Following on from today’s unveiling of their new NVIDIA Tegra 4 processor for smartphones and tablets, and their new NVIDIA Tegra 4 Powered Project Shield portable gaming console, NVIDIA has also announced the arrival of their new NVIDIA Tegra 4 i500 Soft Modem, which is capable of pushing 1.2 trillion operations per second.
Innovative Design and Capabilities
The new NVIDIA i500 Soft Modem has been developed using their purchase of Icera and leverages the company’s new Tegra 4 processor. One of the standout features of this modem is its reprogrammable nature, allowing it to work with a variety of different networks through software updates. This flexibility is a significant advancement over traditional hardware-based modems, which often require physical changes to support new network standards.
The Tegra 4 modem chip is remarkably efficient, being 40 percent the size of a conventional baseband chip. This reduction in size does not come at the expense of performance. In fact, NVIDIA claims that the i500 modem can handle 1.2 trillion operations per second, making it one of the most powerful modems available. This level of performance is crucial for supporting the high-speed data requirements of modern smartphones and tablets, especially as 4G and 5G networks become more prevalent.
Advantages of Software Intelligence
NVIDIA’s CEO, Jen-Hsun Huang, has highlighted the structural advantages of the i500’s software intelligence over the “leading 4G modem.” Traditional modems rely heavily on hardware to manage network protocols and data processing. In contrast, the i500 uses software to handle these tasks, which allows for greater flexibility and faster updates. For example, if a new network standard is introduced, the i500 can be updated via software rather than requiring a new hardware component. This capability not only extends the lifespan of devices using the i500 but also ensures they remain compatible with future network advancements.
Moreover, the i500’s software-driven approach allows for more efficient use of resources. By dynamically allocating processing power where it’s needed most, the modem can maintain high performance while consuming less energy. This efficiency is particularly beneficial for mobile devices, where battery life is a critical concern.
Unfortunately, no information on pricing or worldwide availability has been released as yet, but as soon as information comes to light, we will keep you updated as always.
Potential Impact on the Market
The introduction of the NVIDIA Tegra 4 i500 Soft Modem could have a significant impact on the mobile device market. Its small size and high performance make it an attractive option for smartphone and tablet manufacturers looking to offer cutting-edge connectivity features without compromising on design or battery life. Additionally, the reprogrammable nature of the modem means that devices equipped with the i500 can stay relevant longer, reducing the need for frequent hardware upgrades.
For consumers, this means faster, more reliable internet connections on their mobile devices, even as network standards evolve. The ability to update the modem via software also means that users can benefit from the latest advancements in network technology without having to purchase a new device.
In conclusion, NVIDIA’s new Tegra 4 i500 Soft Modem represents a significant step forward in mobile connectivity technology. Its combination of high performance, small size, and software-driven flexibility makes it a compelling choice for the next generation of smartphones and tablets. As we await further details on pricing and availability, it’s clear that the i500 has the potential to set a new standard for mobile modems.
Source: Engadget
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