IMG

IMG

Friday, 21 February 2014

TZ5000 series SoC from Toshiba featuring Imagination IP

Toshiba launched a new series of apps processors (for STB and similar) packed with IMG IP:

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20140220006696/en/Toshiba-Launches-Application-Processors-Supporting-Wireless-Communication#.Uwdzv6vKcwM


TOKYO--()--Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO:6502) today announced the launch of the “TZ5000 series” of application processors supporting wireless communication of high quality video, as the latest addition to its ApP Lite™. Sample shipments will start in May, with mass production scheduled to start in September, 2014.
Increasingly, delivery of video and audio over the internet (OTT: Over The Top1) requires set top boxes and similar equipment to receive the service and distribute contents to PCs and smartphones via wireless LAN. The “TZ5000 series” application processors integrate a baseband function compliant with IEEE802.11ac, the standard for high speed wireless LAN, and also incorporate 32Gbit NAND flash memory in a single package. This secures a broad bandwidth connection, which is often limited when each component is individually mounted on a PCB, and also reduces mounting area, contributing to downsizing of equipment.
The series also adopts an original low power design, reducing power consumption and heat generation when processing multimedia applications, such as HTML5, which usually imposes a heavy load to the CPU.
Applications
OTT tuners, IP media box, wearable devices, digital signage equipment, and thin client devices2
 
Key Specifications of New Product
Part Number TZ5000MBG TZ5001MBG
Secure Boot System
Control
Not supported
Supported
Wi-Fi®
Embedded IEEE802.11a/b/g/n/ac 2x2 MIMO Baseband
Engine (Ensigma™ C4500)
Flash MemoryEmbedded 32Gbit MLC NAND
CPUDual-core ARM® Cortex®-A9 MPCore / NEON™ ~1.2GHz
GPUPowerVR™ SGX540
VPUPowerVR™ VXD395
Graphics Engine
1080p@60fps Multi Format Decoder, IPC, Scalar,
Rotator, Composer
High-Speed I/O 
DDR3/3L/LP-DDR3, USB OTG, SDIO, HDMI®, MIPI®
CSI and DSI
 
MWC is next week so there should be plenty to report.

Tuesday, 11 February 2014

Mediatek MT6595 LTE SoC announced

Not wishing to be left behind by Qualcomm and Broadcom in the rapidly expanding LTE market, Mediatek today announced a new LTE SoC  featuring Octa-Core A17/A7 and PowerVR Rogue:


TAIWAN, Hsinchu – 11 February, 2014 – MediaTek today announces the MT6595, a premium mobile solution with the world’s first 4G LTE octa-core smartphone SOC powered by the latest Cortex-A17™ CPUs from ARM®.
 
The MT6595 employs ARM’s big.LITTLE™ architecture with MediaTek’s CorePilot™ technology to deliver a Heterogeneous Multi-Processing (HMP) platform that unlocks the full power of all eight cores. An advanced scheduler algorithm with adaptive thermal and interactive power management delivers superior multi-tasking performance and excellent sustained performance-per-watt for a premium mobile experience.
 
Excellent Performance-Per-Watt
• Four ARM Cortex-A17™, each with significant performance improvement over previous-generation processors, plus four Cortex-A7™ CPUs
• ARM big.LITTLE™ architecture with full-system coherency performs sophisticated tasks efficiently
• Integrated Imagination Technologies PowerVR™ Series6 GPU for high-performance graphics
Integrated 4G LTE Multi-Mode Modem
• Rel. 9, Category 4 FDD and TDD LTE with data rates up to 150Mbits/s downlink and 50Mbits/s uplink
• DC-HSPA+ (42Mbits/s), TD-SCDMA and EDGE for legacy 2G/3G networks
• 30+ 3GPP RF bands support to meet operator needs worldwide
 
World-Class Multimedia Subsystems
• World’s first mobile SOC with integrated, low-power hardware support for the new H.265 Ultra HD (4K2K) video record & playback, in addition to Ultra HD video playback support for H.264 & VP9 
• Supports 24-bit 192 kHz Hi-Fi quality audio codec with high performance digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) to head phone >110dB SNR 
• 20MP camera capability and a high-definition WQXGA (2560 x 1600) display controller
• MediaTek ClearMotion™ technology eliminates motion jitter and ensures smooth video playback at 60fps on mobile devices
• MediaTek MiraVision™ technology for DTV-grade picture quality
 
First MediaTek Mobile Platform Supporting 802.11ac
• Comprehensive complementary connectivity solution that supports 802.11ac 
• Multi-GNSS positioning systems including GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo and QZSS 
• Bluetooth LE and ANT+ for ultra-low power connectivity with fitness tracking devices

END

Yesterday, Broadcom made the following announcement about its new (PowerVR-based) LTE solutions:

Broadcom Corporation (NASDAQ: BRCM), a global innovation leader in semiconductor solutions for wired and wireless communications, today introduced a turnkey reference platform designed to help OEMs rapidly develop a portfolio of affordable 4G LTE mobile devices. This new platform is targeted at the rapidly growing sub $300 LTE smartphone market.  For more news, visit Broadcom's Newsroom.   
Broadcom's fifth generation turnkey platform supports Android KitKat and utilizes the company's pin-to-pin compatible dual-core M320 or upcoming quad-core M340 LTE SoC and best-in-class connectivity and location technology. With complete design reuse between dual-core and quad-core basebands, OEMs can develop multiple devices with the same platform design while lowering engineering costs and accelerating time to market. Certification by leading carriers worldwide and Category 4 (Cat 4) speeds in FDD-LTE and TD-LTE modes enable OEMs to deliver high-performance smartphones with seamless worldwide roaming capabilities.
LTE delivers a significantly enhanced browsing and streaming experience. In fact, LTE users consume 1.5GB of data per month on average - almost twice the average amount consumed by non-LTE users[1]. By offering a turnkey LTE design with 5G Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, location and near field communication (NFC) technologies, Broadcom is enabling consumers around the world to experience faster browsing, shorter download times and more reliable video streaming at unprecedented price points.
"We project that the LTE baseband market will register about 64 percent year-on-year growth in 2014 to reach over 500 million units," said Sravan Kundojjala, Senior Analyst, Handset Component Technologies service at Strategy Analytics. "Broadcom is one of the only players with a mature carrier-ready multimode LTE SoC, the engineering expertise and the worldwide scale required to deploy complete LTE platforms.  The new Broadcom turnkey design will help accelerate the adoption of LTE worldwide and make high-performance, yet affordable devices available to the broader market."
"Broadcom's turnkey team achieved a design with a very low cost bill of material (RBOM) to enable handset companies to quickly and efficiently take Broadcom's LTE solutions to market," said Robert Rango, Executive Vice President andGeneral Manager, Mobile and Wireless Group. "In addition, this turnkey design is flexible and allows OEMs to build a wide range of LTE handsets."
Additional Product Features
  • Cat 4 150 Mbps LTE speeds in FDD-LTE and TD-LTE modes and up to 42 Mbps with DC-HSPA+ 3G as well as GSM/EDGE
  • BCM2095 LTE RF transceiver enables FDD and TD LTE/3G/2G band support for worldwide roaming
  • VoLTE and HD voice support
  • HD display, imaging and graphics for an immersive consumer experience
  • Pre-integrated with the Android KitKat operating system
  • Reduces LTE modem power consumption by up to 30 percent for extended hours of use
  • Broadcom's best-in-class connectivity - 5G WiFi, Bluetooth Smart, NFC and location technologies
AvailabilityBroadcom's M320 LTE SoC is in production now.
Broadcom will showcase its mobile innovations for Category 4 and Category 6 at the upcoming Mobile World Congressshow in Barcelona, February 24-27.

Thursday, 6 February 2014

Imagination extends agreement with Apple

As stated in my previous post, the relationship with Apple is strong as ever, here is the proof:


Imagination Technologies Group plc (LSE: IMG, "Imagination") announces that Apple has extended its multi-year, multi-use license agreement, which gives Apple access to Imagination's wide range of current and future PowerVR graphics and video IP cores.
Under the terms of the above licensing arrangement, Imagination will receive on-going license fees, and royalty revenues on shipment of SoCs (Systems on Chip) incorporating Imagination's IP.

END

Tuesday, 28 January 2014

Apple Q1

Apple reported Q1 last night, with records for iPhone and iPad shipments, but slowing iPods as expected.

Nice graphic here:
http://www.zdnet.com/apple-q1-2014-hardware-sales-by-the-numbers-7000025646/

Transcript of CC:
http://seekingalpha.com/article/1971291-apples-ceo-discusses-f1q-2014-results-earnings-call-transcript

For IMG it means approx. 80m royalty volume courtesy of Apple (the highest ever), which should help the reduced H2 target of 300-350m shipments.


Lately, there has been speculation about Apple's GPU plans (eg.Ashraf Eassa over at Seeking alpha is certain IMG will lose the GPU slot). For me the hiring could indicate , at worst, Apple wishing to design their own GPU but using the PowerVR architecture (as currently happens with their A-series CPU using ARM architecture). Financially, that may be no bad thing for IMG. I understand the relationship with Apple is strong as ever.

Friday, 3 January 2014

CES 2014

IMG-related CES news (OEM products, SoCs etc) will be updated here.

http://www.imgtec.com/News/Release/eventsdetail.asp?EventID=105

Mediatek pre-CES release

Allwinner pre-CES release:

A31&A31s have been well received and recognized by top tier brands worldwide including HP, MSI, Pegatron, Foxconn, Kurio since its official announcement, making it the most shipped quad core tablet processor worldwide in 2013.

http://www.imgtec.com/News/Release/index.asp?NewsID=824

INTERNATIONAL CES, LAS VEGAS, Nev. – 6 January, 2014 – Imagination Technologies (IMG.L) announces a compelling line-up of demonstrations highlighting its broad portfolio of semiconductor design IP during this week’s International CES in Las Vegas. 

http://www.imgtec.com/News/Release/index.asp?NewsID=822


INTERNATIONAL CES, LAS VEGAS, Nev. – 6 January, 2014 – Imagination Technologies (IMG.L) announces a new line-up of PowerVR Series6XE Rogue graphics processing (GPU) IP cores targeting cost-sensitive, mass-market applications. The new Series6XE family, including the world’s smallest fully-featured OpenGL ES 3.0 and OpenCL-capable GPU core, are designed to enable high-quality graphics and efficient GPU compute performance for products such as entry-level mobile devices and tablets, as well as wearables and other consumer products including DTVs and set-top boxes, in which silicon area and memory bandwidth are limited, but advanced graphics performance is still desired. 

http://www.imgtec.com/News/Release/index.asp?NewsID=821

Imagination’s new generation PowerVR Series6XT architecture delivers up to 50% higher performance and advanced power management - 

INTERNATIONAL CES, LAS VEGAS, Nev. – 6 January, 2014 – Imagination Technologies (IMG.L) unveils the next generation of its highly successful PowerVR Rogue graphics processing (GPU) architecture that drives performance to new levels while reducing power consumption even further through advanced PowerGearing mechanisms. The new PowerVR Series6XT Rogue architecture builds on the groundbreaking Series6 architecture that consumes the lowest memory bandwidth in the industry while delivering the best performance per mm2 and per mW. - 


Says Tony King-Smith, EVP marketing, Imagination: “With PowerVR Series6XT we are making the Rogue architecture even more efficient by adding new features and delivering new levels of GPU performance. As we continue to increase the speed of innovation for our market-leading GPU offerings, we’re continuing to pull away from the competition and our customers are benefiting from having access to the latest technologies.”
Says Jon Peddie, president, Jon Peddie Research: “Imagination, which our research shows is already the volume leader in mobile GPU, is expanding on its Rogue graphics family with the new high performance Series6XT architecture featuring innovative power management and compression technologies. The promised performance and scalability of Series6XT are what’s needed for the next generation of mobile and embedded devices, as consumers want an ever increasing level of graphics experience across all of their devices.”


http://www.imgtec.com/News/Release/index.asp?NewsID=825

London, UK – 7 January, 2014 – Imagination Technologies (IMG.L) announces that its Ensigma radio communications processing (RPU) IP is integrated in the Qualcomm Snapdragon 802 Ultra HD processor designed for smart TVs, set-top-boxes and digital media adapters from Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. a wholly-owned subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ: QCOM). The Ensigma RPU from Imagination Technologies performs global broadcast TV demodulation functions in the Qualcomm Snapdragon 802 processor that integrates Qualcomm Technologies’ own in-house designed Adreno™ GPU, CPU, video core, Bluetooth and WiFi technologies.

OMAP 5/Jacinto 6 news:



New Mediatek MT6589T based products

New Allwinner A80 octo-core SoC with PowerVR:
http://www.cnx-software.com/2014/01/10/a80-optimusboard-features-allwinner-octa-core-big-little-soc/


So, in terms of octo-cores we now have:

Mediatek MT8135 confirmed
Allwinner A80 confirmed
LG Odin (rumoured,)
Samsung Exynos 5410

IMG released a CES news summary:


Hot trends at CES 2014 reflect Imagination's technology vision
PowerVR, MIPS and Ensigma processors at the heart of the latest products from wearables to 4K TVs
London, UK - 16 January, 2014 -Imagination Technologies (IMG.L) reports significant deployment of its technologies in many products demonstrated at International CES 2014. Imagination's technologies were at the heart of a broad range of products from IoT (internet of things) and wearables to the latest mobile phones and tablets to UltraHD 4K TV, automotive and more.
Imagination's SoC partners were powering many of the latest products driving the future consumer experience, leveraging the broadening portfolio of Imagination's SoC IP that enables ever more innovations in consumer electronics:
-- PowerVR multimedia IP including graphics processors (GPUs) and video/vision processors (VPUs) for smooth UI, rich graphics and high-quality video and imaging
-- MIPS CPUs which enable ultra-low power wearables and IoT devices, advanced networking, smart media players and more
-- Ensigma radio communications processors (RPUs) which provide a wide range of connectivity (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) and broadcast (TV, radio) capabilities
-- FlowCloud IP for enabling device-to-device and device-to-cloud applications, including solutions for audio and V.VoIP/VoLTE
   --      Caskeid low latency wireless multiroom audio platform 
Wearables and IoT
It was clear at CES that the wearable and IoT revolution has begun, and Imagination's technologies will be at its heart. Products at CES included smartwatches that leverage the MIPS architecture including those from Yifang, Tomoon, SmartQ, Geak and more - all now shipping in China. Other products included smart glasses with the PowerVR graphics advantage. In addition to the well-known Google Glass, this included the Lumus DK-40, Vuzix M100, Epson Moverio BT-200 AR, XOne Safety glasses, Recon Instruments Snow2 ski goggles and more.
Imagination showed off Microchip Technology's 32-bit PIC32MZ MCUs, which feature class-leading performance and code density with MIPS microAptiv - ideal for wearables and IoT.
CES also saw wearables-focused startups including Ineda, a company bringing together various Imagination IP cores in its ultra-low power Wearable Processor Unit (WPU) SoCs. Ineda demonstrated not only the exceptional low power consumption of MIPS which is enabling them to deliver a ground-breaking device, but also record bring-up time for their first-ever SoC, showing Imagination is the IP partner of choice for the highest quality IP that enables the shortest time-to-market.
Mobile phones and tablets
CES featured numerous phones and tablets that feature PowerVR graphics and video technologies, including the Acer Iconia A1-830 and Transformer Book T100; ASUS ZenFone 4, 5 and 6; ASUS PadFone mini and Padfone X 2014; Commander3D tablet; HaierPad H6000 Full HD Phablet; Hampoo 3D tablet; Kogan Agora HD Mini 3G; Lenovo ThinkPad 8; Meizu MX3 smartphone; Pipo tablets and many more.
PowerVR graphics were also featured in many of the latest mobile application processor SoCs, including Broadcom's M320 reference devices and MediaTek's MT8135 development platform, Allwinner Technologies' new A80 SoC and OptimusBoard, and 4G tablets powered by Allwinner A31/A31s processors.
MIPS CPUs were on display in the new Kurio 7x 4G LTE tablet for Verizon, which features the Sequans VZ20Q EZLinkLTE module, and also inside Verizon's first directly-branded tablet, the LTE-enabled Ellipsis 7, which features Altair Semiconductor's FourGee chipset.
UltraHD TVs everywhere
Imagination demonstrated a range of technologies for UltraHD 4K TV, including HEVC (H.265) decode, a key technology for 4K TV GPUs. Numerous TVs using PowerVR graphics were on display, including LG WebOS based TVs, TVs powered by Realtek's 4K-capable RTD2995 SoC, and Roku TVs from TCL that also leverage a MIPS CPU.
In addition, Qualcomm unveiled its Snapdragon(TM) 802 processor for Ultra HD smart TVs, smart set-top boxes, and smart digital media adapters, featuring Imagination's Ensigma IP for global broadcast TV demodulation.*
The multiroom audio experience
Imagination's technologies including Ensigma RPUs and Caskeid audio synchronization technology were on display in new connected speakers and radios from Imagination's Pure division. Pure was named an International CES Innovations 2014 Design and Engineering Awards Honoree for its Jongo T6 wireless multiroom speaker, reflecting the rapidly growing reputation for wireless audio leadership of the Pure Jongo family and the Caskeid technology.
Connected automotive products
Imagination's solutions are ideal for automotive applications from advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and displays to automotive infotainment products. At CES, TI showed off automotive reference designs based on its 'Jacinto 6' automotive OMAP(TM) processor that uses a PowerVR GPU, with endorsements from companies including HARMAN and Panasonic Automotive Systems Company. Mobileye also showed off its latest MIPS-based ADAS technology, and announced integration of its collision avoidance system with Accel's VOYAGER connected car smartphone.
Powering the connected world of tomorrow
Imagination's MIPS CPUs are used widely in networking solutions that power the connected world of tomorrow. At CES, Qualcomm Atheros showed a range of MIPS-based connectivity products from leading manufacturers. Also on display were Lantiq's MIPS-based home connectivity solutions, and Cavium's cloud to home solutions based on its MIPS-based 64-bit OCTEON and OCTEON Fusion SoCs.
A number of other products from major brands containing Imagination's technologies were shown throughout CES.
Says Tony King-Smith, EVP marketing at Imagination: "We were delighted with the record number of strategic partners, customers and analysts who visited our suite at CES. The show confirmed that the electronics industry is shifting to a new phase, and Imagination is ready. We've talked about trends such as wearables, IoT and UltraHD for years now, and we have invested heavily to develop an IP portfolio that enables these products to get to market at every possible price and performance point. We're excited about what our SoC, OEM and applications partners will bring to market throughout 2014 and beyond, leveraging our industry-leading technologies to drive the next wave of electronics innovation."
Imagination's next major event will be Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2014, where further product announcements will be made around SoCs and end products using Imagination's IP. To arrange a meeting with Imagination at MWC, contact mwc@imgtec.com.







Wednesday, 11 December 2013

Imagination H1 2013/14

IMG reported weak figures today, with lower than expected numbers across pretty much all the parameters. Royalty volume in particular was disappointing at only 280m (ex-MIPS) whilst licensing remained weak at £14.4m. Guidance for royalty volume is pegged back to 580-630m and licensing guidance is re-iterated at £38-43m (ambitious to say the least). Looks like this FY is a write-off, hopefully IMG can recover in 2014/15.

Interestingly, IMG's reliance on Apple declined in percentage terms: 36% of technology revenue compared to 45% in FY 2012/13 - though with large iPhone 5s volumes to come etc. it may be higher in H2.


Full statement:
http://www.imgtec.com/corporate/presentations/Interim13/Half_Year_Results_Statement_11Dec2013.pdf

Audio of Conference Call:
http://imgtec.com/corporate/investor_audio/

Slides:
http://imgtec.com/corporate/presentations/interim13/Imagination-Half-Year-Results-December-2013-presentation.pdf  (the most important slide, in HY's own words, with the number of SoCs in development/commited/shipping has been omitted for some reason)

Summary:


Continuing momentum in royalty growth, improving licensing environment and build-up of a comprehensive IP range
Imagination Technologies Group plc (LSE: IMG, "Imagination", "the Group"), a leading multimedia, communications and processor technology company, today announces results for the six months to 31 October 2013.

Financial highlights

  • Group half-year revenues up 19% to £85.2m (2012: £71.4m)
    • Good performance in Technology Business with revenues increased 24% to £70.8m (2012: £57.3m)
      • Royalty revenues up 44% to £56.2m (2012: £39.1m)
      • Licensing revenues of £14.4m (H1 2013: £17.8m, H2 2013: £11.3m)
    • Pure revenues improved to £14.4m (2012: £14.1m)
  • Adjusted pre-tax profit* of £13.2m (2012: £16.8m)
  • Reported pre-tax profit of £2.2m (2012: £10.5m)
  • Adjusted earnings per share* 3.8p (2012: 4.7p)
  • Reported (loss) / earnings per share (0.4)p (2012: 3.0p)
  • Cash balance of £11.6m after paying MIPS tax liability in June (30 April 2013: £76.6m)
* Adjusted results exclude non-recurring items, non-cash based share incentive charges and amortisation of intangible assets acquired from acquisitions. The reconciliation from reported results to adjusted results is set out in note 6.

Business highlights

Technology business

Volume shipment & royalties
  • Total partner chips shipped of 640m. Non-MIPS shipments up 18% to 280m units (2012: 237m)
  • Significant volume shipments in all mobile segments (performance, mainstream and entry smartphones), tablet/personal computing, networking & enterprise, industrial , TV/STB & automotive
    • Smartphone market continues to grow strongly albeit with lower growth rates
    • Average royalty rate reduced less than expected due to mix with overall revenue effect positive  
  • PowerVR Series6 graphics now shipping in volume across all key segments including mobile, TV and automotive
  • Growing MIPS volume in developing 32-bit microcontroller and Internet of Things (IoT) markets, with MIPS 64-bit architecture well established in multiple markets
  • Strong video processing IP unit shipments
Licensing & design wins
  • Activity levels increased across all IP families
    • 43 licenses including 18 for PowerVR GPU, 14 for MIPS CPU, eight for PowerVR VPU (including one for new Raptor camera vision IP) and three for Ensigma RPU
    • Customer base continues to increase with several new partners in new areas added including Broadcom, GUC, Pluschip and Toshiba
    • Many new and extended agreements with existing partners including Actions, Allwinner, Freescale, Ineda, LG, MediaTek, MicroChip, MobileEye and STMicroelectronics
    • A number of on-going long-term subscription licenses with certain key partners
    • Over 20 MIPS license deals signed since acquisition (completed on 7 February 2013)
  • Increase in number of customers signing licenses for IP from multiple families
  • Half-year licensing activity has resulted in over 30 new SoC design-wins which will contribute to future royalties
  • Continued active and growing pipeline of prospects across all IP families

Pure business

  • Continues to drive key markets
    • Launch of Jongo wireless speaker products in key UK and US markets
    • Continued refresh of DAB product line-up
  • Strategic interest from key players in our wireless and multi-room speaker technologies
Hossein Yassaie, Chief Executive, commented:
"Our strategy to develop and exploit three main areas of IP – multimedia, processors and communications - has continued to make good progress.
"In a more established graphics and video market, our strong existing and important new partnerships coupled with our very strong offerings will help us to take advantage of the future growth potential in all the key segments and maintain our leading position.
"Our plans and roadmap for MIPS are receiving good initial traction from existing and potential new partners. All the indications are that the alternative that MIPS processors offer is respected and welcome, both for the technological benefits and the much needed industry balance they can help to bring about.
"There is a growing excitement around Ensigma communications technology and how this is a key enabler of the Internet of Things and the next revolution in home connectivity. Our MIPS processor and Ensigma connectivity cores in conjunction with our FlowCloud technology offer a very strong solution – centric platform for these emerging opportunities.
"There will continue to be fluctuations and changes in the markets in which we operate, but we are confident that our strong and comprehensive IP families, and the solution-centric platforms they are enabling, will allow us to take advantage of the numerous growth opportunities ahead."