Mobile processor features a triple-cluster architecture

Currently, many high-end smartphones use dual-cluster architectures, which limit the extent of the lowest power at one end and the computing granularity across the different configurations. MediaTek’s Tri-Cluster CPU architecture provides three processor clusters, each designed to more efficiently handle different types of workloads. The CPU consists of one cluster of two ARM Cortex-A72 cores and two clusters of four ARM Cortex-A53 cores, which together provide a more efficient allocation of tasks for optimum performance and extended battery life.

The Tri-Cluster CPU architecture is enabled by the company’s CorePilot 3.0 heterogeneous computing scheduling algorithm. The algorithm schedules the tasks for all CPUs and GPUs on the SoC while managing power and thermal effects, allowing the CPU to consistently provide the high performance without generating too much heat. Compared with conventional dual cluster architectures, the Tri-Cluster architecture consumes 30% less power. This energy efficiency is further enhanced by ARM’s Mali-T880 GPU, which provides a 40% increase in energy efficiency over the previous generation.

The Helio X20 will sample in Q3 2015 and is expected to be available in early 2016.