Broadcom has launched a 64bit quad core processor for high end routers at CES. According to the company, the BCM4908 – which will be made on a 28nm process – enables OEMs and service providers to deliver the extra CPU power needed for smart home and IoT applications, whilst enabling higher Internet speeds.
The BCM4908, which includes a 1.8GHz 64bit quad-core ARM CPU,uses Broadcom’s Runner network packet processor to deliver a throughput of more than 5Gbit/s. Increased domestic data rates are supported via an interface for a 2.5Gbit Ethernet PHY.
“With this new SoC, Broadcom is driving home network connectivity to the next level,” said Manny Patel, Broadcom’s director of marketing, wireless connectivity. “By increasing the CPU performance and adding advanced features, we are enabling OEMs to build more powerful home routers that address the increased bandwidth requirements needed to support the continued consumption of high-bandwidth content, growing demand for UltraHD as well as the growing emergence of more IoT and smart home applications.”
As part of the design, Broadcom claims the device has ‘zero CPU Wi-Fi’ offload, an approach which frees the CPU to handle other tasks. The part has a dedicated security processor for VPN acceleration in hardware and a range of connectivity options.
Author
Graham Pitcher
Source: www.newelectronics.co.uk