Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear

2020: Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100+ и 4100

On July 2, 2020 the Qualcomm Technologies company submitted the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100+ and Snapdragon Wear 4100 platforms developed based on hybrid architecture of Qualcomm for application in the connected smartwatch of the next generation.

Qualcomm Technologies submitted the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100+ and Snapdragon Wear 4100 platforms

According to the developer, the Snapdragon Wear 4100+ platform in which the hybrid approach is used includes a single-crystal system (System-on-Chip, SoC) and constantly connected (Always On, AON) the coprocessor with enhanced capabilities. In comparison with previous, this platform executed on 12-nanometer technology process is improved in terms of power.

In recent years the industry of wearable devices steadily grew, and, according to forecasts of IDC, will develop further the accelerated rates. Development of the industry is followed by strong segmentation with selection of target audiences (children, adult, elderly) and the directions (sport, health, communication, a fashion).

"We see stable growth in the market of wearable devices, and we consider that this trend will proceed: the industry market by 2023 will exceed $30 billion. The fact that consumers treat the health and health more and more attentively will promote the accelerated growth, since the second half of 2020", 'Leo Gebbie, the senior analyst of department of wearable devices and expanded reality of CCS Insight company noted'

Diversification of wearable devices requires flexible architecture which is capable to diversify the user experience and to provide long operating time of batteries. The hybrid architecture in which the single-crystal system of the A class and the coprocessor of the M class are combined meets these requirements.

According to the statement of the developer, are a part of the Snapdragon Wear 4100+ platform:

• a single-crystal system with the upgraded subsystems (the central and graphic processors, memory, the modem of cellular communication, the camera) executed on 12-nanometer technology providing the lowered energy consumption, and two selected digital signal processors — one for support of the modem and localization, the second — for work with sensors and audio;
• constantly connected low-power coprocessor for the calculations connected with support of the display, sensors, cards and functions of time;
• the permanent program interface providing interaction of SOC and the coprocessor.

The purpose of development of architecture of Snapdragon Wear 4100+ — to improve parameters of performance, communication, intellectual functionality and energy consumption in comparison with the previous platforms, having increased thus quality of the user experience. Main opportunities of platforms mentioned by the developer:

• fast performance and communication. Are a part of SoC: 4 cores of A53, the graphic processor Qualcomm Adreno 504, memory with the increased high-speed performance of LPDDR3 (750 MHz) and also two processors of image processing supporting cameras with the resolution up to 16 megapixels. In comparison with the Snapdragon Wear 3100 platform the architecture of Snapdragon Wear 4100+ provides to 85% a gain of performance and the improved ergonomics thanks to quicker start of applications, side-by-side execution of tasks, more smoothed and sensitive interface and also opportunities of photo and video filming;
• modem 4G LTE executed on technology of 12 nanometers is upgraded in comparison with the previous platforms at the expense of the selected DSP processor, such functions of energy saving as eDRX, power managements at the level of the platform, support of categories Cat 4/3/1 and one or two antennas;
• the connected coprocessor intelligent always. The upgraded AON coprocessor assumes more calculations. Having separated functions of memory and performance, increased number of flowers from 16 to 64K and expanded a circle of the functions executed by the coprocessor, having included in them permanent monitoring of ChSS and a dream, acceleration of awakening when raising a hand (tilt-to-wake), the counter of steps, warnings, timers and tactile functions, having made the traditional mode of hours more functional;
• ultralow-power platform. Optimization of energy consumption includes 12-nanometer technology process (12nm low power), two digital signal processors for optimal load sharing, support of dynamic change of clock rate and supply voltage of the processor, Qualcomm Sensor Assisted Positioning PDR Wearables 2.0 technology, support of low-power tracking of location and the upgraded architecture of Bluetooth 5.0. Such changes allowed more than to reduce power consumption in the main modes by 25% and to increase employment duration from batteries in comparison with the previous platforms;
• it is more than opportunities, interaction quality improvement. The hybrid architecture of the platform allowed to improve the user experience in the interactive, and sports modes and also in the mode of the smart display (ambient mode) and hours. In the mode of the smart display the platform supports additional immersive functions using the camera, the voice assistant and also voice and video of messages. In the information mode expansion of a color gamma with 16 to 64K of flowers and increase in intersign intervals made the display more readable and allowed to diversify a design design. The loaded cards facilitate actions of users in the sports mode. In the traditional mode of hours pulse, number of steps, warnings, reminders and the battery monitor with the minimum influence on service life of the last are displayed.

The Snapdragon Wear 4100 platforms are implemented in two options:

• Snapdragon Wear 4100+ in structure: the main SoC SDM429w or SDA429w chip, the QCC1110 coprocessor, additional chips, including PMIC, the RF-block for the modem and GPS, WiFi/BT and RFFE;
• Snapdragon Wear 4100 in structure: main SoC chip and additional chips.

The Snapdragon Wear 4100 platforms support as Android Open Source the Platform (AOSP) platform, and Google Wear OS. As of July, 2020 the Snapdragon Wear 4100+ and Snapdragon Wear 4100 platforms are already delivered.^[1]

Notes