.com
