10.3 heterogeneous multi-processing quad-core CPU and dual-GPU design for optimal performance, power, and thermal tradeoffs in a 28nm mobile application processor

Abstract

Driven by consumer demand, mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets are offering more desktop-like capabilities. High-performance CPUs and GPUs, which handle compute-intensive tasks, are key to enhancing the user experience in applications such as 3D gaming, high-definition video and internet browsing. A CPU and GPU on a tablet device, however, can together consume up to 90% of the total SoC power. As the number of CPU and GPU cores on mobile devices continues to grow, it will require innovation to keep within fixed power and thermal budgets, while providing high performance.