Marvell Introduces Application Processors For Wireless Devices

Santa Clara, CA -- Marvell introduced a new generation of application processors designed for feature handsets, smartphones, GPS navigation systems, wireless handhelds and other consumer electronic devices. The Marvell PXA3xx family of application processors (internally named Monahans) based on third generation of Intel XScale technology was designed for cost efficiency by offering a broad roadmap that is architecturally consistent for maximum software reuse. Marvell silicon provides the headroom for advanced applications with intelligent power management allowing manufacturers to differentiate current and future offerings.

"Today's consumers require that their personal wireless converged devices support a broad range of mobile multimedia applications including Bluetooth support, web browsing and camera support – all with extended talk time and a seamless mobile internet experience," said Sam Arditi Senior Vice President of the Cellular and Handheld Group at Marvell. "Ramping three products in the Marvell PXA3xx family virtually at the same time gives our customers the flexibility to address different markets with an optimized product either for MIPS, video or cost – all with extremely low power consumption. All Marvell PXA3xx products feature frequency scalability to allow the best power and performance."

The first processor in the family to ship in volume is the Marvell PXA320 (Monahans P), delivering the right mix of performance, power and integration levels to meet the needs of feature handsets, advanced smart phones, and a wide array of portable consumer web browsing devices. Demonstrated earlier this year running at 1.2GHz, the Marvell PXA320 is currently shipping in high volume at low-power and is scalable to 806MHz. Customers will be introducing devices based on the Marvell PXA320 in the first quarter of 2007.

The Marvell PXA 3xx product family is completely software compatible and includes two pin-compatible components specifically tailored to high volume consumer products such as mobile phones, digital media players, GPS navigation systems, and embedded devices. The Marvell PXA300 (Monahans-L) offers performance and cost optimization for high volume handheld devices while the Marvell PXA 310 (Monahan-LV) provides high-resolution VGA multimedia performance with extended battery life for demanding 3G video and audio use. The PXA310 delivers unprecedented 30fps H.264 playback performance at VGA resolutions along with leading edge general purpose processing. Both products deliver "Scalable to 624MHz" performance and are software compatible with Marvell PXA320 processors so that a single software development effort scales across a wide range of devices segments. All products in the family are either shipping in volume or available in samples now, and will be shipping in volume in the first half of 2007.

"The PXA3xx series coupled with our UMTS and 802.11 communications technologies places Marvell at the heart of the mobile market," said Weili Dai, Chief Operating Officer and General Manager, Communications and Consumer Business Group at Marvell. "By combining proven Marvell technology with our new applications processors we have the flexibility to address the stringent feature requirements and meet the needs of our target market. This versatile platform strategy combined with unparalleled customer support enables us to address multiple device segments across the mobile phone and consumer handheld market."

"Microsoft is committed to working with partners to provide access to a wide range of innovative and compelling applications, helping Windows Mobile users stay on top of their jobs, stay informed and entertained while on the go," said Scott Phillips, senior product manager, Microsoft Corp. "We're excited to see Marvell bring the PXA3xx family of application processors to the market place and look forward to our continued collaboration."

SOURCE: Marvell